New pup and don't want to repeat history

Hi all

I have a beautiful little staff pup who is 13 weeks and I'm looking for advice on the best ways to socialise her and avoid dog aggression. My first ever staff was dog aggressive and she simply couldn't be around other dogs from around 2 years old until she passed at 15. She was the most amazing and loving dog with people though and my absolute best friend. I was only 15years old myself when I got her though and I'm sure I would have made mistakes. Is it true that some staffs are just dog aggressive regardless of what you do?? Or can I avoid this happening again?

Before this pup I had a whippet/collie/bull Cross and have learnt a lot about training and socialisation through him but I'm wondering if dog aggression is just something some staffs have?..

Looking for any advice? Stories of wonderful staffs that don't show any aggression? And help at all?

Thank you so much

Hi & welcome.

What's your pup's name? What does she look like? (Yes, I'm nosey!)

I know many people will disagree with me, but over the years (around 40) I've found that some Staffords do have that inherited fighting gene. I've had a dog aggressive Stafford and a dog aggressive Bull Terrier. I don't know if you have ever been to a championship dog show? Even those well trained show dogs like to 'have a pop'!

That's not to say that it can't be handled, or even that it's likely to happen, just be aware.

Socialisation isn't about allowing your dog to free play with every dog around, or even to greet every dog. It's about getting your dog used to the every day things that happen in the home & the wide world outside.

Get your pup used to sights & sounds by carrying her around, even if she hasn't finished her vaccination course. Let her see & hear things from the safety of your arms.

When she goes for walks, ask people with calm friendly dogs to quietly hold their dogs still & allow yours to sniff without getting too hyper. If either dog gets too excitable then stop & go on your way. Don't go to 'dog parks' where dogs (often badly behaved) are off lead - they could ruin your training in a few seconds!

When you're ready, find someone who is willing to be a guinea pig & whose dog is calm & friendly, but well behaved & with a good recall. Find somewhere safe (you can hire a secure field) and let them walk side by side, followed by a short period of free play. That's when recall is essential! Your pup won't want to come back! But if your friend's dog has good recall, they can call theirs back & you can collect your wriggly pup! Do this over several weeks & gradually increase playtime. Never let her fully play with a dog you don't know!

Good luck! Let us know how you get on.

Thanks so much for your reply. She's the all clear for walks so we have been taking her to different places like town and fields etc as well as small walks. She's met a few dogs that I know from the local area whilst out but not had a proper play yet. I have a friend with a lab and springer and they are super well behaved so we will be using them to help with her play and training etc. She's
naturally desperate to meet every dog and person she sees!

That was my gut feeling too that some do just have it in them regardless. I guess we just have to do everything right and be prepared to find ways to manage if it does go that way.

She's called Skye, she's absolutely beautiful and so far the easier pup I have ever met! I'm waiting for that to change as she gets boulder and wants to test boundaries haha I think I have attached 2 pics?

Awww, she's beautiful! That last pic melts the heart!