Please help . Scared of dog now.

HI , I wonder if you could please help me ? I went away on holiday and whilst I was away my 18 year old son went and bought a 7 month old Staffy bitch from people who didn't want her any more . We have never had a dog before and to be honest I wouldn't have picked this one anyway. She had no name, no food (they told him she'll eat anything !!!) and just had a soft toy with her . No bedding, vaccination details - nothing except a set of KC papers and what looks like mange . Obviously my son shouldn't have taken her but he is young and stupid . He has spent loads of money and got her a cage , bed, harness,frontline, poopp sacks etc BUT he works full time ( 10 hour nights at the moment) and should never have contemplated a dog .

Anyway she is here . Walks quite well on a lead and is house trained . I've been taking her out and so on but she is so strong it scares me .

Today she was in the living room with me and i think she wanted to play but was growling and snarling . Then she jumped up at me and grabbed my jumper between her teeth . I said NO firmly as i didn't want her to see i was frightened , but she got a firmer grip and started nipping . Then i freed myself and she bit on to my trousers . Pulling and tugging , all the while still snarling. She has ripped through my clothes . My partner couldn't free me and got my son out of bed . Jess stopped what she was doing and was lovely when he came down. He put her out the back (enclosed 6ft fence) .

As you can imagine I'm very wary of her now. How the hell can i control her - what if she bites a child or someone when we are out ? Well I can't do It . I have nothing against Staffs , in fact they have lovely smiley faces normally but we know NOTHING about this particular dog .

He has to get rid of it . Where would people suggest we took her ? I'm sorry for her and everything , coz I know it must be confusing for her but I'm scared of her.

If she needs to be re-homed then you need to contact a local rescue, or the dog warden who will be able to advise.

Or stick around and learn how to train her, she's a pup and as a breed you couldn't ask for a better companion in life. Your son was very daft, but I guess you know that.

Nipping is all part and parcel of there development and as you said you don't know the history for the past 7 months but by all means its trainable if thats the way you want to go.

Moo was 10 months ish when I re-homed her, and after a bit of time to settle in she is the most amazing friend.

Have a good think, we are all here if you need any help, but as I said, shelter or dog warden if it really is a no no.

you never know might settle in time but the nipping etc needs stopping now

Hi & welcome.

Before I say anything at all, do you mind if I ask you a few questions?

*Firstly, how long have you had her?
*What is she fed on?
*What sort of exercise does she get - length & amount of walks & what does she do on the walks?
*What sort of training has she had since she came to you?
*Whereabouts in the country are you?
*Is your son prepared to actually do anything to better her manners if you decide to give her a chance?

She is not an IT ,she is a little dog take her to a rescue .

harlou wrote:She is not an IT ,she is a little dog take her to a rescue .

A bit harsh. I know to us she's a 'she', but in fairness to this lady, she didn't want a dog in the first place & is now scared of her.

Please do come back to us on this - we'd all like to help you and the dog!

Yeah people will help you, sometimes dogs can nip a bit when they are settling in

It must be scary for you especially since you've never had a dog before. All the behaviour is new to you I guess, and the prospect of training her can be daunting. But the nipping is just her playing. I have an 8 month old dog and he still jumps up and bites sometimes...purely because he gets so excited he forgets he's not allowed to. But he's much better than he used to be. Honestly, with some proper training, she'll learn some manners. If you decide to give it a go with her (and really think about it, because as scared as you must be, Staffs make brilliant companions), we'll all give you as much help and support possible to help you with her behaviour.

If you really can't keep her, then take her to a rescue centre so they can properly rehome her to someone they do all the right checks with, that way they can hopefully make sure she'll find a permanent home. That's the best way, I think, if you really don't want her to stay.

Normally I'd say keep at it and you will get there. But in this case I think you were given a task that you never asked for and you obviously feel uncomfortable. I can totally understand how it might frighten you. She was most likely just over excited, you were right to respond with a firm "no". I would suggest you contact your local rescue and they will organise either for her to be collected or for you to bring her in. I hope it works out for you!

My boy had terrible problems wit jumping up and hanging on o clothes etc but we were patient and worked hard to train him and we really have it under control now , apart from the odd excited lapse. Please don't despair and if you show you're stressed the dog will pick that up too. Please come back and answer Caryll's questions and lets see if we can help you. If you can get the bond with her and not get so stressed out you will realise why we all love this breed so much ><

hia from me and sasha
at 7 months old she is just a pup,full of energy and life,the people your son got her from might not of started training her and thats what she needs,the tugging of your clothes is just play,staffs love a game of tug of war and at that age she does'nt know if she has'nt had any training that clothes are'nt the things you tug on!staffs can be very vocal with their play and what might seem to be growling really is'nt.with proper training and time you will have the best friend you could ever wish for if.there is so many people on here with years of experiance that can help you if you were to keep her,we all want the best for you,your family and your dog,good luck with what you decide

Karen, this is a difficult situation for you.

I can empathise with you, as my son (a lot older than yours) bought a Staffy puppy in March last year. I didn't want another dog (I'd had dobermanns in the past but I'm a lot older now ) but my son missed having a dog in his life and "badly" needed one.

Well, I've fallen in love with the little tinker and wouldn't part with him for the world. Although, boys being boys (even supposedly adult boys), I have had to do more dog-care than was originally bargained for!

The behaviour you describe is typical puppy behaviour - no malice is intended so please don't be scared of her, and you have had lots of good advice already on this. She WILL improve, with training and understanding.

However, your son took it on himself to rescue this pup. Having done so, he must honour his responsibilities for this dog and take care of her in all respects. If he doesn't and leaves it all up to you (especially if you are not a "dog person") then he must realise that he has presented you with an untenable situation (like if I went on holiday and returned to find my son had bought an elephant to share our home), then he must realise that for the good of the dog and for your own sanity, then the dog must be rehomed - again.

Being basically a "dog person" I would encourage you to embrace this little pup into your household and providing your son fulfils his commitment in caring for and training her, you will have a lovely and lovable new member to your household. The puppy stage (nipping, hanging onto clothes etc) won't last forever, given training.

I wish you good luck, forbearance, and that your son mans up to what HE has taken on.

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Some fantastic advice already I've nothing else to add. Though If you son works nights I would find a local evening training class and make him take her at least weekly. This will show his commitment, make her more handleable for you and wear her out a little bit whilst teaching valuable lessons and socialisation. She is only playing so don't panic. From what you've said the old owners obviously didn't put any time or effort into her (she didnt even have a bed!). You have already shown you are responsible and willing to try for herby coming on here and enquiring. You will probably find this little pup just needs some discipline and understanding

I think the best thing is to take stock and is this what you really want as you did not physically go out and buy/rescue her. I think with going back to the start with her would be a starting point (this is what i would do if this was me) she will need a lot of guidance and also love as others have recomended training classes this would deff help not only the little one but also for your self. I wouldnt take it all on, get your son involved, get into a routine, maybe when he has finished work on a morning before he goes to bed may be he take her out for a long walk. If you are not ready for this then may be re homing is the only option. Good luck please keep us updated on how everything is working out

She's still a puppy, my 11 month old sometimes still nips when she is trying to push the boundaries. From day one I have squealed anytime she has nipped too hard or makes contact with skin,she stopped really quickly and now only does it of she gets really excited. I also seen a dog physiologist for my mums dog as he has nervous issues. He gave us tips for training them, if she does nip or does things she shouldn't do he recommended we hold her muzzle closed,tight enough so she gets a fright but not enough to hurt her. We hold there muzzle firmly and say no sternly. If you are scared they'll sense it and it will make her nervous. Your son sounds like he is willing to put the work in,he bought all he should. Staffys need a lot of exercise,mine gets 8miles a day.
I would persevere and try taking her to a local dog class. Rescue centres may also offer u handling tips and training methods. At such a young age you can change her and make her a perfect family pet .
If you do decide to give her up take her to a rescue centre. Anywhere else you run the risk of her being out to sleep.
Good luck!

Leah wrote: He gave us tips for training them, if she does nip or does things she shouldn't do he recommended we hold her muzzle closed,tight enough so she gets a fright but not enough to hurt her. We hold there muzzle firmly and say no sternly!

I am no expert and i am still learning about dogs, and this is Just my opinion leah, but thats 1 tip i don't like and i could be wrong, the muzzle is where the dog breathes and see's over, if you grip it you are stopping her breathing and your hands stop her seeing further than your hands. plus making the dog defenceless, thats domination, has anyone ever held your nose and mouth shut? the panic is very real i would bite annyone 1st chance i got. fear in a dog is not good fight or flight kicks in with fear. turning your back/putting out the room works with a very social breed like a staffy, i know Cassie sulks if i just turn my back. sorry if i offended anyone.

ps i think karenlikescats may have already made her mind up, i just wish she would let us know either way

I wasn't sure of it either, but I never cover her nostril,not her eyes. And it's a firm grip for no more than 2seconds with a stern no. I see two different dog psychologists and behaviour specialist, specialising in retraining dogs with behavioural difficulties and both use this method. One works for the police forxe and trains gun and search dogs and the other is a well known dog behaviouralist. The only other option is shooshing which doesn't work with mine as she is so stubborn or nipping which I what their mums do but that doesn't work either. Dogs don't see things as cruel, they just need told in the way their mums tell them.

When I say nipping I mean like cesar Milan teaches,just making a mouth shape with your hand and tapping them with it but mine just looks at me like I'm stupid. I wish I could turn my back on her,if I do that she would either jump on my head or start barking and then she doesn't stop! She's my third staff and I've never known one so stubborn. Haha.
I hope we find out Karen's decision too,it's a shame for a puppy to be moved from pillar to post but if she isn't a dog person then maybe it's for the best. Although if someone were to get a dog I'd always get a staffy cause u won't get one more loving or caring,once they get their adult teeth in and stop mouthing,part and parcel of a puppy

I don't agree with that method Leah and i know many on here don't either. Police handlers are not dog behaviourists, they are handlers. Search and gun dogs are not normal pets, they have a job to do but only if they naturally do it themselves. We have to train our dogs at home to NOT do things that they naturally do. Never take training advice from police or vets, they are not qualified to give it.

Lola still mouths I either close her mouth gently and say 'no biting' which worked with Lily. It works a bit with Lola but the best thing I found was to stick something in her mouth when she bit i.e stag bar, kong. I say 'get something in your mouth' when she starts and it works! If myself or fella comes in and she is bouncing we say that and she will pick something up ,or if she is in a good mood she will pick something up of her own accord then you only have to cope with the wagging tail. she now knows to pick something up rather than bite. She is so clever

Lots of great advise above - can only imagine the hell hole she came from

She's young enough to learn if ur son can commit the hours and training required, she deserves a chance. At 6mths of age she's a - what we term 'stroppy teenager' needs an assertive human to be consistent with her, basically ur starting from scratch with her.

Sit ur son down, family meeting - if it can't work then either try to rehome to trusted ppl u know or try a staffy rescue.

I'm glad u came here to ask, lot of ppl here can give support n advice x

My boy only nips when he's way over excited, what I do is say no and stroke him very slowly for him to calm down, although I don't think this is your case because you said ''No'' and she still kept on going. Maybe ask your son to pay for some puppy lessons? She's still very young so it'll be easier for her to learn some commands and then it'll be easier for you to control her when she nips or does something that you don't want, also I know this might be a bit hard for you now as you might be a bit scared of her now, but always try to remain calm because she'll see that you're scared and kinda 'bully'' you more.

I think the best option is to take her to puppy classes or something similar where they can help you teach her some basic commands, that will help you control her.

Also, she might get over excited and try to play because she's not getting enough long walks or exercise, this happens to most dogs. If my boy doesn't get a good run he'll be naughtier than normal and try to play more with us, staffys need a lot of exercise so when they get in they'll be tired and want to go to sleep.

I wish you good luck.

Poor thing shes a playful puppy, and i agree training needs have you registered her with a puppy training class ( or has your son ) as she will soon grow and learn if given a chance, cant help feeling sad that at such a young age she looks on her way to a third home already i hope for her little sake its third time lucky and with people that will give her intrests the BEST she deserbes to be the good loving dog she will no doubt be, my 2 year old staff was only your pups age and we were her 3rd homing - we have trained her taken her to classes and socialised her and its paid off took time but shes lovely, are you sure aswell the "snarling" is not just play, i guess if you know nothing about the breed you would'nt know. Wish i could home her but i have 2, she needs to be loved.

Sounds to me like she has no respect for you at all and this needs to be built on, if she suddenly behaved once your other half came back in the room it says a lot.

Do you feed her or does the other half?

Do you give her water or does the other half?

Do you do any obideance training with her or is it all your other half?

Do you enforce rules around her, like sitting calmly waiting for your command when letting her through doors?

All these kind of things shows who is boss and gains you respect. She will learn do as you say and behave as you expect she gets good things, when she does not do as you expect or tell her then she gets ignored as nobody like a dog who has no respect for humans.

She is still young and she is still new to you and your home, you need to work on training her and making sure you all are playing the part of feeding, playing with her ect, ect.

As your already lacking confidence and had an issue like this I would defiantly recommend getting professional help in to at least get you going in the right direction.

Sorry, if this has already been mentioned as i havnt read all the posts on this. Staffys can be a bit like this. We went through the same with Kenny, but he was a little younger. My trainer said we should fold our arms and ignore him (this was impossible because he'd be hanging from my arm). After some time it did work. Has she been vet checked? It may be worth doing so, especially if you suspect mange, Front line will be no use to her for this. Also, she could feel uneasy.

harlou wrote:She is not an IT ,she is a little dog take her to a rescue .

With help and support here, she may not need a rescue, thats not what we're about

kenny d wrote:

harlou wrote:She is not an IT ,she is a little dog take her to a rescue .

With help and support here, she may not need a rescue, thats not what we're about

Sorry, Mis read this

dave742 wrote:

Leah wrote: He gave us tips for training them, if she does nip or does things she shouldn't do he recommended we hold her muzzle closed,tight enough so she gets a fright but not enough to hurt her. We hold there muzzle firmly and say no sternly!

I am no expert and i am still learning about dogs, and this is Just my opinion leah, but thats 1 tip i don't like and i could be wrong, the muzzle is where the dog breathes and see's over, if you grip it you are stopping her breathing and your hands stop her seeing further than your hands. plus making the dog defenceless, thats domination, has anyone ever held your nose and mouth shut? the panic is very real i would bite annyone 1st chance i got. fear in a dog is not good fight or flight kicks in with fear. turning your back/putting out the room works with a very social breed like a staffy, i know Cassie sulks if i just turn my back. sorry if i offended anyone.

ps i think karenlikescats may have already made her mind up, i just wish she would let us know either way

I have to agree with Dave,

Fear you are right Kelly and thats another 1 for the rescue , we show the courtesy of replies and offer assistance , would be nice to get a response

Any news

Dave wrote:Fear you are right Kelly and thats another 1 for the rescue , we show the courtesy of replies and offer assistance , would be nice to get a response

I think she just liked cats

Karen, in our various ways we have done our best to help you as much as we can.

If you happen to revisit this site again, could you just let us know how things are working out for you, your son and his dog? Whatever the outcome, we do care and want the best solution for all three of you.