New to the forum, from Scotland

[StranraerHibby]

Hi everyone, I've just this minute registered to the Staffy forum and wanted to say Hello!

For 10 years I had a Border Collie called Tess and when she died we instantly looked for a new dog. One day, out of the blue, my brother came home with a brindle Staffy pup. One year later, he came home with another pup - this time black with a white chest.

On several occasions I have had people shout and scream at both dogs and myself calling them "devil dugs" or some such rubbish.

Since the latest altercation two days ago I've decided to learn a bit more about the breed and their temperament so I hope this forum can help me with this.

Andy

[Steve]

Hi & welcome to the forum

[Guest]

Hiya, welcome from Darcy and me

[Guest]

Hi &

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[StranraerHibby]

Thank you everyone for the welcome.

I'm just back in with Faisal and after nearly 2 years I'm finally starting to get used to the dirty looks I get!

[Rupertsbooks]

Hello - altercation between yourself and someone saying something horrible about your dogs? Or altercation between your dogs?

I think it's best to grow a thick skin as a Staffy owner, and to have an upbeat attitude - not always easy.

Sometimes I am shocked when I talk to other dog owners about what how their (non Staffy) dogs behave. A friend with a Golden Retriever told me last night about how she mauled the next door's Chinese Hairless. Another time she had to pay the owner of another dog's medical expenses. The Jack Russell down the road attacked a post man out of the blue the other day.

Actually, these stories made me feel much better as I am always apologising for the smallest thing - i.e. Rupert saying hello to someone in the park - I am sure if he behaved as the Golden Retriever or JRT had done he would have been put down. However, perhaps their bad reputation is sometimes a blessing. It means that responsible owners want to train their dogs and make them shining examples of not just the breed but of dogs in general.

I know all Staffy owners have different ways of dealing with annoying people. Some give people lectures on "the Nanny breed". I think in the end it is usually a case of bad timing - someone's in a bad mood and either they say something off-colour or you react more than you usually would because you are feeling sensitive or haven't yet had your coffee or something.

I have definitely had days when other people have ruined my morning just by being uptight about a ball, for instance.

My question is: what is the difference for you in having Staffies and a Collie? I've only had Staffies and I am curious.

[Guest]

Hiya from me and Vinnie   

[Kathy]

Hi and welcome to the forum from Rocky and me

[stella]

hia from me and sasha   

[Guest]

Hi and welcome from the girlies and me   

[flowerbud]

Hi from me and Alfie

[StranraerHibby]

Hi Rupert,

That's a tough question in regards to Staffy's and the border Collie. Our collie was quite nervy and very subdued. She NEVER went up to another dog on the beach - in fact she would go out of her way to avoid other dogs. When another dog came up to her she always showed her teeth!

The Staffy's are the exact opposite. I didn't think they would be as lively as they are. Faisal in particular will chew anything he can get his paws on - he's had a lighter, my Playsation controller and the side of my bookcase to name a few.

It's just a shame people avoid the dogs on the shore ... unless they are avoiding me!

[Sazzle]

Hi and welcome from me and Daisy   

[Simi]

Sorry to hear you have come across idiots while out walking your dogs. I`ve read a few things on the forums about people reaction to staffy and must say i have been very lucky in the 13 years i`ve owned staffy dogs. Fingers crossed it stays that way because i`m not sure how i`d deal with it if i`m honest.

Welcome to the forums from me and Lula

[JStaff]

Hi and welcome from us and Suki

[markrobo]

Hi ya from me and beau

[Sara n Ozzy]

Hi and welcome from Oz and me

[VikkiGT4]

Hi and welcome to the forum from me and the zoo xx

[Bane]

Welcome from Bane and us

[Rupertsbooks]

I'm sure the situation will improve. I used to be scared of big dogs too - I can understand why other people might be intimidated, especially considering some of the clothes I wear to walk mine!

There are small things you can do. Red collars - people seem to love a dog in a red collar.

There's someone on here who goes out dog walking in tweeds and wellies. There's as much anti Staffy owner bias out there as there is anti-Staffy bias, so what you look like can be decisive.

It can be tiring getting the cold shoulder. And then suddenly your dog becomes friends with another dog out of the blue and the situation is much rosier.

Also, do you find different sorts of dog walkers around at different times of the day? I have found that people are in different frames of mind depending on what time it is. Tea-time is usually more relaxed than first thing in the morning.

[Nathan]

Hi and welcome from me and my two

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