staffordshire bull terriers?

Question

hi ya just got a staff as our family pet, only 7 weeks old he is a real cute, but just want my mind put 2 rest, that he wont turn on our 3 children.

thanks very much for so many answers,
i did read up a lot about staffs b4 we got 1, but just wanted comments from people with who have or had a staffy.

its made great reading

thanks 2 all

Answer 1

Staffies are great family pets as a rules, but don't think that you just have to love him, and everything will be fine, although that's a good starting point.
2nd point: your puppy is very young and has everything to learn; that is your role. Because you have children, he will be well socialised with them, providing they handle him in the right way: they have to be gentle with him, no pulling ears or tail please, and don't tease him. Most dogs put up with these, but some don't, and also, it is not very fair for the dog.
Another important point: staffies love to use their mouth, but they have to learn that teeth on human skin are forbidden. If he does mouth at your hands, yelp (don't shout at him, he doesn't know it is wrong yet, you just want to surprise him), and walk away from him. He will soon learn that mouthing ends the fun and will stop. Tell your children and everyone else to do the same. Also, give him alternative to chew on: he can mouth toys while playing, and chew toys to massage his gums.
Don't get him overexcited when playing as this may lead to nipping, and don't play rough games for the same reason.
Always supervise your children around the dog, as they don't know how to behave with each other.
Basically, although he is still a puppy, don't allow him to do anything that you won't want him to do as an adult, that will save you problems later on.
Sounds like a lot, but most of it you will do naturally don't worry! Have fun with your puppy, and am sure he will be fine, they usually are

Answer 2

As has already been said any dog can turn but I have an 8 month old staffie who loves my son and has shown no sign at all of aggression towards any member of the family, she doesn't even like rough play lol. You have made a good choice in the breed as I recently learnt that cocker spaniels from the german line are the most likely to turn and it also depends on which colour they are too, this breed had been portrayed as loving pets but now owners are finding the reality is they are not. Have fun with your dog but be prepared for lots of chewing as mine has totally destroyed my kitchen floor tiles which has now been replaced with lino so there are no edges for her to get her teeth into ha ha. Just do not allow the children to tease the dog and all will be fine you have to show the dog respect and it will love you completely.

Answer 3

I have had staffie for 13 years now and they are a great family dog, My first two staffies i had was when i didn't have children and then when they was 5 years old we started a family, and the dogs were never jealous of the children.
We brought 2 staffie pups in June, children are now 7 and 6 and they are great with them, just like others had said - make sure they know you are the boss, and when they get too excited with the children when playing, tell them 'No' 'gently' or whatever word you want to use. As the dog is a puppy and growing up with the children you will not have any probs. Just train him well and don't let him jump up at people as this is a sign of dominance to them. Have fun - you will not be disappointed

Answer 4

Really - You should have studdied the breed before you purchased the dog. Anyway -

You should not have any worries. They are great family pets and very loyal to the family pack. They will defend you and your children to the death and ofcourse will play with your children until they collapse. (Your kids that is not the dogs)
They are known to chew though so I suggest you do all you can to prevent this. Firstly, when you leave give your dog a bone or a toy with treats in them. Also restrict the dog to one room in the home and try your best to dog proof it as best you can. This is important as these dogs have very strong chaw structure that can tear up your home in no time. All the best with your new puppy - Your kids will love you forever for this!

Answer 5

First, please remember that he is a Staffordshire, not a Pit Bull. I have had quite a few of these dogs in my life and never had any problems. Also any dog can become vicous and turn on people or other dogs if not properly card for. Socialize him well, love on him lots, train, and let the children be part of that. Always make sure the dog knows that you are all above him in the chain of command.

Answer 6

we have got a staff pup too she is now 6mnts old we have had her since she was 7 weeks too and i can safely say with hand on my heart that she is the most friendliest loyal pup ever and as for the kids she lives for them she waits at 3 00 every week day for my son to come home from school she adores him and i know your pup would not turn on your 3 kids they are the beat dog ever to have around kids they are we;; known for this you can go on any web site to do with staffs and this will back it good luck and have fun with your pup because they really are the best dogs ever in my opinion x

Answer 7

you've got no worries mate! Ive got two staffs a 7 year old and a 6 month old they have NEVER shown any aggression to my kids its all about how they are raised treat your dogs well and they will be great family dogs.

Answer 8

Hi i have a staffy he is 5 now we have had him from a puppy and we have three children he is fine with them and always has been, but he does not like babies, but that is my fault because i have spoilt jake and he is my baby so he gets jelous, he has never gone for a baby but he starts barkin if someone comes to the house with one, i tend to put him in the kitchen or the garden to be on the safe side, but dont worry u will be fine and so will your staffy. good luck

Answer 9

he shouldnt turn on ur kids, i had a staff and also 2 children, the dog was playfull and protective of the kids....the only down side to having a staff was the chewing of furniture lol good luck

Answer 10

i have been around staffies most of my life, and i have never seen one turn, any dog has the ability to turn, its just that the media doesnt think it makes for very interesting news when a labrador mauls a kid or just recently i read a tiny peice in the sun about 2 springer spaniels ripping apart a young kid, there are no guarantees in this life, you treat your dog with the repsect it deserves and it will respect you in return, staffies are very loyal and loving pets if you treat them right, as with any dog.