Heartbreaking news :(

First topic message reminder :

I took Nitro to the vets today, basically to get some kind of temperament testing done. Yesterday he bared his teeth & growled at my daughter- just because she touched his collar. Growling at me when lifted is getting worse daily, also. He now lunges at my face... So I had concerns (obviously).

Anyway, it didn't go well . After she assessed him, she recommends that I contact the breeder & take him back. She said she hasn't ever seen such aggression in a pup so young. And that he would be better suited to a family with no children. She reassured me I had done everything right, and sadly it just seems to be a personality flaw. She said it will only get even worse, as all my good training isn't working & after two weeks it should get better, not worse.

She also did a few other tests, and said the pup hadn't bonded with us as a family. And seems very independent, which is unusual in a Staffy.

He never gets excited when a new person walks in the room, is happier on his own than with people .

I'm heart broken... My BF is too.

and which vets?!

Adam Daines is very good. He is a bath/trowbridge based behaviourist but will probably travel to you if you are this side of Bristol. I really want to help and am close so honestly don't feel you are putting me out.

Hiya, I'm new to the forum and have just read through this thread. I've rescued, trained/ rehabilitated and rehomed many dogs over the years, including entire litters of puppies. I'd second a lot of what has been said here about vets not being qualified to give behaviour advice. I've worked with vet students during their training and believe me, they don't learn much that isn't medical! Aside from that, I'd like to add that firstly, not ALL staffy puppies are like Nitro, actually mine was very laid back & I've really gotten off lightly with her. However, lots of puppies of all breeds show this kind of behaviour at 9 weeks so there's no need to panic because your Staffy is doing this. At that age they have no bite inhibition, they still have to learn to control themselves! Puppies at that age would naturally be play-fighting and scrapping with siblings so it takes time to teach them that it's not acceptable. I find lots of socialisation with other reliable and well balanced dogs is a huge help. If you've only had him for a fortnight then he's still adjusting to his new home and routine so he's really only going to be starting to learn at this point. I could talk about this for ages but would definitely reiterate that a dog trainer/ behaviourist is your best bet, to increase your understanding of his behaviour and your confidence in dealing with it.

Pups are basically very grumpy human baby's. They explore with their mouth, make a lot of noise and sleep (mainly during the day when ur awake)

An aggressive dog - is a 'product' of poor treatment over time.

A pup, is basically a naughty child needing guidance !

Consistency is key.

funny_wonder wrote:Hiya, I'm new to the forum and have just read through this thread. I've rescued, trained/ rehabilitated and rehomed many dogs over the years, including entire litters of puppies. I'd second a lot of what has been said here about vets not being qualified to give behaviour advice. I've worked with vet students during their training and believe me, they don't learn much that isn't medical! Aside from that, I'd like to add that firstly, not ALL staffy puppies are like Nitro, actually mine was very laid back & I've really gotten off lightly with her. However, lots of puppies of all breeds show this kind of behaviour at 9 weeks so there's no need to panic because your Staffy is doing this. At that age they have no bite inhibition, they still have to learn to control themselves! Puppies at that age would naturally be play-fighting and scrapping with siblings so it takes time to teach them that it's not acceptable. I find lots of socialisation with other reliable and well balanced dogs is a huge help. If you've only had him for a fortnight then he's still adjusting to his new home and routine so he's really only going to be starting to learn at this point. I could talk about this for ages but would definitely reiterate that a dog trainer/ behaviourist is your best bet, to increase your understanding of his behaviour and your confidence in dealing with it.

Nice post!

Maybe you could come and introduce yourself here.....
https://staffy-bull-terrier.niceboard.com/f7-new-member-introductions

Sara, Is the breeder of your puppy an experienced person of the breed ? maybe you could have a word with the breeder of your puppy for help and advice ? She/he is the one that should be there for you all thro your puppies life and into adulthood! I hope she can help and advise you.... please dont give up on Nitro yet he really is very young and trying to push the boundaries by the sounds of it .x

How is Nitro?? Did you rehome him? just wondering how he is doing!!!

Me too, offers still there if you want me to come and visit?