Rescue centres are full of staffies looking for homes. If you’re reading this, you may either have one already or may be considering getting one. Here are some bits of information and advice that might be able to help you along your road with your new rescue.
Why are there so many staffies in rescue?
Contrary to popular myth, most staffies don’t end up in rescue from bad homes with drug dealers, gang members, etc. Some do come from such backgrounds but most are strays or were unwanted by their previous owners for one reason or another.
This means some may well have had awful experiences but others won’t. All, though, need loving homes and security.
The Staffordshire Bull Terrier is a very popular breed. The more popular the breed, the more likely it is for people to breed them indiscriminately. They are, sadly, very popular with back yard breeders, including those who simply want to make a bit of money and will sell puppies cheaply online or down the pub to people who fall for a sweet puppy without really wanting the adult dog it will become.
Staffies are also very misunderstood by the general public, and not in the way the public usually thinks. They are not rough tough fighting dogs, nor are they (when young) generally happy to just plod on the end of a lead making you look good. They are sensitve dogs with a high need for attention and company, and are high energy dogs with a need for plenty of exercise and stimulation. This is surely one reason why so many stray staffies are young, under 2 years old. Their owners just weren’t expecting the reality of the staffie! In this disposable world, if you don’t want something any more, you just get rid of it, and that includes dogs.
How do staffies cope in kennels?
While no dogs like being in kennels, staffies as a group probably fare worse than many breeds, due to being deprived of human company for much of the day. Their sensitivity can also lead them to stress more than others over being surrounded by strange, barking dogs. In extreme cases, high stress can lead to physical deterioration in staffies, including hair and weight loss.
On top of this, bull breeds and crosses in general are more likely to stay for longer than most other breeds. Some are there for years.
Do all rescue staffies have behavioural issues?
No, not all rescue staffies have behavioural issues. A lot are just normal, happy dogs with no more issues than any other dog. Many do have issues, the main ones being:
- pulling on the lead
- separation anxiety
- poor socialisation leading to dog-on-dog aggression
- over-excitement and a poor understanding of boundaries during play
We have information sheets that can help you with all of these. It is important to remember that a dog’s behaviour is not set in stone. Almost all behaviour problems can be improved, often completely eradicated, with time, patience and just a little know-how. It’s a good idea to have a look through our other information sheets – you can’t have too much information!
How do I find the right rescue dog for me?
We strongly advise you to rehome from a reputable rescue organisation. That might be one of the bigger organisation such as Battersea, the RSPCA or the Blue Cross. There are also many good smaller rescue centres and organisations, such as Senior Staffy Club. A registred charity is often a safer option as the Charities Commission will have done at least some checks to ensure it is properly run.
Please make sure that:
- dogs are fully health checked by a qualified vet and find out if a dog you are interested in has any current or long term conditions;
- the organisation has a support and return policy so that you have someone to turn to if things do go wrong;
- that the dog you are interested in has been properly behaviour tested, in particular for your home situation (e.g. children, other pets). It is not inappropriate for you to ask how any testing has been done;
- all of your household and other dogs meet your new dog at least twice before you commit. First meetings aren’t always a good indicator of how things will go later; and
- you have a home check beforehand. It may mean an annoying delay when you feel you can’t wait to get your new dog home but it is a really important part of making sure your home is indeed right for him.
When choosing a rescue dog, first and foremost you need to wear your ‘head’ hat. Your ‘heart’ hat will come into play, of course, but should be kept at bay.
Only look at dogs that suit your home situation. Avoid the traps of going for a dog you feel sorry for unless it is otherwise right for you, or for a dog you like the look of even though it’s not really what you know will fit. Also, be realistic about what you can actually offer. If it is stated that a dog will need further training, be honest about whether you are prepared to put in the time needed and maybe even get professional help. Young staffies are often high energy and can be demanding in the amount of time they need of you. Maybe consider an older staffie – they have all the cuddles without needing to zoom round your living room every evening!
Allow yourself to be guided by the staff. They will know their dogs and will know the type of home they feel they need. Most good rescue centres would not let you take a dog that is not suitable for you, or rather allow a dog to go to a home that is not right for it, but there are places that are happier to move dogs on quickly.
Please be very wary of rehoming privately unless you are prepared to take on a dog that may not be at all what was described. While many people advertising dogs on Preloved, Gumtree, Facebook, etc are genuine, many others are simply looking to get shot of their unwanted dog, often because it has problems that they can’t cope with. If they can’t, could you?
If you do consider rehoming privately, again put your ‘head’ hat on. Insist on meeting the dog a few times first and don’t be pushed into taking him quickly because the family is desperate (most people can wait a week or so really) or because there is someone else interested (usually untrue but if it is then so be it).
The first days home
You have found your dog! The date is set and you are eager to help him settle in as quickly as possible. What can you do to help him?
- Before your dog comes home, prepare the ground. As well as making sure there are beds, bowls, toys, etc., it is worth sitting down as a family and deciding the ground rules. Will your dog be allowed on the furniture? Can he sleep in the bed (staffie says yes please!)? If training is needed, discuss first how it will be done and keep consistent among you. Look into training techniques that can help you and have a plan you can all work with.
- Ask the rescue centre if you can leave something that smells of you, such as an old fleece or something. That will give him the chance to get to know your smell. If you bring that home when you collect him, it will give him some sort of continuity. Pop it in a place where he can sleep to encourage him to his spot.
- Ask the staff at the centre anything and everything you can think of. What does he eat, how much and how often? Does he have favourite toys or ways he likes to play? Is he a chewer and, if so, what sort of thing does he like to chew? Does he have a sweet spot to itch? You will, of course, find all these things out as you go along but it’ll help you get the right food, toys, etc, and not waste money on a heap of rubber toys only to find he prefers a rope bone.
- Assume nothing. Rescue centres can see the dog as he is with them. They cannot test for everything and a dog may react differently when away from the stress of kennels. Even picking him up, check he is travelling ok. It may be a good idea to have someone sit on the back seat with him – he should be wearing a harness and seat belt clip – until you can assess that he is happy in the car.
Without tip toeing around, just keep an eye on reactions when you get home. You may get reactions to obvious things like hoovers, storms, a raised arm when you got to reach for something, or a whole host of unexpected triggers such as a stray plastic bag in a hedge. If you find something that your dog is worried about, ask here straight away and we can help you deal with it as quickly as possible. Problems dealt with soon are usually dealt with more quickly.
- Go slowly. Give your dog time to settle. It is understandable that you want all your friends and family to meet him but this can be overwhelming for a disorientated dog. Wait for a few days before inviting people into your home and when you do, just a couple at a time. Ask everyone to let your new dog explore them if needed and not to crowd him. This is especially true with children who can get in really close with their faces – that can be intimidating to a dog.
- Keep your dog on a long training line until you have assessed recall in open spaces. Unless your dog has been in foster, this is something that most rescue centres won’t have the ability to test. Long training lines (5m+) are great, extending leads are not good for staffies.
Above all, remember that any behaviours you encounter will have been encountered by others before you. Your rescue centre should be able to offer you advice and support, and we certainly can. Don’t struggle alone, just ask!
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A Staffy-bull-terrier Frequently Asked Questions |
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