New member with new Staffy

Hello
We’ve recently decided to get a Staffy who will be 8 weeks old.
I’ve never had a dog before but my partner has, but he’s fifo so I’m doing a lot
Of research into toilet training, food, sleeping area, and was wondering if you could help me out
I’ve read that a crate is a good idea and that they can near your bed for a few weeks maybe?
And not just to leave them in the laundry?
Do I have to get up and let it do wee or poo on its wee mat? Do they normally cry at night the first night?
Thankyou

Hi & welcome to the forum  

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Hello and welcome from us.
Congratulations also on your great decision to be owned by a staffy

Off to work soon so not much time now but for quick answers :
Crate depends on how and why but I would never leave mine in the bedroom unless that’s where your staffy will sleep. Mine is in a corner of my lounge.
Puppy should be used to using training mat when you acquire them so no, you won’t need to supervise them using it. However it’s nice to toilet train to do their business outside asap to eliminate training pad (which mine decided to destroy as soon as she was a bit older )
Nifty didn’t cry her nights, or any time actually. I went to fetch her with a big cuddly toy which we rubbed on litter mates to have their scent. Nifty also has an open access to her crate (instead of dog bed) as her “safe place” so she slept in there with her toy. We slept in the room next door so she could hear us I suppose, but not sure if this was a factor or not.

Good luck, others will be online to share their thoughts and experiences soon too.
PS. When does your staffy arrive ? He ? She ? Name ? It would be lovely to see a photo

Hi and welcome from me and mine

How exciting? I bet you can't wait!

There's lots of information about puppies and in general in info sheets - there are links in the welcome message Nifty Staffy posted. Toilet training and the use of crates are covered, hopefully they'll give you answers to many of your questions.

I agree about only letting your pup sleep in your room if you intend him to sleep there anyway - many of us have our staffs on/in bed with us, it's what they'd choose any day and I personally wouldn't have it any other way. Once they've got used to being with you it's an extremely hard thing to change.
I'd say that goes for most things, start off as you mean to go on. If something will be discouraged later, don't allow it because your little guy's so cute and only a puppy.

Crates - I'm not a fan unless you have a reason you'll need one later on. If you do get one, never use it without training and never use it instead of training.

Any other questions, just ask. A lot of us have been there, done that and have chewed holes in the t-shirt!

Thanks for the feedback.
I’m just still alittle confused on where they sleep, we’ve made her feeding area and sleeping area in laundry,
But it’s winter and I think it’s too cold for there. We don’t want her sleeping in our room but I feel,
Like she shouldn’t be left alone in the laundry all night? What’s everyone else do.

Her name will be Gidget - named by my 4 year old.
We get her next Thursday when my partner is home and my mum can have the kids while we go pick her up.
Once we get her I’ll definitely send a photo thru of her. So cute

Hi & a warm welcome.

There's nothing wrong with a crate as long as your pup is introduced to it carefully & sympathetically. I think there's a post in the training forum that tells how to get her used to it. The crate must be big enough for an adult Stafford to stand, turn around & lie down (stretched out) comfortably.

A crate must NEVER be used as punishment, or for extended periods (other than at night). It often helps to drape a blanket or fleece over 3 sides so that the crate feels like a den.

Hi from me & Katy, welcome to the wonderful world of staffies
Can't wait to see Gidget

Lovely original name, good choice !

Gidget2018 wrote:Thanks for the feedback.
I’m just still alittle confused on where they sleep, we’ve made her feeding area and sleeping area in laundry,
But it’s winter and I think it’s too cold for there. We don’t want her sleeping in our room but I feel,
Like she shouldn’t be left alone in the laundry all night? What’s everyone else do.

My Nifty has her crate in a corner of the lounge within her playpen in which she stays in when we’re out. Once home, she has free access to house except areas limited by baby gates.
I’m personally not a fan of having a staffy in my bed so I make sure hers is cosy enough for her instead (thick memory foam matress in her crate, lots of toys, etc)

Other than a crate what’s everyone else use to keep there puppy kept it their bed? I think the easiest thing would be a crate.
There might be a post about this which I’ll look around for but how much food is given. I’ve read 1/2 cup 3 times a day- does that mean wet food or dry?
Thanks

That refers to dry food, but each brand is different & you should go by the recommendations on the bag,and then adjust as necessary.

There are a LOT of differed foods out there - if you need help choosing, just ask!

Do we only give dogs dry food? If not what else do we feed him.
I understand they have treats but other than that during the day.

What sort of food do you intend to feed?

There's dry (kibble), wet (canned/trays) or raw (prey model, Barf & pre-mixed or DIY).

I don’t know, Im new to this dog stuff. What does everyone else do

I would say that you firstly need to ask the breeder what they are currently feeding as you will have to continue with this when you fetch Gidget to avoid intestinal problems. Then maybe work from there

Gidget2018 wrote:I don’t know, Im new to this dog stuff. What does everyone else do

That's a loaded question. Everyone has their own 'best option'. I, personally, prefer raw. Others swear by kibble or wet.

I think you need to do a little research & decide which way you want to go. It is important, however, to find out exactly how your breeder will be weening the pups.

Hi & Welcome to the Forum from Flo and me

I agree with the above, find out what feed is being given at the moment. We feed a mix, kibble for breakfast and half a tin & kibble in the evening but Gidget will obviously be different to start with anyway.

Seeing as it's Thursday is she home yet ?