New Puppy - New Staffy Owner

Hi Everyone,

Just before our UK lockdown we adopted a puppy from one of our local rescue centres. We were never bothered about breed, just wanted a family dog. So we got Millie, who was 14 weeks at the time and is a Staffy Cross. They didn’t know what she is crossed with as they didn’t see her parents... her and the rest of the litter we’re left at a vets.

Has anyone ever used the dog DNA tests that are available to see what other breed/breeds a dog may be (not that it’s important but I’m so curious and don’t like not knowing something )
She’s nearly 5 months old. Sometimes I think she’s quite leggy but I guess they grow on height first.

Secondly, we had puppy classes booked, a socialisation class but then unfortunately she has her last jab on the Tuesday before we all went into lockdown so we’ve not been able to do any. Has anyone had to socialise a puppy or dog later on in age and any tips. I’ve read loads of things (and possibly not all true) that especially for this breed they need to be socialised with other dogs early and we can’t do this. She has got close to some dogs on walks but due to social distancing it’s a quick sniff and tail wag. Is this enough. She always wants to get close to everyone and everything... I’m worried once this is over it’s gonna be a lot harder to teach her how to behave round other dogs.

Any advise would be much appreciated. Or if anyone else is in the same boat how are you finding it?

Thank You

Sarah

Hi Sarah and Millie,

Welcome to the forum and congrats on your new addition to your family, Millie is stunning Beautiful markings!

Regarding DNA tests, they're not 100% accurate and who cares what your bull is crossed with, they will love you all the same and that's all that matters I personally wouldn't bother. Someone will pop along shortly who's had experience with a test I'm sure. I have 2 staffy x's one of which i think is crossed with a cow or seal (depends what noises they make) and the other we think is crossed with a rottweiler due to her markings but that could be heredity from a few lines back, not necessarily mum or dad.

You wont be able to see her fully developed until she's about 1ish so if you choose not to do a DNA then you'll have a better idea after a year.

In relation to socialisation, that's a tough one at the moment. FYI covid can be carried on their coat so its important you don't really let Mollie come into contact with another dog just yet. A quick sniff (at a distance) and tail wagg is absolutely fine, I would continue with this. Just because your not letting her off the lead doesn't mean this will cause issues in the future so please be careful what sources your getting your on-line info from

Please can I use your pictures for our instagram page?

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Nikita x

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Hi from me & Katy Millie is a lovely looking girl as Kita said you wont really be able to tell from looks until she's older. I've not tried the DNA tests. As for socialisation, very difficult at the moment but keep her going out & about seeing new things & people (from a distance) then get booked in for schooling when this is finally over!

Thank you for your replies... and absolutely, feel free to use the pictures of Millie. I love her markings I wasn’t sure about the DNA tests, get mixed reviews...I just like to see things in black and white but yeah, it really doesn’t matter.

We have been really careful when out and about, although some people seem to forget about social distancing when they see a puppy and try to walk straight over.

We’ll just keep doing what we’re doing and hope we can all get back to normal soon. I’m thankful I took her for her last vaccination when I did else she probably wouldn’t have been allowed out the house at all!

Hello and welcome.
What a sweetie, I fully understand why she came home with you
And good on you for taking on a rescue.

I would also echo not to rush out for the DNA test (the budget could be put towards “undestructible” toys instead  ) but to wait until she’s 12-18 months old. And hey, a little mystery always adds an extra bit of fun.

As for socialisation, I really believe that alot comes from home environment. If you stimulate your puppy, that they are happy, loved and comfortable in their paws, they usually manage better in puppy school.
Nifty started at 5 months old (after full vaccinations and summer holiday break) and she sailed through. You’ll see how staffy intelligence will allow her to “catch up” in no time.

Sounds like you’re off to a very solid start, I’m sure everything will continue in this positive direction.