Hello Everyone!

Hiya!

I'm hoping to spend some time here getting advice from other like minded SBT owners.

I have rehomed a 7 month SBT pup from a family member. He (the pup) was being left home alone, long hours while my Sister in Laws brother worked long hours. Pup then started destroying a rug. I have read enough about SBT''s over the last week two when I've been considering taking him, so I do know this isn't unusal behaviour.

My Husband took his own life in January this year. So now it's just my toddler and I. This is one of the reasons I took the pup as I thought he'd be a good addition to our now small family, and a companion for us both.

However, my best friend/flatmate had a real pop at me last night saying that I am an idiot for taking on a 7 month SBT who is probably ruined and that I should never have considered taking a pup as old with a young toddler. I find the pup to be well behaved and responsive to my commands and he's only been with me 3 days now.

Can anyone else give me some insight or advice?

Hi &

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So sorry to read about your recent loss

Welcome to the forum from Flo & me. Taking on a puppy isn't easy whether it's a Staffy or any other breed but as you've already noticed, they are quick learners. Rest assured that at 7 months he won't be ruined in any way and I'm sure he is more than happy to have company all day now.

Staffies are eager to please and that should be the basis on which to train him and as long as everyone in the house is consistent with the rules then you won't go far wrong.

Just one word of caution, and I would offer this with any breed of dog not just Staffies, always ensure that your toddler and Staffy are never left alone together.

Ask as many questions as you like as the only daft question is the one you didn't ask. We are all here to offer you any help and advice we can

PS... what's his name ?

Hello and welcome from Misty and I. 

So sorry to hear of your recent loss x

In my opinion your flat mate is completely wrong. You could not have picked a better breed to add to your family. Just because a dog is rehomed does not mean there is anything wrong with them. He destroyed a rug because he was bored and wasnt getting enough stimulation.

I rehomed my girl when she was fourteen months old. She basically had been living in a cage, she had never been for a walk or been spayed etc etc. When we first had her walks were horrible, she was so scared so would spend her time barking at anything, trees, people etc. Now with a lot of help from this forum and weekly training classes she is a different dog, even our vets say they can't believe  her transformation. Just because your pup hasn't had the greatest start in life doesn't mean he won't be a wonderful friend for you and your toddler.

I would definitely recommend some puppy classes with a force free positive trainer.

If you need any help or advice we are always here.

Nice to have you on the forum.

welcome from me and mia , I am so sorry with your recent loss you have got the pup at a great time as it tends to be easier to train them as puppies as opposed to after a year search for local puppy classes where the pup can be socialised , staffies are very much people orientated involve your toddler in the training at home the pup will be less likely to nip as most pups do . limit training sessions to 10 minutes each as they tend to get bored . good things for to.soothe their gums are frozen veg carrots broccoli etc heres a link worth a read https://staffy-bull-terrier.niceboard.com/t15046-dangerous-foods-for-dogs?highlight=poisonous+foods heres another topic from other users of the forum may be worth a read https://staffy-bull-terrier.niceboard.com/f55-staffordshire-bull-terrier-puppy-chat any questions we are always happy to help and thankyou for taking on an amazing breed.

Thank you all, for your kind words and warm welcome.

His name is Hugo and he's the best wee fella. At present I'm not sure he's a full breed as I've been told by my bestie his ears don't flop enough and he's not the right colour? I know he was purchased as a full breed with papers. But personally I'm not bothered if he is crossed. But when he visits the vet next week I would like to find out, simply so I can be aware of the natures behind both breeds.

I honestly didn't jump into this with my eyes closed. The other reason I took Hugo is that I have been considering a dog for a couple of months and I was torn between a SBT or GSD. I just wasn't sure I could manage a GSD and a small child.

My Son and I spend lots of time outdoors. We're local to a waterfront and a beautiful country park, so now Hugo enjoys this with us.

He is such a well behaved boy and really is responding so well considering we'be only had him with us a few short days. We already love him so much.

Thank you for all the advice...especially about the frozen veg for chewing. I was told when I took Hugo, that he's a huge fan of ice cubes so that's what I've been doing for now. But I will have a look over those links later tonight when Im sat down for the night.

There is one thing that I'm not sure if it's me being really inconsiderate to Hugo...but I take him for last walkies at 7.15-7.30 and we're back at 8 so I can do my son's bedtime routine. I do actually live in a flat, so Hugo isn't getting out again until 6.30 the next morning x

This is our Hugo x

Oh wow isn't he a little stunner

When you say about the evening times do you mean he doesn't get a walk until the next morning or do you mean he doesn't have a toilet break from 8pm to 6.30?

Nono. My flatmate usually gets in from work at 11. I take sleeping pills and I have to take them at a reasonable time or I'm groggy the next day. So he only gets a few quick pees in the communal back garden at around 11pm.

But mainly I was wondering if I should invest in getting a dog walker as there's one local to me with great rate and they walk until 10.30pm. I do already play with him lots and he's out at 6.30am 11.30 am 3.30pm 7.15pm for 30 -35 min walks/play x

Just feels like such a long time to go without walkies when he has bounds of energy lol x

Ah I see! No I personally think that's fine for walks and toilet breaks, sounds like he has a lovely life with all the exercise and stimulation. The only thing I would say is just be careful not to over exercise him as he is still young and growing. I think the routine you have now is really good.

There are mental games you can play with him to help tire him out, Kong's are great for tiring them. Plus if you freeze them it can also keep him cool in this weather.

I must say I think Hugo has landed on his feet coming to live with you!

Hi from me & Katy, well done on giving Hugo a forever home He's gorgeous Sounds like you are doing great with him

hugo is a stunner he has landed on 4 paws with u xx

Hi from Koda & I. I'm so sorry to read about your recent loss. I know you have a beautiful family with your son and now Hugo, he is just gorgeous !!! Here any time you need us

Hiya from me and Vinnie, well done on the rehoming

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

I'm so sorry to hear of your sad loss - I have been through the same but with my brother so know how much this hurts (and the confusion).

Staffies are awesome dogs and your flat mate it wrong (in my opinion). With training and patience Hugo (who is absolutely gorgeous by the way) will become a well behaved, loving, licking machine xxx

Hi and welcome from us and Suki

Hi, I'm so sorry for your loss x

Hugo is gorgeous and what a lucky puppy he is getting to join you and your son