Socialising Joey

I took Joey to the park today and it was really busy so thought it would be good for him to meet some new people and dogs. It had a fenced off area where you could let your dogs off to play so I took him over there. I let him off and he started playing with a little dog (not sure what breed) but it was a year old. The owners got a bit funny with me and left the park. Joey then tried playing with some of the bigger dogs but their owners pulled their dogs away from him and would not let them play.
I left that area and decided to walk him round the park instead. A lot of people avoided him and pulled their kids away when they wanted to stroke him. One lady who stroked him said she had two bitches and to not expect him to get much attention as he is a staffy and it was the same for her dogs. People would cross the road from her or completely ignore her dogs. Just wanted some advice on this. He is a very friendly puppy and never nips anyone who strokes him, he just gets exited and jumps up a bit but sits down when I tell him too.
Don't want something like his breed make taking him for a walk awkward and people avoiding him when he just wants to say hello.

Such a shame that you have had such a negative experience. Maybe you could try some different areas you may get a different reaction or see if there are any puppy classes in your area that incorporate a socialising period into the lesson. As the class we take Otis to has a 15 minute period before hand in which all the dogs socialise, he loves it.
Always go and check out the class without pup though so you can make sure you like what you see.

Also maybe before letting your pup off ask if they would mind letting them play together. I know it sounds daft but they can only say no and they may appreciate the approach and be more receptive, if you know where I am coming from.

I am sure someone will be along in the morning with more advice too.

Let us know how you get on and I do hope joey gets to find some friends to play with

Yeah thanks. He goes to a puppy class on a saturday which he loves and his training is going really well. I will try asking first next time aswell thank you.

Maybe try a park in another area. Unfortunately, this happens all over the place. Once I had two older ladies literally run into the street because they were afraid of my dogs when I was walking them on lead and they were being little angels. I did they'll them they had just finished off an older gentleman and they weren't really hungry so they might as well get out of the road. They just glared at me. However, we do also get some nice folks too. Reject the meanness and accept the love. It is the way it is with our lovelies.

Sorry to hear you have had this happen- it isn't nice to have people treat you poorly when you have done nothing wrong.

As said above, I think it is always good to ask before letting your pup play with others. I always say to people 'is your dog okay with puppies?', it is a simple way to open up conversation and also encourages people to ask questions which is a helpful way to get to know others.

I would also try other parks as well. You may find that certain parks are better or worse than others and/or that owners of certain breeds tend to go to one certain park over others. Talk to other owners and ask around - the lady SBT owner you met might have been able to tell you where she takes/took her pups/dogs.

Finally I would suggest that you be prepared to answer questions. (I have been asked questions about everything from lock jaw to safety with children). Although we know how wonderful and friendly our babies are, do remember that most people are only going to know what the media has told them and will simply be concerned for the safety of their own fur babies. Be prepared to answer their questions, give them information and not be offended - advocating for the breed is a part of being an SBT owner

Hope some of that helps!