If it's a Staffordshire bull terrier then you essentially have a Pit Bull. Best advice I can give you is to take your puppy to obedience classes early in it's life and introduce it to many people. They are wonderful pets as long as you do this and when they're not inbred.
2007-10-31 03:13:28
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answer #1
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answered by Alpha Dad 3
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I'm not sure if you have an English Staffordshire Bull Terrier or an Amstaff (American Staffordshire). They started out as the same breed and were originally English Staffys, but the American bred dogs became much larger, and eventually were declared a separate breed.
Although they are sometimes considered under the Pitbull heading, they are not Pitbulls. The English Staffy is called 'the Nanny Dog' in it's native country because of it's strong attachment to children, and it's gentle yet protective manner.
ALthough not Pitbulls, both the English and American Staffordshire's are strong dogs, tend towards being stubborn, and although they're extremely people-friendly and trainable they are not generally dog-friendly. Once into adolescence a Staffy should not be allowed to play or run free with other dogs unsupervised. They play very rough, and although they won't generally start a fight, if provoked they won't back down.
Early and continuing training and socialization are absolutely vital if you want a happy, friendly, confident and social dog. A puppy class, followed by basic obedience and then ongoing training at home is important. As many social experiences as you can manage are also needed.
These dogs are very, very loving, gentle with their family and of a very cheerful personality. I lost my beloved English Staffy earlier this year in a tragic accident, and her huge 'smile' and her determination to get a belly rub from every person she ever met, are the memories that are with me every day.
Treating her like a baby is okay for a while, she is a baby after all! But don't coddle her or let her 'rule the roost' or you could have a little dictator on your hands later. Equally, don't encourage her to be aggressive or 'tough', these dogs are strong, determined and intelligent, they don't need to be taught how to protect or be 'bully', it will naturally come with maturity.
Best of luck with your pup, they're really wonderful dogs. You can find tons of free information, advice and tips on all aspects of raising and training puppies, and basic puppy care at the url below. Have fun!
2007-10-31 04:05:07
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answer #2
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answered by suzy49 5
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Pit-bull? Are staffies going to be banned next??
As for the nxt answer, sweetheart, you can call your puppy a baby if you like, in fact, you can refer to her as anything. Just remember, she is driven by instincts mostly with the need to be accepted by her 'pack' which is you. Its up to you to teach her manners and acceptable behaviour amongst humans. Staffies are sensitive family dogs, but they need firm leadership, its worth taking her to obediance classes so that she can learn how to behave with you and your children? Staffies can be brilliant with children, not so good with other pets tho. But, if she is a baby, i would suggest introducing her to as many animals and children as you possibly can, put her in every situation that you would expect her to be in for the years to come, don't allow her to be hurt during these important learning years. Have children feed her etc. Try to make every experience a positive one for her. Staffies are a very sweet breed, they get ruined by bad owners, as with any breed.
RE: After reading the other answers above mine.. I hope you love your present, and im sure you will do the right thing by her. I mean, i don't have children but that doesn't mean i won't have any because im inexperienced, puhleeazzee. Have your pup neutered, schooled and look after her and you will have a family friend for life. and, in 12 mths time when your pup is well adjusted to your life, you will be glad to kno that you have provided a home for a dog for a lot longer than some of these do-gooders who tell you not to get a specific breed because it has a blood thirst according to them??These people support the 'better breeders', they bred them and now they are deserting them...Staffies are beautiful dogs, wheres the support people??
2007-10-31 03:36:49
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answer #3
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answered by jukette 3
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You need more information than what you can get through Yahoo Answers.
My suggestion is to check out books from a library or buy some books on both puppy/dog training and on your breed. Also read what you can online regarding your breed.
Actually, the time to do this research is BEFORE you get a dog. A pet is a long-term commitment. Please take the time to read as much as you can.
2007-10-31 03:23:11
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answer #4
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answered by Michelle M 5
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Best thing to do is to treat her like a dog, and teach her right from wrong... Take some classes and learn how to train her, and don't treat her like a little baby. Set boundaries, let her know the rules, enforce them.. Don't let her get away with anything now, you wouldn't find acceptable as an adult.
2007-10-31 03:19:14
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answer #5
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answered by DP 7
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no offense, but why would your husband buy you a dog you know nothing about?!?!
do some research on the internet. it's that thing right in front of you!
go to your local pet store and sign up for training and obedience classes.
feed your dog some good quality kibble:
http://www.dogfoodanalysis.com/dog_food_reviews/index.php
if you're serious about taking care of a dog you have to be prepared to do some work.
* people shouldn't buy animals as gifts!
2007-10-31 03:20:59
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answer #6
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answered by suz_la 3
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tsk tsk on hubby for suprising you with a dog you dont know a thing about..
NEVER treat any dog like a baby.. dogs are not people.. they need to be treated like dogs...
first off is the pup vaccinated and dewormed?? if not take it to a vet straight away and get this done...
next step is OBEDIENCE LESSONS - this is key for teaching socialization and is the #1 reason why so many dogs go "bad" is becuase owners neglect this step..
TERRIERS are agressive breds - bred for hunting, fighting, killing.. this dog will be stronger than you.. NEVER play dominance games with it.. - this way it will never think it is the boss.. dominance games are things like "Tug of War"...
2007-10-31 03:25:03
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answer #7
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answered by MandB 4
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I've found this site helpful for a number of things. You should also think about a training class.
2007-10-31 03:30:01
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answer #8
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answered by Freckles... 7
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Its your dog so do what you want with it and look up the dog on the internet and it will tell you about it
Good Luck I betcha your dog is cute
2007-10-31 03:41:54
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answer #9
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answered by Bailey 4
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