what should i do about my dog?

Question

i want to starated taking my dog to get trained as since he turned 6months he is not listen i think his balls are dropping and he is try to get above me again in the pack order i have always been the boss but later im have trouble he is a staffy which im told are very strong mind dogs i just want to know sould i get a one on one trainer or go to a group as all he wants to do when he see other dogs is play with them and i want him to listen to me, as he is a very strong dog already ,he is so great with kids will not jump on them and he sits when told he will not eat till you tell him ,but when i call him he wont listen sometimes please help money and time is not a promble

Answer 1

I remember when my boy went through this.

dogncattech made some great points.

Staffie's are very strong willed dogs, but they love to please. People often make the mistake of thinking Staffs are stubborn. They are not they just need the right incentive for you to recieve the benefits of what a truly great dog you have.

Group socialisation/training is kind of a must to ensure that he remains a well socialised boy with other dogs and animals. But i think perhaps you could both benefit from 1 to 1 training for him to learn that he is not the leader of the pack. At his age they really are like a toddler and will push and push to see how far they can push you and what they can get away with.

I wish you all the best, and hope things go well. Neutering will help calm him down and ensure he doesnt try to roam when there is a female in heat near by (or at least not try to roam as much.) Good luck.

Answer 2

You could try the Petsmart classes. One of my dogs is actually going to graduate from the puppy class later today. (I am so proud. lol.) But anyways, the instructor we got was really good and gives lots of good tips and training techniques. The class will only work though if you continue to practice the training methods at home. I really like the environment too. I think its good to work on training with other dogs around, because then you get to work on training your dog to pay attention to you and not the other dogs. In the puppy class we worked on sit, stay, lay down, come, just the basics mostly, we also learned "take it" and "leave it" so the dogs only take treats when you say "take it" and when you say "leave it" they have to leave it alone. And these past few weeks we have been working on getting the dogs to stay, and then come with a treat in front of them, without eating the treat. My girl mastered it. lol. And another thing I really like about the class is that the dogs get a chance to play and socialize. The classes are 8 weeks long and cost about $100. They have different classes according to the dogs age/size and what you want the dog to learn.

Answer 3

If you feel one on one training for your dog is best then do that. But a trainer would be able to give you the basic techinques and show you how to get him to obey and continue to be obedient. He is still a pup and so when other dogs are around it is natural for him to want to play. A stern NO to let him know you are serious. If you are in a group training for what seems like a long time and he doesnt listen still then try the one on one until you are confident he will continue to listen.
Good luck!

Answer 4

Large Dogs?

Answer 5

Staffordshires are very strong dogs, so it is true that you need to be able to get him to listen to you. At 6 months, he is acting like a 2 year old child. He is going to constantly "test" you to see what he can get away with. You need training for him & you need to be consistent in your training,so he knows that you are "alpha" dog (the" pack leader" in your pack) Since he does seem to get along well with other dogs, then group training would work well for him. He needs the other dogs to become a successfully socialized dog. That way, you can take him anywhere & he wil behave. Look for obedience training classes in your area...some pet stores like Petsmart & Petco have classes, park districts sometimes offer classes, & check with your veterinarian. Dog trainers sometimes give local animal hospitals their business cards. Also, go on line to Staffordshire websites...fellow staffy parents can give you lots of advice.

Answer 6

Call a Pit Bull rescue and ask for trainers in your area. (Yes, I know you have a Staffie, but they are essentially the same). They will likely know of trainers in your area that are experienced with the breed. After consulting with the trainer, go from there regarding whether to start one on one or in a group. I am thinking initially the trainer would want to meet one on one. You have a great breed of dog that is highly trainable and you have the resources to get help with how to work with him, so go for it!

Answer 7

First, get him neutered.

Then I would recommend starting with a one on one instructor. Once you get the basics down there maybe join a group class. This can really help with socializing him with other dogs.

Maybe make a goal for yourself to train him to pass the Canin Good Citizen test. You can find info about this at www.akc.org all dogs can be tested (of all breeds and mixes). That way you have a reason to keep training!

Answer 8

It sounds like you're doing pretty good with him already. Your boy is just turning into a teenager - he'll grow out of it. Just a general obedience class would work - a private trainer seems a little excessive. The whole point of obedience classes is to train YOU not the dog. The trainer will teach you how to be consistent and how to properly correct behaviours. It's also good for getting your dog to pay attention to you when there's lots of distractions, which is why I say a group class is better.

Answer 9

I recommend taking him to a one on one trainer. You may want to consider a boarding school like the Monks of New Skete. They have one of the best training programs out there. Get the book The Art Of Raising A Puppy. There is so much great information in it.

Answer 10

First of all congratulations on deciding to get your dog the help he needs.

I would say to you to find a reputable dog trainer in your area (you can try the association of pet dog trainers on line), and get your dog evaluated. Be honest with the trainer about the issues you are having and explain to them exactly what you want the dog to do. They should be able to tell you how quickly that should happen (remember your going to have to work with the dog on a daily basis as well)

I had major pulling and focus issues with my Stella. I hired a trainer, who has been able to be of tremendous help.

Good luck!