Help. New dog owner.

My daughter got a dog but then had to move home with me
Rio has now taken over my house and my heart.
We've dealt with a lot of behavioural problems and he's really
Calmed down a lot. I've become his owner as my daughter
Doesn't have the time. (Why she got him is another story)
Anyway I've taken to him although I haven't had much choice.
He's 9 months old. (I've never had a dog)
I took him to training classes because he was so hyper.
He got bored pretty quick!
The problems I'm having;
He steals everything to chew. He knows he's been bad snd runs off.
He hides under the table so it's not like he doesn't know.
He constantly goes for the kitchen bin and runs off with whatever he manages to get.
He will not come when called. He argues and barks when he doesn't want to come in or go on his lead.
Getting him on a lead can be a challenge.
I have a 10meter recall lead as he won't return if I ever let him off.
He's hyper and jumps all over people.
He can't come in living room as he just steals stuff and runs round like a crazy lunatic.
I'm very firm and have managed to get him to walk in the lead without trying to rip it from my hand.
When he steals stuff I tell him off and put him in his room.
I bring him back after ten mins if so but he does bad stuff again so he's put back fir longer.
He jumps in the table or work tops.
He runs off when I see him.
He knows he's doing wrong but continues.

Now I wouldn't have got a dog but he's here and I've grown to adore him.
He's adorable when he's tired. He has his own sofa in his room (concervetory with what was my sofa)
He has ripped the sofa to bits under the cushions and been told off but still, on occasion does it agsin.

I am firm with him. I ignore him when he's bad, I try to be fair when I want to throttle him (joke)

Any suggestions greatly appreciated.

Oh dear, sounds like you have your hands full there. He's a teenager and is pushing all boundaries. You're going to have to be firm with him and very very consistent. Your best course is to wear him out, lots of tiring walks. They have seemingly limitless energy as you have found.

With the chewing, replace whatever you don't want him to chew with a toy. As for the bin, remove it from where he can get to it. You are going to need to adjust your life while you train him. Train him is exactly what you need to do and you can do it however frustrating or daunting it seems right now.

There are loads of links here which are excellent.

When you get a min, pop along here and say hi:-
https://staffy-bull-terrier.niceboard.com/f7-new-member-introductions

Hes a puppy still... Had exactly same problems. What worked for me was to tire him out with walks.

Thank you for the info.
The problem is I work full time.
I take him for a walk on an evening but not far.
I took him to golden acre park today which he loved.
I have bought him chews and toys and revived everything out if his way but I can't take out the sofa.
I smacked him when he destroyed it and put him in his pen.
I don't agree with smacking but nothing else worked.
Then I felt bad but I kept away so he wasn't confused.
He gives me his big sad eyes.

Its easily said but... Ignore bad behavior, praise good. Hard to stick by when there ripping chunks out of anything in site, but will work on the long run.

Smacking won't work, if anything it will make him go the other way, they don't associate pain with the deed just done, they just become fearful or defensively aggressive.

I'm going to be tough now, he needs walking. He needs to be tired out and a lot of what you're experiencing will cease. I work full time but manage to fit walks in, this goes back to my first post and saying that you will need to make adjustments to your own life.

If you put the effort in, you will be rewarded 10 times what you'll get in love, affection and companionship.

He's in your heart already, you need to do the best for him. If that means giving him up to someone that can give him the love and attention he needs then maybe that's something you might need to consider.

Sorry if my reply seems harsh, but it is the reality of what Staffies need.

It's not harsh. I completely agree.
I have issues giving him the excerdize he needs right now.
I have spoken about giving him up but I don't want him
To go to the wrong sort. I will try make adjustments to meet his needs
But I think I know in my heart he'd be better off with someone who has the time.

Really appreciate your feedback. X

Think uve answered your own question there

It's a hard thing to reply to because they do get right into your heart but if you think about it from his point of view he's going nuts. The only exercise he's getting is bounding around when you all get home from work. Staffies are intelligent smart dogs and get bored easily, there goes the sofa.

I really hope you can alter things and make him a loving part of your family because he really will reward you so much.

Please do let us know how things go and we are here to advise where we can.

I really appreciate your advice.
I feel sad for the him as I know he's bored.
If I walked him before work and after would that be enough!?
I still think he would be bored through the day.
Hes got bags of energy.
I was thinking about getting a dog walker through the day but he's
Hard work.

I'll keep you updated.
Your advise is appreciated Ian. Thanks

Pls try and stick it out, the behaviour will calm if you are consistant and firm. My 11mth old was exactly the same he is outgrowing it tho. We both work full time and he is often left for 10hrs at a time but ensure he is walked morning & night daily without fail,& tonnes of attention/play/training when we are home. Im glad you posted for help, tonnes of experience on the forum They sneak up and steal our hearts, and we dont even notice but there's no going back, such unconditional love!

Hello. Sounds like you have your hands full! Being honest, how long is he actually walked and is it on a daily basis? I work full time too - but Biscuit is never alone for more than 5 hours as I pay somebody to come in half way through the day to sit with her, and I walk her for an hour a day minimum, more on my days off. Could you hire a dog walker?

He doesn't know that he is doing wrong - dogs brains are very different to ours. Hiding under the table sounds like fear, and running away with the item sounds like he's trying to get you to start a game. How many strong toys does he have to chew on? Does he have anything like a kong to keep him occupied? Also, what are you feeding him? Please don't smack him, it's obviously not working as he is continuing to carry out the behaviour. Is he left in one room all of the time?

Oh also, how long is he left alone each day and how many days off do you have a week?

Rachel33 wrote:Hello. Sounds like you have your hands full! Being honest, how long is he actually walked and is it on a daily basis? I work full time too - but Biscuit is never alone for more than 5 hours as I pay somebody to come in half way through the day to sit with her, and I walk her for an hour a day minimum, more on my days off. Could you hire a dog walker?

He doesn't know that he is doing wrong - dogs brains are very different to ours. Hiding under the table sounds like fear, and running away with the item sounds like he's trying to get you to start a game. How many strong toys does he have to chew on? Does he have anything like a kong to keep him occupied? Also, what are you feeding him? Please don't smack him, it's obviously not working as he is continuing to carry out the behaviour. Is he left in one room all of the time?

Great advice and exercise is a must. At his age he should have 2 walks of 45 minutes each every day. A dog walker is a great option if you can find a good one and afford it. Alos agree with the teenage phase and pushing boundaries. What food are you feeding him? A low quality food can contribute to the hyperactiviness.
You can also use Bitter Apple on objects you don't want chewed

Hey.

He has butchers dog food. He was on pedigree but
We changed him as he had loose bowels.
I walk him once a day at night but have just returned from a
Morning walk and will continue taking him twice a day.
He's got chew toys and a chew bone.
I recognise his behaviour is boredom and I can now
see his chewing is linked to that.
Getting him on his lead used to be an issue but this morning I realised it's excitement. He runs off and goes crazy.
This morning I just sat down and he came back to have his lead put on.
Having discussed this with my daughter I'm in agreement we can't keep him. It's heartbreaking but the best thing we can do is find him a good home. Someone with time and patience needed.
So I'm going to look for a home for him.
As always thank you for your feedback.

It sounds to me that you really care about him and his welfare, before you go down the route of rehoming try the walking and diet suggestions. Ideally the morning walk should be 45 mins but I can't manage that long first thing so my girl gets a walk around the block which gives her stimulation and the usual dog needs first thing in the morning.

I'm able to get home at lunchtimes so she gets out in the garden then and gets plenty of playtime with me too. As soon as I get home, we go for a good long walk which will tire her out in the evening.

If you can get home at lunchtime or get someone to pop in, that will negate the need for a walker but a walker might well suit your needs better. You should also leave toys out and a frozen stuffed kong will keep him occupied for a good while.

Weekends are just great. Getting out and going new places for walks. I've not looked back. My girl has changed my life for the better in so many ways, not least, I feel more healthy for getting out on those walks.

I hope you can give the suggestions a go but at the end of the day you can only do what's right for you and Rio.

I do love him. The thought if letting him go breaks my heart.
But i feel bad that he's bored. I'm gonna keep trying and
See how we go. Giving him up wouldn't be a quick process as I'd need to vet whoever and the thought breaks my heart.
He is adorable. My little boy! (How he's got me so attached amazes me) I've never owned a dog and would never have chosen to as my life's hectic. I put him in the garden while I wash the floors and all I can see is his little face squashed against the window waiting to come in!

Can I ask what a frozen stuffed kong is!?
He has an orange forever chew biscuit ball but always gets the biscuit out. He has balls I put treats in.

I work all week and can't get back through the day often.
I'll look Into a dog walker although what I've seen says their £9 an hour for a group of dogs or the same for half hour and one dog.
Rio loves other dogs but I think he would wanna play and not walk so he would need to go alone. I don't know!
I'll see what I can sort out.

Do you think Butchers dog food I'd ok!?

I'd like to join a dog walking group to meet others with these dogs and
Let him socialise. Some People avoid us which I think is due to his bread.
Do you know if any?

Thanks Ian.

A stuffed Kong may be a good idea, you can get the Kongs from Amazon or any good pet store, an example in the link below, :

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Kong-T2-Classic-Toy-Medium/dp/B000AYN7LU

Butchers food is rubbish to be honest, if you can get him onto a better quality food I'm sure you will see an improvement in his behaviour, anything from the list below should be OK, I would also add James Welbeloved to the list along with Wainwrights:

http://staffy-bull-terrier.com/dry_food

Thanks Kathy. I have a sort of kong which I put treats in but I'll get one like this. He's been better behaved today.
He's been on 2 long walks and made a few friends in the way.
He was hyper in the afternoon after having a few hours on his own while I was out. I understood why he was hyper so took him on his walk. He was excited to have his lead put on and none of the usual craziness. He put his feet in his harness for me.
He's been really good.

I'm looking at changing his diet to better quality food. I wasn't aware his food wasn't the best.

Thank you

Getting him onto a food with less additives will help (butchers is like giving a hyperactive kid a McDonald's strawberry milkshake) and as said the more exercise the better

I live alone and work long shifts so know where you are coming from and a lot of what you describe rings true with how Ledger was when I got him from rescue (I will write a little bio when I get chance) luckily he has not been destructive to the furniture but he did accidentally find out that duvets contain the same stuffing as charity shop teddys (who all need to be beheaded) so every now and then they have suffered the same fate!

Luckily Ledger sleeps really well at night so when I'm on nights he stays home alone, days he goes to my parents but on lates I have a dog walker - shop around mine is £10 for an hour and she walks all dogs alone as a rule I leave a frozen kong in a cool bag for her to give when she settles him and it seems to work. Also if you work more 9-5 possibly look at doggy day care my local one is £9 a day it is a kennel environment which suits us as I wouldn't be happy with someone else being responsible for introducing him to strange dogs

Hope you can work something that makes it a bit less stressful, you can always do trick training at home and mentally wear him out good luck we've all been there to some extent

Thsnks jshrew.

Can I ask what trick training is!?

Thank you further info on his good. I had no idea. I'll get him decent food ASAP.

X

I'm so pleased you've stuck around. There are so many people here that can offer different advice. We really have had people that are at the end of their tether but seen it through to having a really well behaved, loving Staff.

You can do it, it's hard and I'll not pretend otherwise, but, the reward is immense.

Thanks Ian.

I have a question.
When I found out my daughter had this dog I wasn't impressed because of their reputation.
She was having a hard time when she came to live with me and for that
Reason I accepted the Rio too.
As your aware I've grown to love him. When she said she couldn't cope I said I'd keep him.
I've read a lot about digs just snapping and attacking people.
Of course this worries me. We have a 4 year old daughter
Who is very hyper and loves playing with Rio to the point I
Have to ask her to leave him alone frequently. He appears to love her too.
I'm under the impression dogs snap because they are badly trained through discipline and harsh punishments. As Rio is not treated in this way I'm thinking he will grow to be a lovely loyal pet.
My daughter has now read an article on the subject and worried me.
Can I ask your thoughts on this!?
.

Good on you for trying to keep him as the others have said 2 walks a day and keep them consistent that way he will be expecting them, practice on the recall and once you are happy with that you can chuck a ball that will give him a higher level of activity as well as a bit of entertainment.

Good luck

Thanks Riv.

I walk him on a 10 Meter recall lead and
Pull him in when others are around. This lead gives him done freedom.
I let him off early this morning while no one was around but he went crazy and I couldn't get him back on. Thankfully no one was around so it was ok. He refuses to come when called.
I hate that I can't let him off to run and play. I run with him but I tire well before he does.
I throw a ball for h&m but he won't drop it and growls. He taunts me with it but will not give it back without a fight.
I've a lot to learn yet and I realise that.

I appreciate all the feedback on here

Oh ok dogs n kids... This is a toughie. Personally I wouldn't leave any dog, whatever breed, alone with a child. As placid as the dog may seem, it only takes a wrong prod from the child to create an incident.

With regard to Staffies in particular, well they are historically known as the Nanny dog. Far from their undeserved reputation, they adore and love kids on the whole. In times past they would guard kids. This is also true in my own experience, if I play fight with my 14 year old my Flo will defend him, not in a nasty way but will bark and get all concerned. Actually thinking about it, she does the same for my Uni student son too !

I know my dogs temperament, you will need to learn Rio's too. No two dogs are the same, the breed will have traits but you can't rely on that where young people are concerned.

My advise would be to never leave them alone together, not just Rio, but any dog with a youngster.

If Rio is loved and follows the Staff trait, I'm sure he will end up being your youngsters best Pal for life.

Yeh Harrie never gives the ball or stick back she just loves the game of chasey sometimes she has 2-3 dogs after her trying to get the stick back LOL.

In your first post you did say you tried training classes maybe revisit them at least to help with recall, and to give Rio a bit of mental stimulation.

Cheers

Trick training is everything from sit and give paw, if I point two fingers at Ledger and say 'bang' he rolls on his back with his paws in the air Staffys love to please and are quite quick to absorb training (when they want to) just have some really tasty treats. I use the cheap garlic sausage slices from Aldi or tesco as its not messy but quite smelly and can be torn into tiny pieces. Your daughter can get involved in this too focusing on him being calm around her and her with him

In regards to recall you have to be the most exciting thing in the park it's difficult to compete against a squirrel etc but again start in the home with some retrieve games. Ledger will not give up a ball unless I have an identical one to swap with. You can get some retrieve toys that have treat pouches so pooch learns to give up the toy to you so you can get a treat out 

We battled through the kennel club bronze award but Ledger wasn't comfortable in that kind of situation too much standing around and watching others he has however excelled at agility and flyball your dog is a little young yet to be jumping but it's worth seeing if you have any local clubs for the spring

On my phone so just a quick note, but glad you're trying! You sound like a lovely owner can so tell that you're trying your best! I use a 50feet long training line to walk Biscuit on as she's a rescue from a bad background and is fear aggressive occasionally - 50 metres is long enough for him to run around/chase a ball but you still have full control of him if his recall goes out of the window! He probably went mad off lead and didn't come back because he was so excited to be running around off lead I buy my lines of eBay for £6 a time and they last for a year sometimes - good quality and strong, think they're designed for horses so will hold a staffie haven't had one break on me YET!

From my experience dogs become aggressive through lack of socialization/poor treatment/territorial tendencies. HOWEVER, this is only if their default would be to become aggressive - as with people dogs will have a flight/fight response and working in kennels I've met some really tolerant dogs that I wouldn't have blamed for snapping in the environments that they have been living in, but they haven't because they're temperament wouldn't suit it. My girl was burned, used as a breeding machine and locked in for years but she's never tried to bite anyone - she will lunge/bark to keep them away because she's scared, but she hasn't got the confidence to be truly argressive. Maybe if you plan on keeping him you could so some readings to heighten your knowledge /confidence in your dog's behaviour. Patricia McConnell's
"The other end of the leash"' would be a great starter book for you

Good luck with the staffy if you are unable to sit with your dog could you perhaps trust a neighbour close family friend to take the dog a walk.

Thank you ALL. For your advice!!!
I am trying my best. He's had three walks today and I came home early to see him. I recognise he's bad when he is bored.
It's a challenge but he's worth it.

I will look into getting a training line as I love him having his freedom.
I'm also going to book him on some training but not where I previously took him. I googled Kennal club and I have training centres close by. I think he will love it.

Thanks Rachel I will order that book. The more I learn the more I'm starting to understand him.
Rachel your poor dog sounds likes she's suffered so much. It's awful how people treat animals.

Rio snapped back at me earlier when he was trying to pinch something. Then he ran off! He knows snd i can see this is his rebellious stage starting/ on going. He's no way near as bad as when he came to live here.

He made us all laugh this morning as he's scared of the rain. He wouldng go out at all. He sneaked upstairs while I was getting ready for work and jumped in my bed. Snuggled himself up snd stayed there.
I didn't have the heart to move him off. He was so well behaved snd didn't attempt to steal anything.
We did eventually go out in the rain for his walk but he wasn't kean.
He avoids puddles too! I guess I should be pleased he doesn't roll in them.

Your not alone with the rain thing, I think it's a Staffy trait

I'm so pleased that your seeing the wood for the trees now, it's so easy to simply see a naughty dog but when you think about their situation you can understand why they do what they do.

Stick with it, you'll end up with such a loving companion

No liking the rains defo a staffy trait

Another rain and puddle dodger here too

Hey all.

Update on my chewing monster.
He has new deluxe food, a kong ball filled with all sorts of treats and regular walks.
I've had to throw the sofa in the conservatory as he ate under the seat cushions.
He has now started noticing the skirting boards although I'm hopeful this was a one off.
He can be left for short periods and it's only if he's not walked as soon as I get in that he gets frustrated and starts acting up.

He's adorable and loves nothing better than a cuddle. He's progressed to sneaking upstairs and laying outside my bedroom. On occasion I let him in and he snuggles himself up on my bed!,

I'm learning some people avoid us on walks but others are fine. I notice other dogs can be aggressive and have such pride when Rio doesn't react. I say 'Come on Rio he's not a friendly dog' I always ask if he can say hello before letting him approach their dog.
I'm really proud of my him. He's better than a lot of other dogs we meet on our walks.
I'm under the impression it's not the dogs it's the owners to blame for the reputation they have. My boy is doing good and I'm pretty much convinced he will stay that way.

Anyway the reason I posted today is because he got neutered and I feel dreadful. He's still groggy and sleeping. He looks so she'll shocked and I truly wonder why this had to be done.
I'm told the reasons but I feel it's so cruel. Anyway he is sleeping and in between he's having extra cuddles if that's possible.
Feel like a bad person causing him such pain.

Oh my poor boy is in pain. I wish I hadn't had it done!
Is there anything I can do for him??

Just let the dog sleep he will recover 2-3 days time it is a wee shame

He's restless and just keeps wondering around the house. He can't settle.

Oh bless him. It's done and he will be fine in a very short few days time. Don't fret too much. You've come such a long way with him and to hear you say your proud of Rio makes me smile.

Well done you two, he will be your bestest snuggler guaranteed

Aww poor boy but after a few days he will be back as good as new (well most of him anyway) some people say it helps settle a dog so this may be a new beginning for you guys.

Cheers

Wonderful news they tend to recover quickly, just try to keep him occupied with brain training and comfortable with lots of love!

In regards to the chewing, I haven't had this problem in the home as I adopted a fairly well behaved adult dog, but others on the forum have used vicks vapour rub as a chewing deterrent for puppies - might be an idea if he's interested in the skirting boards! Though your house may smell a little fresh for a while..

My boy is asleep on my leg.
He settled after his operation back in October
But I think the process was so painful
I fell in love with the little sod. He was so sad.
Since then his behaviour is still pretty much the same
But in some ways there's improvements.
He is adorable on an evening. I love it when he gets tired.
I take him on long walks, on a 10 meter lead and let go on the field
This way i have a chance of grabbing the lead
If anyone comes along. He loves the long grass.
We had one incident with a bad tempered dog and Rio bit his leg
But I can see it was a reaction to the situation.
The owner had picked up her bad tempered aggressive dog and Rio jumped and bit his leg.
I gave my details but she never rang me.
I felt it wasn't Rios fault but as he did bite and the aggressive little dog  didn't I had to take responsibility.

He's still really mischievous and steals things
All the time. I'm sure as he gets older he will get better.

As a person who would never have a dog prior
I can't imagine life without him.
He's so loyal and so happy when I get home.
He's not left for too long but he's good while I'm out.
I'll never have clean carpets again and never have the sofa to myself again ... And I don't  mind.
How my world changed when my little man joined the family.

They really do alter your life in so many ways. I was thinking of new carpets but nah... As for the sofa, it doesn't matter where she is when I sit down, she'll want my spot as soon as I get up 

So pleased to hear that your seeing positives with Rio, as time goes on things really will get better.

Great to hear!!
Sounds a familiar story to mine.
Keep up the efforts and it will pay off!

Big exercise is the ticket to keeping Jasper happy and calm. Same as you, after 9:30 pm he is like a dream dog!!!

but much more often during those times he is also great too.

Good work!

It may be that you've got things under control by now but I wanted to offer you my support. There's not a dog owner in the world that hasn't experienced behavioural problems with their dogs, especially in the first three years. I always think it's a test - if you can get through this bit, you will never regret it. I am incredibly impressed that you took on this dog. I hope things are ok. Dogs touch the heart unlike any other creatures (particularly Staffies - p.s. I may be biased).

Here are my thoughts on your dog's issues:


He steals everything to chew. He knows he's been bad snd runs off.
Keep anything chewable out of his range. Maybe confine him to a single room. Even the bathroom, with a cosy bed (this would be a temporary measure) will help him to learn to occupy himself without being destructive. I agree with Kong advice. Some dogs like classical music in background, apparently.

He hides under the table so it's not like he doesn't know.
Yes, they're bright sparks. The problem dogs have about being destructive is that it's so much FUN. You could try a lemon or citrus sort of smell on sofas or anything soft. Dogs hate citrus. You could add a couple of drops of citrus essential oil to your wash (in the conditioner tray).

He constantly goes for the kitchen bin and runs off with whatever he manages to get.
Keep anything tasty out of sight.

He will not come when called. He argues and barks when he doesn't want to come in or go on his lead.
Make training fun. One thing no dog can stand is being ignored or feeling abandoned. What I found really helped was playing hide and seek: the moment my dog thought he had lost me (I would be hiding behind a tree) he would go frantic trying to find me. I would also have treats on me to reward him finding me - try and get him to sit down and wait for the treat. Also, recall can be practiced in small spaces: if you have access to somebody's garden.

Getting him on a lead can be a challenge.
Yes, I too had this problem. Again, running about off lead is far too FUN. Try feeding meals after run so they have something to look forward to on way home. I have also read that it is good to train dogs on matters of recall when they are really hungry - make sure you have amazing treats on you.
He's hyper and jumps all over people.
I still have this problem. I think the only way to deal with it is to practice with another person/friend. Start with people coming into the house: make him wait patiently until the door is open and the visitor has entered the house. If he moves or tries to jump up, shut the door and ask your friend to repeat the whole exercise. This can be very boring but repetition works and he will get it fairly quickly. I think it's also good to establish no dog zones in the house, such as sofas

He can't come in living room as he just steals stuff and runs round like a crazy lunatic.
Give him one thing to steal - a dog toy. Play to his strengths AND weaknesses. Banning things isn't fun. But giving him substitutes will show him how to play in a safe and manageable way.

I'm very firm and have managed to get him to walk in the lead without trying to rip it from my hand.
WEll done!

When he steals stuff I tell him off and put him in his room.
I think putting him in his room works. You don't have to tell him off that much: a stern word and some quiet time works well. Again, dogs hate to be anywhere except at the centre of the action.

I bring him back after ten mins if so but he does bad stuff again so he's put back fir longer.
Be persistent.

He jumps in the table or work tops.
He's really testing you! I promise you he will calm down with time. He needs boundaries :poor thing doesn't know how to behave because nobody has taught him. Again, you may have to put him in his room for a couple of minutes to "think about his behaviour."

He runs off when I see him.
When he's been naughty? Classic!

He knows he's doing wrong but continues.
Because it's FUN!

Vicious dogs:
THe only ones I've met or worked with have had very bad experiences in their formative years. Either they've been mistreated or else taken away from their litter too early and never learned bite inhibition because as puppies they were never nipped by brothers and sisters so they don't understand that biting hurts and is not on.

Snapping:
Is it snapping - can you describe more in detail.

You seem to have a lot of guilt about not being the best owner in the world - guilt doesn't help anyone and, besides, I'm sure it is clear to everyone here that you are a fantastic owner and a very conscientious one and that your dog adores you. He is lucky to have you.

Maybe do a list of all the things he does right. I know you might think his behavioural problems are endless but your list could be much longer. For instance, soiling curtains and carpet when annoyed (my neighbour has this problem with their JRT); no house training in general; aggression towards other dogs; fear-based behaviour; separation anxiety...

Thank you for such a detailed message.
I really appreciate your advice.
Recall both in and out if the house is a major
Problem with him.
He's stubborn and I'm open to any suggestions.

He's still so young snd so naughty.
He got out if the gate this morning and he was off like a shot.
He bust the footballs in the neighbours garden before I managed to find him. The only way to get him back is to run when he sees me and he chases me.
He will not recall and do anything asked.
I know persistence is the only way.
No matter how many times he goes in his pen for being bad,
He does it again he minute he's out.
He's definetely challenging.

But right now he's asleep at my feet snd
Adorable.
First thing tomorrow he's hyper crazy.
Runs round like a mad dog. After his walk he still has energy.
All I do is contain him and hope soon he will
Get better.

There are a couple of things that bother me a bit here. The first is this concept of a dog being 'bad' or 'naughty'. Animals do what they feel they need to do or what they feel gets them what they want/need. When they appear to be guilty looking when they've stolen something or whatever, they are just responding to our body language, which tells them that we're upset or annoyed.

The other thing that bothers me is the idea of putting him in a pen as a punishment. He won't understand that and you are potentially creating a negative space for him.

It sounds to me like you have a typical high energy staffie, who needs more activity and sitmulation. Maybe have a look and see if there are more interesting training classes - if he got bored with the ones you took him to I'd suggest that they weren't as good as they could be. Especially for young dogs, training through games can be fun as well as beneficial. Maybe look into something like agility, which is stimulating, good training and burns off some energy too. I've mocked up some agility obstacles in the garden and Chaos LOVES them - he can run, wriggle and jump, AND get rewards for doing so.

Recall training - I'd say the first thing you need to do is refrain from telling Rio off. If he expects something unpleasant from you, he won't want to come back. You need to be the super nice person who plays with him and who gives him treats for good behaviour (and at the moment only for good behaviour, so he has to work for them). As you already have him on a long line, call him when he's on the line and use it gently to encourage him to you, then give him a fuss and a treat. Always use the same words, 'Rio come!' in a nice, happy voice, and no matter how slow the recall, be super pleased with him for doing it. Practice at random times, even in the house.

If he doesn't come back, don't keep calling. Wait till he looks at you, then raise your hand to show there's a treat, then call.

Yes, it is a question of persistence, but it's got to be persisting with the right thing. There are a couple of sayings I use a lot - 'do what you always do and you'll get what you always get', and 'if at first you don't succeed, try something different'. Oh, and 'practice makes perfect as long as your practice is perfect'.

Don't let the frustration beat you. It sounds like you've got a cracking little dog, just one with oooooodles of energy (= young staffie!). Find positive ways of working with that energy and you should make more progress more quickly.

Good luck!

Def agree with LizP's suggestion regarding always encouraging your dog to come with a friendly voice. You need to be the safest and most exciting place he wants to be (perhaps armed with treats). Have you noticed on your walks how rarely a dog returns to an angry shouting owner? A friendly "come!" now works perfectly with my dog and it is a pleasure to see him respond with such enthusiasm. The idea - in the end - is that you and your dog make a team. It's a wonderful feeling.

Plus: pictures please!