Your opinions on rescues.

Hi, I recently had a chat with someone who runs a rescue and would like your opinions please.

Firstly I was told we shouldn't consider a staffy as my wife and I have no experience of the breed even though I have had Dobermans,Boxers & weimaraner.

Secondly we live in a small village and the persons opinion was that the locals would not like one in the area even though you hardly ever see dogs and when you do they are on leads.

Thirdly this person can only walk theirs and they have had 30 years of experience in the early morning and late at night as to avoid other dogs as staffies are bread to fight and at some point they will attack other dogs and you can't get that out of them.

Fourthly we work shortish hours and I was told they cannot be left alone as they will become destructive.

I was also told to avoid general rescues as these people don't know the breed.

I want honest opinions, after that conversation I was left thinking I can understand why its so difficult to get people to rehome staffies and it felt like I was talking to someone who is against the breed to the point it was like you would read in the papers.

I had a friend who had a staffy and it was one of the best dogs I've met.

1. I've never had a Staff before, had two Boxers and a mongrel. And I'd like to think we're doing well. Certain dogs require different kind of training or you have to be aware of their traits, but I don't see what's wrong with owning a Staff when you've not had one before.

2. If people always obeyed what the people in the area wanted, then I'm sure many people would be miserable.

3. No way. Yeah, they were bred for fighting, but you'll see many members on here with more than one Staff, or Staffs who will play with other dogs without any hint of aggression. Any dog can become aggressive, but not all Staffs are.

4. Lots of people on here work long hours and their dogs are fine. To stop them being destructive, they have to have long walks and something to occupy them so they don't get bored. Same with any dog, and especially with any high-energy dog.

Hi Tara, thank you for replying, it just felt that no one should have a staffy unless your fortunate enough not to have work financially and lived on a island with no other people or animals. A really poor picture of the breed was given.

I have read lots on here and other forums and couldn't actually believe what I was hearing.

load of rubbish my staff is my first dog.

we rescued chance and told the centre we both work full time

I'd go to a different centre they aren't all the same

Hello There are some really, really awful rescue centres out there, and in the dog world people tend to be very opinionated and feel that their opinion is the only one!! There around thousands and thousands of staffies in rescue all over the UK I would strongly urge you to go and visit another one. I work at a rescue centre myself, and by your description of your lifestyle I would say that you're the sound like an ideal home!!

I adopted my first dog from the centre that I work at, a staffordshire bull terrier with a LOT of behavioural problems. I don't think never owning a staffy before should stop them from letting you rescue as everyone's got to have their first staffy at some point!! They're a breed all of their own, but you're clearly not a novice owner, you've owned strong, large dog's in the past and staffs come in all shapes, sizes and temperaments! I'm sure you'll find one suited to you, and hopefully a more helpful rescue! Good luck!

We approached a rescue and Dexter was the first dog suggested to us and we have never had a staff before. The first lady who got in touch with us does a lot of work with staffs and knew her stuff, she was full of positive praise for the breed which matched my views on them anyway, I had no reservations at all. Admittedly they are so people orientated that they can be unkeen on solo time, but then any dog can feel like this, (as do we when alone too long I guess) I don't know why they felt the need to make that into a negative, Tara is right in that it can be fine to leave your dog a while provided they feel happy to amuse themselves for a few hours. As for other dogs, Dex can be added to the growing list on here of dog friendly staffies, he loves everything and everybody he meets. This breed stereotyping really gets my goat. So unfair. I agree, try other rescues see what they say

Rescues have a very strict set of rules and yes i sometimes think they need to bend them, but to tell you all that is just rubbish! Staffs are head strong, but no more so than other large breeds like the ones you have already had.

Thank you all for replying, you all confirm what my feelings/thoughts are.

Rocky is from a rescue centre.

I had a dog when I was a kid so she was the family pet, Neither me nor my hubby had ever had a Staffy before.
The rescue centre Rocky came from did a thorough home check before they agreed to release him to us.
They also did a follow up check about a week later to make sure all was going well.
Rocky is a Staffy cross and the most placid, gentle dog I have ever known.

We also took Rocky back for an assessment to the rescue centre about 6 weeks after we got him because we were unsure about a couple of things to do with his behaviour. The assessment was carried out with us present and they also sent a brilliant letter to me too with some hints and tips. I could not fault this rescue centre it is Woodgreen.

Heysham wrote:Hi, I recently had a chat with someone who runs a rescue and would like your opinions please.

Firstly I was told we shouldn't consider a staffy as my wife and I have no experience of the breed even though I have had Dobermans,Boxers & weimaraner.

Secondly we live in a small village and the persons opinion was that the locals would not like one in the area even though you hardly ever see dogs and when you do they are on leads.

Thirdly this person can only walk theirs and they have had 30 years of experience in the early morning and late at night as to avoid other dogs as staffies are bread to fight and at some point they will attack other dogs and you can't get that out of them.

Fourthly we work shortish hours and I was told they cannot be left alone as they will become destructive.

I was also told to avoid general rescues as these people don't know the breed.

I want honest opinions, after that conversation I was left thinking I can understand why its so difficult to get people to rehome staffies and it felt like I was talking to someone who is against the breed to the point it was like you would read in the papers.

I had a friend who had a staffy and it was one of the best dogs I've met.

Just out of curiosity was this "person" from a town beginning with B

Hi Kathy, I mentioned a cross as we have seen one locally in a rescue and this person said we should avoid crosses at all costs as you can't tell their temperament and at least with a pedigree you know what their like, which I feel is total nonsense, you get good and bad in all walks of life and everyone deserves a chance.

Hi Dave, possibly but not 100% sure.

Oh, good grief - and they wonder why the staff's reputation is suffering!

Heysham wrote:
Firstly I was told we shouldn't consider a staffy as my wife and I have no experience of the breed even though I have had Dobermans,Boxers & weimaraner.

Actually I was told something similar before I got my old boy Bandit. It's rubbish. As long as you're prepared to put some effort into socialisation, training & exercise I don't see why not! After all, you don't have experience of any breed until you have one!

Heysham wrote:Secondly we live in a small village and the persons opinion was that the locals would not like one in the area even though you hardly ever see dogs and when you do they are on leads.

Why on earth wouldn't the locals like a well behaved, friendly staff? I'm sure once you've introduced the staff to the locals, they'll all love him/her!

Heysham wrote:Thirdly this person can only walk theirs and they have had 30 years of experience in the early morning and late at night as to avoid other dogs as staffies are bread to fight and at some point they will attack other dogs and you can't get that out of them.

I'm not going to lie to you - some staffords still have a little of the fighting instinct & may not like other dogs. Some. By no means all! My old boy was actually very dog aggressive, but we walked him at any time of the day, we just made sure that he was under control & not off lead near other dogs. My present dog (EBT) isn't overly keen on other dogs & he gets walked morning, afternoon & evening. What you have to understand is that although they were originally bred to fight, they're not now. Most are very friendly & get on well with other dogs.

Heysham wrote: Fourthly we work shortish hours and I was told they cannot be left alone as they will become destructive.

They are no more destructive than any other breed. If they're left on their own for long periods of time (I mean longer than 3 or 4 hours at a go), without anything to entertain them then yes, they may become bored & destructive - but so would any other breed. Give them some tough toys, maybe a stag bar or a kong filled with peanut butter & they'll be kept busy. Most dogs, whatever the breed, will sleep for short periods when left alone.

Heysham wrote:I was also told to avoid general rescues as these people don't know the breed.

Yes, the breed specific rescues are great & yes, they do know the breed better than some of the general rescue centres, but so what? They will still know a friendly dog when they see one, and will still be able to temperament test it. They will still be able to home check potential adopters & find the right home for the right dog. Most of the members here who have a rescue staff got theirs from a general rescue centre!

Basically, don't be put off by bigotted people who cannot/will not spend the time to understand the stafford - they are, in general, a great breed, full of love & fun.

We aren't put off. I rescued a Doby about 23 years ago that had been tied up in pub yard to protect its goods and he just laid in his rescue kennel growling at people, the staff said "you don't want him" and within minutes he was other licking through the cage. At the time my oldest daughter was 5 and we had a new born, he was honestly the best dog I have ever had, brilliant with my daughters, he was a real gentle giant who just needed a home and he gave so much in return.

There are some wonderful rescue kennels out there with some equally wonderful dogs looking for forever homes.....I'm sure you'll find the one that's meant to be with you!

Oooh I wish you were closer, I've got plenty in with me at the moment that you'd be perfect for!!

Where are you Rachel

Heysham wrote:Hi, I recently had a chat with someone who runs a rescue and would like your opinions please.

Firstly I was told we shouldn't consider a staffy as my wife and I have no experience of the breed even though I have had Dobermans,Boxers & weimaraner.

Secondly we live in a small village and the persons opinion was that the locals would not like one in the area even though you hardly ever see dogs and when you do they are on leads.

Thirdly this person can only walk theirs and they have had 30 years of experience in the early morning and late at night as to avoid other dogs as staffies are bread to fight and at some point they will attack other dogs and you can't get that out of them.

Fourthly we work shortish hours and I was told they cannot be left alone as they will become destructive.

I was also told to avoid general rescues as these people don't know the breed.

I want honest opinions, after that conversation I was left thinking I can understand why its so difficult to get people to rehome staffies and it felt like I was talking to someone who is against the breed to the point it was like you would read in the papers.

I had a friend who had a staffy and it was one of the best dogs I've met.

Hi,
Strange set of opinions in your post.
1) If you have no experience of staffies and shouldn't get one because of that lack of experience, how do you ever then get the experience? Chicken and egg. Fact: staffies are generally easy to look after.

2) I foster lots of different dogs - staffies to German Shepherds - for a rescue. The positive reactions to the staffies far outweigh the negative.

3) Any dog can be dog aggressive - it often happens out of fear, sometimes as a result of an attack on the dog by another when it was a youngster. I have looked after around a dozen staffies in my time - one was dog aggressive, the others weren't. You can't generalise the breed.

4) I work longish hours. None of my staffies have become destructive in the house. Nor have the lurchers, hounds or German Shepherds. Common sense tells you not to leave your dog with your five thousand pound sofa for the first week or two.

5) The rescue I foster for is a general rescue - lots of GSDs, labs, mastiffs, JRTs, rotties and staffies in the main. I'd say the staff there are very clued up on staffies. So are the fosterers - there's about 20 of us and many have a staffy in their pack.

I'm pretty surprised by the content of your post - I disagree with most of it.

Hi working dog, I was/am very surprised at what was said to me, I have never spoken to anyone like that before that has a rescue. If you don't mind me asking how long do you leave your dogs a day?

Generally eight hours but have, on occasions, when the car has broken down or the main road has been closed, been out of the house for 10 hours.

Never any mess, let alone destruction.

Ok, it's not ideal, but the dogs have been fine - I used to leave a video camera running to see what went on and it was generally a pattern of sleep, get up for a stretch and chew a Kong, then back for a sleep. With all of them.

If I'm home, it's the same pattern anyway.

I do walk them for 30 minutes before work and around an hour in the evening, plus play time, and sofa cuddles time, and sleep-on-me-in-the-bed time.

Forgetting the eight hours I'm out, I'm with them for the other 16 hours. Plus weekends and holidays.

Yes, there's a chance you'll get a dog which doesn't fit my idyllic picture but training and working around problems is an option to us humans and not so difficult to do.

PS - my mum's in her 70s and keeps staffs.

kathytake2 wrote:I could not fault this rescue centre it is Woodgreen.

My staffy boy Marley RIP came from Woodgreen.
Best dog who ever lived.

We have had Morgan for 9 days now. He's 4 yrs old and so far has been a pleasure. He's extremely submissive in the house but when he's out on his walk he is a different dog. Hopping around on constant dog/cat alert! When we met him he was with other dogs at the dogs home and was fine. He was assessed 4 times while he was there and each time was marked as dog friendly. However, we took him to the local park on Sunday and an old alsation ambled over to him. Yep, Morgan went for him. No warning growl at all.
Rescue dogs are a challenge but what you get back is worth 100 times the effort

Thanks for that Karen

We adopted a staffy last Saturday. Neither of us have had a dog before, and we are both working age (although I am currently unemployed). Maddie had a record of getting cross with dogs when she was in the shelter but is just tuggy and interested when on walks (usually!).
My parents (who have had setters, various sized terriers, a chihuahua, and a doberman) were refused a staffy at a shelter bursting with them as 'the grandchildren visit occasionally'. My parents are retired, with a huge garden, and vast amounts of experience with rehomed dogs with problems.
The experience rather put them off shelters, unfortunately.

Try somewhere else. You sound like excellent staffy-owner material

Thank you sar

Heysham wrote:Hi, I recently had a chat with someone who runs a rescue and would like your opinions please.

Firstly I was told we shouldn't consider a staffy as my wife and I have no experience of the breed even though I have had Dobermans,Boxers & weimaraner.

Secondly we live in a small village and the persons opinion was that the locals would not like one in the area even though you hardly ever see dogs and when you do they are on leads - Could have some substance due to the bad press Staffordshires get now, but a lot of it is dependant on where you live. Around my area it's the chav's and people that want to look tough that have them, but here on the forum it is so diverse in regards to the type of people that own them, from young to old, men and women.

But IMO, get whatever breed you want. As a responsible dog owner you should have no issues.

Thirdly this person can only walk theirs and they have had 30 years of experience in the early morning and late at night as to avoid other dogs as staffies are bread to fight and at some point they will attack other dogs and you can't get that out of them. - LOL. Well Troy (my dog) is 2 years old and has never show any aggression to any other dogs unless they are aggressive first or have tried to hump him.

Though it is true that 'some' not all can once mature turn dog aggressive. My own dog though stays with my brothers dog 5x a week and they play rough but never fight etc. He gets on with all dogs from Poodles to other Staffordshires too.

Fourthly we work shortish hours and I was told they cannot be left alone as they will become destructive - Any dog can be destructive, the only issue is when you have a powerful breed like a Staffordshire 'IF' they become destructive they can do a lot more damamge than other breeds.

Troy is left from 7-12, walked and then left again from like 12:30pm to 4pm when I get back from work and has NEVER chewed anything he shouldn't. On the other hand, my brothers labrador has ripped up my Mothers kitchen floor, wallets, money and countless shoes.

I was also told to avoid general rescues as these people don't know the breed. - Well in general when rescuing a dog you don't know it's history so it is something to keep im mind.

I want honest opinions, after that conversation I was left thinking I can understand why its so difficult to get people to rehome staffies and it felt like I was talking to someone who is against the breed to the point it was like you would read in the papers.

I had a friend who had a staffy and it was one of the best dogs I've met.

Replied in bold. Most of what you have been told seems like complete rubbish to me.

Dave wrote:

Just out of curiosity was this "person" from a town beginning with B

Heysham wrote:Hi Dave, possibly but not 100% sure.

Only asking as I had a very similar experience in a telephone call with a Breed Rescue in a town beginning with B by a lady whose name began with B probably a year ago now.

I had phoned up enquiring about rescuing a staff to be given 20 questions which is fair enough then be made to feel about 2 feet high because I wasn't experienced enough to have 2 together, if I had 2 together the most likely outcome was that one of them would kill the other one, about how they were extremely surprised local authorities allowed my wife to be a childminder when we owned a staffy, and there were quite a few other points made , it wasn't about giving me a hard time it was about telling me how bad and unpredictable staffys were

I did think at this point we have a mad woman on our hands that wants to keep all the dogs to herself , but have spoken to a few people since then in the rescue area that aren't so keen on this person.

Deez is a rescue!! Our first dog, no probs. We are out the house for about 9 hours a day, but have weekends off, and are home before 5, to spend the evening with him. It's not ideal, but we make for it with love and cuddles!
He is great with our friends toddlers, and is one of the softest pooches I have met!

Hi Dave, that sounds like the same person, not a good experience. Thanks for that Albie7, do you crate Deez or free roam

A Woman who lives on our street helps out at a staffy rescue centre last week she saw our Duke for the first time, she said he is 90% Staffy Wrong he is 100% Staffy , she also said that a Blue Staffy is not a True Staffy and that another breed had been introduced to get them Wrong again .

I asked her if she had ever owned a Staffy from being a pup answer no, just because someone runs or helps out at a staffy rescue does not mean they know all about the breed and this woman on my street is living proof of that .

Heysham if you want to rescue a Staffy then go for it they are truly fantastic dogs all the best .

Heysham wrote:Hi Dave, that sounds like the same person, not a good experience. Thanks for that Albie7, do you crate Deez or free roam

Thanks for the confirmation , lets just say it's one breed specific rescue I wouldn't recommend and by the sound of it other people in the knowledge wouldn't either , such a shame when people need encouraging not the life scared out of them

Deez has never been crated, as he is nearly 7, previous owner used to shut him in kitchen, but we let him have the whole house, so he usually relaxes on the couch. :-)

We got Olly from Brysons in gateshead thet were fantastic very helpful and informative ,we had staffie crosses before.we had a homecheck then got him for a day after that for a week then he was ours and i can honestly say that he is a wonderful family dog as are all staffies from what ive seen all my family and freinds are in love with him ,a lot beileved the crap in the papers about staffies but not anymore ,everyone should have a staffie!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

It makes me so angry to hear of people being like this - especially a rescuer - its no wonder our poor old staffs get a bad rap.

Firstly I was told we shouldn't consider a staffy as my wife and I have no experience of the breed even though I have had Dobermans,Boxers & weimaraner.

Everyone on here has had to get their first staffy at some point. Henry is my first staffy - and as you have owned several large breeds already you should be just fine.

Secondly we live in a small village and the persons opinion was that the locals would not like one in the area even though you hardly ever see dogs and when you do they are on leads.

Who cares what the locals think - it doesnt matter what breed you get there are always people that don't like certain breeds or dogs in general. The more friendly, well behaved staffies around the better in my opinion to change the bad rap they get.

Thirdly this person can only walk theirs and they have had 30 years of experience in the early morning and late at night as to avoid other dogs as staffies are bread to fight and at some point they will attack other dogs and you can't get that out of them.

If anything this person is making their dog worse - dogs need socialization and interaction with other dogs to socialize them - avoiding other dogs will only create a problem or make an existing one worse. My male staffy lives happily with 4 other dogs (3 of them other males) and he gets on well with other dogs he doesnt know - even when strange dogs have acted aggressively towards him he just ignores them! I know of other staffy owners that have their dogs safely off lead at dog parks and agility competitions ect with no problems.

Fourthly we work shortish hours and I was told they cannot be left alone as they will become destructive

My boy gets left alone every day when we are at work. As long as your dog is getting enough excercise and has toys or chews to keep him/her amused you should be fine.

I was also told to avoid general rescues as these people don't know the breed.

I'm sure any rescue is fine - so long as they are generally concerned about matching the right dog to the right owner based on temperament, exercise requirements ect. not just by breed (all dogs even purebreds will differ in personality anyway).

One of my dogs I rescued from the pound - the only downside to that is we basically went in blind as we (and the pound staff) had little knowledge of her history/temperament/breeding ect but it was the best decision we ever made. Zoe is just lovely! You can pick up some really nice dogs from pounds and rescues

Good post starling89 , if you read through it you will see I had a very similar kind of negative conversation with what we believe is the same person (obviously without naming them) Personally think she is a crazy mad woman that wants to keep all the staffys to herself > >

Takes all kinds and we can see generally that this is not the case

HEYSHAM

Have you tried speaking to Bob at NSBTR , I know for a fact they will consider people that work as long as you can put plans in place for a dog walker or someone to come round etc , give them a ring , he's a really nice guy

http://www.sbtrescue.org.uk/needinghomes.htm

OMG only just seen this thread.. I have no experience with rescues, however...

I have not had a dog in 15 years and never had a Staffy (didn't know what I was missing) Only ever Boxers (awsome dogs as well)

Steff is now 17 weks old, I work 3 days a week, and on those days I'm out of the house 10 hours

She has adapted well to this and not been crated since about 8 weeks old

The only aggression she has shown is towards her litter brothers.. She just really does not like them.. But all other dogs, so far, she has been great with..

She is the most loving, affectionate, funny, sweet dog I have ever known and my life is so much better with her in it..

Screw what anyone else thinks of the breed.. Develop a "u don't know what u r missin" attitude to all haters of the breed.. Because they really don't know what they are missing.. A Staffy is the most loyal, best friend you will ever have!! I can't believe some of the stories I have read on this forum regarding rescues, I'm sure they think they are doing the right thing, but some of them are just insane with their rules and what they expect of an adoptee..

Hi Guys, Looks like we have found our new dog he is a Boxer x Staffy 6 year old and we have been able to chat to a couple of people who have fostered him, he has good training and knows sign language (not deaf). Our home check is this Friday hopefully.

Now which forum should be members of Boxer or Staffy

I would go to another rescue. It depends on the dog and owner> my Lily has been systematically attacked by JRTs and Collies but it doesn't mean they are are a dangerous breed it is just coincidence.

Heysham wrote:Hi Guys, Looks like we have found our new dog he is a Boxer x Staffy 6 year old and we have been able to chat to a couple of people who have fostered him, he has good training and knows sign language (not deaf). Our home check is this Friday hopefully.

Now which forum should be members of Boxer or Staffy

Good news.
Well done.
What's his name to be?

Noodles, due to being abandoned in a chinese noodles box.

Cool name.
Is that seriously how he was abandoned?

Feel free to post photos.

Just thinking about my first phone conversation about Dex, they knew from the lengthy application form that we had not owned out own dog before and that we had three children one of whom hasn't long left toddlerdom and they were great in suggesting Dex due to his background. They couldn't do enough for us to make sure we had all the info, and I am still getting texts every week from them to see how he is. Some rescues are just fabulous

Keith, he was all boxed up and just left in the street, it's never ceases to amaze me how nasty people can be.
Rach, It's a shame there isn't a governing body as the rescues seem to vary a lot.
I've been informed that the rescue we are hoping to home Noodles from doesn't vaccinate, first place he'll be going is the vets.

People can be unbelievable at times mate.
Well done again for being prepared to rescue him and fingers crossed for your home visit - they'll probably look at the lowest height of your fencing.

Yeah only problem there is were in process of having rear garden re fenced. however his ex foster carers say he doesn't try to escape and won't move far from you without being told told. He walks well without a lead(we'll have to see) and if he's of lead for a run and see's other dogs he comes back on his own accord to a heal.
Guess we'll have to see if he's as good as they say.

I hope it works for you ok

Cheers Dave

Heysham wrote:Yeah only problem there is were in process of having rear garden re fenced. however his ex foster carers say he doesn't try to escape and won't move far from you without being told told. He walks well without a lead(we'll have to see) and if he's of lead for a run and see's other dogs he comes back on his own accord to a heal.
Guess we'll have to see if he's as good as they say.

Noodles sounds like a darling

Very best of luck with him (and I am looking forward to photos )