Hi - are we right for a Staffy?

First topic message reminder :

Hi all

My husband and I are looking to home a rescue dog. Until very recently a staffy is not a dog I would consider. I had the ignorant perception that they were unpredictable, unfriendly and could be nasty. Please don't shoot me down for this - I know now that I was ignorant

A few weeks ago when we took our cat to the vets I met my first staffy. She was such a friendly, lovely natured dog and tried to lick me to death! Having spent days browsing the rescues I am very sad to see so many staffys no one seems to want. Its heartbreaking. We have now opened our minds to the possibility of a staffy.

We lost our 17 year old cat last week and now have no other animals. We dont have any children. I dont work due to having fibromyalgia. There will be times when, for a few days I wont be able to walk a dog for too long. But my husband will be able to so the dog would get walks every day. We have a 75ft garden, fully enclosed by 6 ft fencing. We are looking for a dog who is friendly, loyal, who likes a lot of fuss, who will keep me company during the day and who will sit on the sofa with us in the evenings. Would a staffy be ok with us do you think?

Please be honest - I wont be offended as I would rather know and do my homework before getting a dog.

Thank you!

It's like being in charge of a toddler with four legs. I was mostly shocked at how fast he could run and then turn into a sleeping lump at the drop of a hat. he had 2 modes asleep and manic until he was about 7 or 8 months. I absolutely didn't realise what I was getting myself into, I wish I'd had this forum then and some better dog owners around me to school me in what I was doing. Most of the people I knew at the time use shock collars. To me, the only time you should use a shock collar is when you're training a dog to be wary of snakes.

Rebel has been relatively easy until just lately. I'm glad I knew things could change as if I'd not known it would be a shock. Yes they are similar to a toddler, supervision levels are high with both

It sounds as if your pups have kept you on your toes

The puppy I saw was homed with someone else later yesterday afternoon. I really hope she has gone to a nice owner

We are still set on a staffy so watch this space

Good luck claire it isn't easy picking a dog or rather them pick you

Good luck, you're absolutely right to take your time. Rushing doesn't do the dog or yourself any favours. I keep looking at all the rescues now. These two sound lovely, a staffy x and a jrt - both around 8/9 years old and well-natured, love a fuss and a fine with other dogs.
https://www.dogstrust.org.uk/rehoming/dogs/dog/filters/~308~~~~n~/1170088/beau
https://www.dogstrust.org.uk/rehoming/dogs/dog/filters/ess~~~~~n~/1170093/charlie
I don't know anything about the centre though.

I read books when i rescued mia claire id highly recommend looking at various websites. When you go and see a staffy for potential adoption/fostering id ask them about
History
Health checks ears,eyes,mobility.
Any current health ,mobility problems.
Socialisation.
What food the person is feeding
Dogs general character.
Take the dog a walk to see how they are id also recommend 2 or 3 visitis before adopting.
Vaccinations and microchipping and whether they are up to date or not.
If your potential dog hasnt been neutered/speyed theres this to consider too.

Sorry to hi jack your post with puppy antics. Yes I agree it's best not to rush. I'm sure you will find your staffy friend before to long

I have news!!!

We went over to The Dogs Trust at Basildon this afternoon and met Jess. She is a real sweetheart She is a small 3 yr old staffy who was handed in to Arc rescue in Ireland. She is good with other dogs and will be fine to walk and take to training classes. She has no medical issues and has been checked over by the vet. She is underweight at the moment but is filling out nicely. She is vaccinated, micro chipped, spayed, has been treated for worms and fleas etc. She will come with 2kg of food to get us started plus a months free insurance.

Sorry for the rubbish pictures!

https://www.flickr.com/photos/149870196@N06/

Very very happy

Ooh Claire!! So is Jess a definite? She is going home with you? If so congratulations!!! Jess looks & sounds perfect. I'm so so happy for you

Doh! Sorry Laura, yes, I missed off the most important bit - Jess comes home next Tuesday

I am (nearly!) a staffy mum

It did sound definite, I was just checking. Oh wow, I really am delighted for you. Not long to wait!! You will love being a staffy Mum & Jess will love you so much

She sounds very sweet & gentle

I feel so very lucky She really is a beautiful dog She gets excited and jumps up but we can attend training together as it might teach me a thing or two also!

Thank you so much for all you patience and support You guys here have helped more than I can say

She looks very beautiful in your pictures with a lovely, kind, pretty face. Everyone in the forum here will be looking forward to hearing about your adventures with Jess. Lots of fun & cuddles are on the way for you

Oh she is beautiful! It's so wonderful to hear about rescues. I'm so happy for you all. It's amazing to be blessed with a dog. They are just wonderful and its lovely to hear of a dog getting their forever home and coming out of kennels xx

Gosh! She's tiny! Absolutely beautiful little girl, so happy for you. I hope she learns quickly about not jumping up and all three of you go on lots of adventures together

Do happy for you claire love when a rescue gets a home. any advice claire we are always here for advice whenever you need

I'm so, so pleased for you, Claire She looks a real sweetie. Any chance I could get to meet her when she's settled in?

Thank you all so much I don't think you all realise how much your support and advice have enabled this to happen You have been so patient and non judgemental I know I can be positively anal about thinking things through but its only because I want to get it right and not mess up some poor dogs life even more.

Liz, you are welcome to come and see her anytime, or I could come to you, meet halfway etc That would be really lovely

Melts my heart this does . Hope you take plenty photos claire i do love staffies not that anyone noticed

Mia05 wrote: i do love staffies not that anyone noticed

Crystal you never said? You kept that a big secret, I didn't think you were a doggy person

Brilliant news Congratulation's on your fur child hehe.. get yourself ready for feeling a whole lot of love

Congratulations ! So delighted that you've found THE one for you

A very well done on the rescue,she sounds and looks great,and the very best of luck with your new fur baby.

Thank you all very much

Jess is helping me already and she is not even home yet! I have been so depressed but this morning I woke up with something to really look forward to and to plan for I felt an energy I haven't had for some time.

I have been shopping! I had a budget and I (almost!) stuck to it! Apparently she is really fascinated by toys but she doesn't know what to do with them bless her - how sad is that? I have found some local training classes which are only 15 minutes away. They very much focus on positive reinforcement and reward for good behaviour.

I know to let her settle down and not overwhelm her but I am so looking forward to loving her

P.S I so wish that every online group was like this one

This is great news for you both I can see the connection already with Bella, the fact that she is (sorry) offering you her butt (a dogs weak point, shows trust) Hope it all goes well & you can give her a forever home

Oh wow... Fantastic news Claire, I am so happy for you

Are you counting the days Claire? I chose Rebel when he was about ten days old so that was some wait

Claire a budget and a dog never goes well. so happy as i know how much joy a staffy brings. Have you an old towel or blankets you could use them as part of a bed to help jess settle in .x

I am counting the hours Laura I keep looking at her pictures and smiling

Yes Crystal, its all ready I have spent hours looking at dog stuff and have a very long wish list

How would you guys handle the first night and few days? Any real do's and don'ts please?

We tried to keep everything quite calm and peaceful to allow her time to settle in. We had some short walks, ( she had never been walked before) and we tried to establish a feeding routine etc. It only lasted a week as she went into season so the walks were moved to silly o clock in the morning and evening.

I'd say have loads of treats ready and just let her come to you. It's got to be stressful and exciting having a new home and she will need time to settle. Start out as you mean to go on with misty I must admit we didn't. We were adamant she has her own bed and must sleep in the living room.... That lasted for about two months and she's claimed our bed since then!!
Get ready to have the best time of your life! X

As you don't really know anything about her past, I'd do everything on the assumption that she might not know about it. That doesn't mean tip toe round and wrap her up in cotton wool, but just keep your eyes open to things that might concern her and don't ask too much of her. One common mistake - not one you'll make I don't think - is that people immediately want to show off a new dog to the whole world but forget that this can really overpower the dog. Let her take her time to tell you what she's happy with an not, and 'nots' you can work on gradually.

Out and about, I'd keep her on a long line for walks while you work on recall. Again, a common mistake is to let them off too early. I'm all for letting young puppies off quickly as they don't have the confidence to leave you much but adult dogs are different and can vanish before you know it!

But the main thing is to enjoy. And take lots of photos for us!!!

Id introduced mia to new things gradually and let her settle in . Let her everywhere in the house and followed her everywhere to see what she made of it all. If any training needs done id leave it a month as i did with mia .

Thank you very much for the very good advice - I appreciate it

I have just been to the Post Office and whilst I was there I met Honey, a 6 month old staffy - she was absolutely gorgeous, both in nature and to look at I got chatting to her mum who said that getting Honey is the best thing she has ever done

Come on Tuesday afternoon, hurry up and get here!!!!!

I think laid back, calm & gentle is the way to go when taking a new dog home. Let her come to you & give her lots of love when she does

Make sure you have lots of treats on hand for walks in case of scary rubbish bins/giant logs/statues.

Be aware that she might be scared of one type of traffic, but not another. Some giant vans pass Gizmo by with no comment, others have him cowering in terror.

I'm so happy for you, you're the perfect person to be having a dog because you've thought it through and considered every eventuality.

Did Jess come home today xx

Hi all

I'm sorry for being quiet. I haven't been well and got out of hospital yesterday afternoon. I have got to have a range of tests to see what else might be wrong.

We have made the decision not to take Jess. Gary works full time and I have several hospital appointments now coming up, the first one now being next week. I have also been referred to physio as the doctor has discovered damage to the discs in my neck. It just wouldn't be fair and Jess deserves better

I feel very defeated at the moment. This is not how I imagined life to be at 40 years old.

I hope you are all ok - I'm sorry to be such a disappointment

Aw honey, you're not a disappointment, so sorry your health's mucking you about. I really hope you find out what's wrong quickly and that you start to feel better soon.

The important thing is for you to get well. Take care & I hope your appointments go well & you feel better very soon xx

Oh Claire, I'm so sorry to hear that your health is not at it's best at the moment but it does not give you the right to think that you're disappointing anyone. The fact that you put your OH's situation and Jess' before your own wanting is such a selfless act - confirms what a really great person you are.

Hope you find solutions to your health issues and with regards to a canine friend, never forget : the best comes to those who wait
(Nifty is my living proof of this.  )

You sound like you need some doggy cuddles and a chat - I'll text you.

hello guys i am new here

Hi Caroline, do you maybe want to start a thread of your own introducing yourself?

Oh claire i hope you make a speedy recovery you considered and put jess before yourself. Take care of yourself

Does anyone have any news from Claire ?
I really hope she's ok and that she knows she's still warmly welcome here despite not yet having her canine friend.

I've been thinking the same.. really feel for her

Yes, I'm in contact with Claire. I'm planning on popping over the week after this so she can have some Millie cuddles. I'll let her know everyone's asking after her and that you'd love to hear from her.

Please do let Claire know we were thinking of her