Dominance

Bit worried about her dominance lately, people have told me to watch her body language but......I dunno what I'm looking for??!! She will play (roughly) quite nicely and then she will try and get on top of another dog to stand over him/her, If she can't and she gets chalenged (rarely do ilet it get to that point ) I just know a scrap is gonna happen. I need to nip this in the bud NOW, espesh with Beau coming, any help appreciated xxx

Staffs do play rough... My boy does a lot of rough and tumble, jumping on my other dogs back and headbutting trying to prevoke a reaction (which he does!)
But as you say there is a fine line, and when it is crossed it can be terrible. I would suggest lots of controlled socializing on leash. She may just be curious and not know the 'rules' of acceptable behaviour... plus, dogs aren't daft, if you give them an inch they take a mile!!
Don't be afraid to be tough, a staff that is out of control can be dangerous, be dominant and stern!!
Good luck!!

as said above they do play rough .. half the time watching my two it looks like vinnie is doing some serious harm to skye .. but she just stands up and gives it right back to him! lol.
i always let my two play rough UNTILL they are getting way too rough and i feel that one is going to get hurt, i always watch the body language aswell .. sometimes it can be hard if they are playing while showing teeth and growling etc like they do .. i will always watch the hair on there back, the hocks, the tail, the eyes and how hard they are gripping each other .. THANKFULLY we have never had a problem with aggression and touch wood we never will.

For a while I'd keep her on lead when she's playing, and as soon as she tries to get on top of the other dog, I'd say "Get down!" and pull her sharply off. If necessary, finish the playing immediately.

She'll get the message soon enough, but you may always have to keep an eye on her & occasionally go back to basics.

Give this a read to help learn about body language.

http://staffy-bull-terrier.co.uk/dogbodylanguage.html

jstaff wrote:Give this a read to help learn about body language.

http://staffy-bull-terrier.co.uk/dogbodylanguage.html

I'm actually surprised that doesn't include the fact that a dominant dog will try to climb on to the back/shoulders of another dog. It's a classic dominance issue.