Hii everyone, advice needed please

Hello, I've recently started to take my nanas staffy out for walks as she is not very well. He doesn't get walked every day, maybe twice a week but he loves being took out and gets so hyper when I walk in the door. I didn't even really like dogs before but I love this one and I even might bring him to live with me. I've bought a toy rope ball thing to teach him fetch and I'm just wondering if it's okay to let him off the leader for a long time? I have before but he nearly killed a neighbours cat and I'm scared in case he fights with another dog cos I don't think he's been socialised with other dogs much. He doesn't really acknowledge other dogs when they walk past though and he's never been angry or violent with people. I have let him off the leader a few times when theres no other dogs around and he is okay but runs towards the road sometimes. His recall is okay I guess, he runs ahead but if I shout he usually looks back or runs back over. I'm mostly worried about other dogs as once he ran over to a smaller dog and began sniffing and it didn't like it so snapped and they were barking at each other so I put him back on the leader n took him away. I like letting him run freely though as it's nice to see him enjoying himself. I usually sit on a bench and watch him run, and if he goes out of sight or too far away I shout and he returns to a closer distance, and I always keep an eye out for other dogs and put him on the leash if I see them.
Also, I've been reading quite a bit about dogs in general and I've read that when you walk a dog it shouldnt walk in front of you or pull you cos it thinks its the pack leader, well Marley pulls a lot as soon as I open the door but I think this is just because he's rarely out and gets dead excited? He pulls all the way to the field where we walk but is totally calm and walking by my side by the time we go home. He knows sit but i would love to be able to train him to do new things. Sorry if I sound really dense, I've never owned a dog or pet other than a goldfish and this is the first proper bond ive had with an animal and now im obsessed. I just want him to be happy and although he is cared for I know he's not getting the full attention and exercise he needs as my nana is bound to a chair. Thanks for any advice, I'm in no way experienced with pets, but I really do love this dog.

He needs much more exercise than what he is getting. Ideally 2 or 3 walks per day of 45 minutes each. When they are exercised less than this they get bored and this often leads to distructive behaviour.

If he is untrained I would not let him off lead at all. A long lead of 30 meters or so will allow him to roam a little but still let you maintain control as well. The long lead will also help train with recall and make the pulling at the beginning of the walk more tolerable.

Don't believe any of that walking ahead/pack leader stuff. He walks ahead because he's excited and wants to hurry up and get there.

Also, never let him off the lead unless you can trust him. Running towards a road, having bother with cats and other dogs, etc., sounds like a big no. You can get a long line and practice his recall, that way he can have a run around but you know he's safe and under your control.

Lastly, he's hyperactive because he needs two 45 minute walks a day as a minimum. They finds other ways to get that energy out if they don't get the right amount of exercise, and I know it's a difficult situation for all involved, but basically, the more you can take him out, the better it'll be for him and the calmer he'll be

I can't really add to that, much more exercise and definitely not off lead at the moment. Have a look on ebay for a long line, they're very cheap as very very useful when your dog can't be trusted off the lead

I have put a couple of pointers for you under your introduction post.

plenty of exercise and good quality food and I'm sure you will notice a difference in him quite soon.

Thank you everyone. I finished uni this week so will have a lot more time to visit, im gonna try n take him out every day from now on. I've just ordered a training lead as well off ebay so hopefully i will feel more confident letting him have a run around.

The training lead is a very good idea, he can get a run around and you still have control so peace of mind.

Great advice form everyone, in regards to the training once he has had a good march to the park and a run around even if it is on a long lead he will be much more responsive to you. This is the time to start training him. Take it slow and use a tasty treat or a toy to show him what you want. With the socialisation try and find someone you know who has a friendly sociable dog and do some on-lead walking with them. Don't let them meet face to face straight away just calmly walk them together a few times. You will have him under control but will be able to gauge your reactions.

Once you get bitten by the stafford bug theres no going back?!

I think it is wonderful that you have got such a strong bond with your granny's dog. What is his name? You are obviously a very conscientious person and, basically, the ideal person to teach a dog manners and new tricks if you like.

He is very lucky. I suppose you have to work out what his personality and temperament are like and you will do that as you spend time with him.

Well done!

Great news you can spend more time together & the training lines are fab we've got 2 different sizes

Thanks everyone, he is called Marley. I took him out earlier today and he was good as gold, just pulls at first but I'm hoping with regular walks this will calm down. I should have the leader by Thursday aw his reaction when I walk in is the best, he runs round in circles n up and down the stairs haha n he calms right down once we've been out. He's such a lovely dog, i fed him a cut up hot dog and a few of my chips as a treat and he sat patiently while i put them on my hand and held it out. He tilts his head to the side like he's being careful not to hurt you and I can basically put food in his mouth he is so gentle. I gave him lot's of attention before I left and I'm going to shower him on Sunday after we've been on a walk. Do you have any advice on this? My groma has a walk in shower which I think would be ideal, just unsure how staffies react to water and being washed.

It all depends. Do you know how he reacts to water already, does he like it or not? Just try to make it as calm as possible for him