Introducing Ozzy

Hi, I have just adopted a 4 yr old Staffy dog called Ozzy from RSPCA. I have never had a staffy before and he is certainly challenging but great fun but need some help and advice from anyone experienced. I have only had him a week so we are getting to know each other and know its early days

He has a history ( better than a stray) but dont know how much training he has had. He sits and gives a paw. Gets hyper about going for a walk and barks like mad.

This is what i need some help with please

1. Collar or harness, and which one? he's a nightmare puller and i'm not that strong. Now its becoming colder, i am wary he may pull me over on any ice, he is far too strong for the kids at the moment
2. no idea what he is like with other dogs, what is the best way to find out?
3. he is very protective over toys and reluctant to give anything away, especially my cushions on the sofa, no matter what i try and tempt him away with
4. How do i stop him climbing on the sofa
5. He has a few manners but not many, what is the best way to teach him to lie down, go to bed wait etc
6. what is the best football to buy, i bought a mega strong one with handles both sides, in a week he has popped it and nearly destroyed it and certainly wont drop it for me to throw it for him, he just tears about in the garden shaking it like a mad thing very funny to watch
7. when out and ask him to sit, which he does, why does he sit on my feet with his back towards me?

I know he is trying to establish himself to see where he is in the pack but any help whatsoever would be appreciated, I love him to bits already but we both need to learn the rules

Any assistance would be appreciated before my arms drop off and the house is detroyed

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Hello and welcome from me and the kids

I was advised to always use a harness with staffy's as they lead with their neck, collars can damage the throat, but I am disabled and find they walk better with a harness anyway. The best way I have found to keep them off the sofa is to invite them up on to it then show them a treat and say down this means that when they are off the sofa it is more exciting as they get a treat, but it takes time and lots of repetition. Staffy's are intelligent so really enjoy clicker training and pick up training quickly. It is better to only train for 10 minutes at a time so they don't get bored. I train for 10 minutes 2 - 3 times a day using different techniques each time. Hope this helps a bit

Thanks, i do intend to go to some sort of dog classes once he has settled down but i want to get a head start and at least start to have lovely walks rather than being dragged, i will order a harness, RSPCA told me to get a normal collar and lead but its not strong enough and he also likes to chew it!!!

Hi , please post your questions in a new thread in the relevant section

For pups
https://staffy-bull-terrier.niceboard.com/f55-staffordshire-bull-terrier-puppy-chat

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The area here is just for introductions so may not help in getting your answers , people tend to come here and say a quick hi as this is all the thread is for.

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When he pulls give a quick check pull on the lead not to pull him back just to let him know that it is not acceptable and if he continues to pull turn round on the spot and walk the opposite direction for a few steps then resume your walk. It makes your walk longer as you will have to do this several times until he gets the message that pulling you makes it take longer to get where he wants to be! Tell him to leave the lead when he starts to chew it as the last thing you need is the lead to snap - been there!

Hi from me and a big sloppy staffy welcome from Kia
I would also recommend a harness as like you said staffys are very strong little dogs so it gives you more control over the dog,
like Victess said staffys are also very intelligent dogs so will pick up training quite quickly but they must have consistency with the training.

Hi from Lily, Lola and me. My girls always pop their footballs. Boomer balls or indesructaballs are good cos if you get a big size they can get their mouth round it but not pop it http://www.amazon.co.uk/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_i_6_7?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=indestructible+ball&sprefix=indestr%2Caps%2C277

welcome, use a harness if you cant hold him to well on a collar, if hes grabbing the cushions take them off the sofa and just use one for yourself when you need to, have you tried putting a dog bed on the floor for to lay in if you dont want him on the sofa if he goes and lays on the bed give him a treat. as for toys to play with try the big kongs stuff them with food and that will keep him amused for a while. Make sure you keep him on a lead when you go up to another dog ask the owner first if it is ok to, if so let them stiff each other. You will find once your dog gets in to a routine he will start to settle down.

Hi from me & Moo, great advice given

hi from me and the boys

Hi welcome from us and Miley

Hi and welcome to the forum from Rocky and me.

hia from me and sasha

Hi and welcome from us and Suki

Hi and welcome from Me n Steffi

Hi & welcome to the forum