Staffordshires are a close relative of the pit bull, but they are very sweet if properly socialized.
American Staffordshire Terriers, or Staffs for short, actually originated in England but found increased popularity in early America as farm hands for the pioneers. Their confidence and athleticism prepared them for a wide range of jobs, such as pulling, guarding livestock and hunting. Today, Staffs have a bad rap because many lines have been bred for fighting other dogs. However, they have maintained the confidence and athleticism that make them suited for family life as well as dog sports if properly trained and handled.
Instructions
Train a Staff Puppy
1. Socialize your puppy as soon as you bring him home. Staff puppies are very intelligent and confident, but that can turn into fear if not properly exposed to people, noises and other animals. Because Staffs are terriers, they need to be exposed to other dogs and animals to avoid aggression developing later in life. If your Staff appears nervous, move slowly. Wait for the natural confidence to kick in and then reward for approaching the feared object. If your veterinarian warns you not to take your puppy out until after he's vaccinated, invite other people and dogs to your home or carry your puppy to areas where it will be exposed to many different situations. The socialization window is limited after 14 weeks of age.
2. Teach your Staff puppy politely walk on leash when he is young. These breeds are incredibly strong, so if not taught walk on leash, they can drag even a strong person down the street. But they need lots of exercise, especially when young, so it's important that they be able to walk. Don't use punishment when training your Staff to walk. Instead, simply stop walking when your puppy pulls. When he turns to look at you, making the leash loose, praise and walk again. If you do this consistently, you will see results quickly. If you have trouble handing your Staff, try a Premier Easy Walk harness, which will give you better control than any type of collar.
3. Build respect between you and your Staff by instituting a "nothing in life is free" program in which your puppy has to work for whatever he wants. Teach him a few simple behaviors, such as sit, down and stay. Then, make him perform a behavior before receiving petting, treats or walks. In addition, this will teach your Staff calm, respectful behavior. Consider hand-feeding your puppy for the first few weeks of adolescence (around six months), making him perform a behavior for each handful of food.
4. Crate train your Staff puppy in order to properly house train him. An unsupervised puppy can relieve himself whenever and chew on all objects. Staffs are so smart that house training is relatively easy as long as you are attentive. Anticipate when your puppy needs to go, such as after meals, naps and play time, and rush him outside. Reward him for going in the proper place. He may need to go as often as hourly, so pay attention. If he can't be supervised, crate him, though no longer than an hour at a time as a puppy.
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