STAFFY OWNERS HELP PLEASE urgent

viktory

pboae wrote: »

There is absolutely no reason to think that a dog aggressive dog is any threat to humans (which is why the police have little interest in dog on dog attacks). To be talking having him put down at this stage is a massive over reaction.

That's as maybe - but would any caring human want to take that chance? And what about other poor pet owners, innocently walking their beloved pets? Do they not have the right to walk their pets without the fear of savage attack? That is why I suggested that this dog is either permanently muzzled when out and kept on the lead. If the OP is not prepared to do this, then the dog should be PTS - or perhaps rehomed with someone that will take a responsible attitude.

pboae

Of course it should be kept under control (although if I have read the OPs post right, the GSD was also aggressive, and unmuzzled, though at least on lead). Although in many cases muzzling can actually make the situation worse (and a dog can still do a lot of damage with a muzzle on). Having said that, it shouldn't have been running up to an onlead dog in any case.

Lot of 'caring humans' (myself included) are willing to take a chance on dog aggressive dogs, knowing full that that 99% of the time they can be turned around. If we weren't none of these dogs would get a second chance, after being abused, screwed up and then dumped by their original owners.

If humans were a bit more caring in the first place maybe less dogs would end up like this. As that's not going to happen maybe we could at least hope for people to curb their hysteria rather than just crying 'kill it, kill it' when people ask for help.

hazelmere1

Hi sad dog lady , we have a staffy and while he is a lovely dog he is only ever let off the lead (extendable) when i can see there is no other dog around when we're on a large field etc . As soon as i spot another dog he is back on the lead before he spots them . He has been attacked twice whilst on the lead by "friendly" labradors and springer spaniels and now has an inherent hatred of any such dog or any dog bigger than him . Dont muzzle your staffy just be a bit more careful. Chin up x

Debt_Free_Chick

I'm just wondering .... what do you mean when you say your staffie "attacked" the alsation?

Was this really a vicious attack? Or a bit of playfulness?

Unusual for a 2 yo small dog to really attack a fully grown alsation. Despite the size difference a 2 yo dog is not usually mature enough to have that much confidence.

Incisor

pboae wrote: »

There is absolutely no reason to think that a dog aggressive dog is any threat to humans (which is why the police have little interest in dog on dog attacks). To be talking having him put down at this stage is a massive over reaction.

But there is even less reason to think that it wouldn't. These dogs are probably more reliable to discriminate between their pack and other packs [including humans in their packs] than they are to discriminate between humans and dogs. What it has done to a stranger dog, there is every reason to think it will do to a stranger human.

Sad dog lady, you need professional help and quickly, it is possible to turn a dog aggressive dog around, but it's hard work and requires a huge amount of time and commitment. It training hasn't helped yet, it's because you haven't found the right trainer. Believe me, I saw endless people with my dog, including one who is supposed to be a world expert, and they all wrote him off, until I find the right one who understood him and was willing to help.

He's still not perfect, and he will never really like other dogs, but he is safe around them now, and I know I can control him in any situation. If you want to PM me, feel free.

I think the OP has already put a lot of money and effort into this and at some point a stop would need to be called.

Hippygirl

I love staffies and thought (briefly) about getting one, but decided that they would just not fit into our lifestyle - young children, elderly cat, lots of neighbouring cats and dogs and we frequently go away to stay with various dog-owning friends. Instead we have 2 goldies who are perfect and can be utterly trusted with other people, children, dogs, pets.
The 2 happiest staffies I ever met lived in a remote farmhouse, with acres and acres to play in (no neighbours and especially no other dogs) and were owned by a semi-retired couple who had adult chhildren and lots of time to devote to their dogs.
I'm guessing that if you've already spent £2000 on training this agression isn't a new problem? I totally sympathise and feel for you because we adore our dogs ....BUT...if I ever felt there was the slightest risk to anyone else because of them I would act quickly, because the consequences just don't bear thinking about. Have you spoken to anyone from a staffie rescue agency for advice?
I'm sorry, i don't have any answers, but i too am horrified by the people who seem to think it is OK to lie to the police! Please don't take that option.

newmee

I too am a Staffy owner and he was rescued at about 18 months old. We have now had him about a year and he has achieved so much in that time, through committment of ME reading and learning and not allowing emotion to interfere with nature.
Hippygirl, Staffies do not need to live in large houses with lots of space..in fact quite the opposite if anything. If you read about the breed then you can see that their history meant that they lived in very confined 2 up 2 down city houses with large families and lots of children. They are great with kids, yes, just like ANY dog if trained and treated correctly...not as a human but as a dog. (No offence meant, just challenging stereo-types of Staffies). Our Staff shares the home with an elderley cat, who puts him in his place! and an annoying 9 year old without any problem.

That said...I NEVER let my dog off the lead when we are in public..NEVER That has nothing to do with my dog's behaviour either as he has never, ever shown any aggression towards another dog BUT because of other stupid dog owners who do and the general public who have a blinkered view of Staffies. My dog has been attacked several times by other dogs in the park and I know full well if he was ever to rightfully retaliate then who'd get the blame....YEAH you guessed it an evil pit-bull like Staffy who shouldn't be let out....not the unruly, untrained golden retriever (or whatever) who started all the crap off cos they are completely blameless aren't they cos they're not dangerous 'fighting dogs'! Sorry but it's all such cr*p. Too many people have dogs and haven't got a bloody clue about them.

OK, now that's off my chest my advice to the OP is KEEP HIM ON THE LEAD....simple....his breed unfairly disadvantages him, you have to accept that when you own one...and he has shown the signs before. Try not to worry too much...I agree with lisa2905, in that I don't think the police will be interested at all. My mum was bitten on the leg in a randon street attack, by a dog playing on a front lawn with the owners 2 children. She reported it and nothing came of it.

shazza40

my sil has a staffie. is also aggresive towards other dog even larger dogs.
saying that tho she is very loyal and protective of owner and soft as a brush with other people. dont even think of putting your staff down just make sure you keep under control ie short lead.

hugs
sha

greenmoneysaver_2

Control of Dogs Act 1930 - your dog must be under control at all times in a public place.

For you this now means on a lead and muzzled. A halti may look to you like a restraint but unless you have bought a poorly fitted one they allow a full openign of the mouth, as THEY ARE NOT A MUZZLE!!!! It does not matter how much you make him wear, if he is off the lead he is not under control.

I agree not to lie to the police, especially as if they take a black and white view of the law above the other dog was under control.

I think you are sensible to consider PTS, you have obviously tried and invested alot, but do have to think of your and his quality of life. if he enjoys homelife and can have free reign there, is a couple of lead walks a day a real problem? And can you keep him safely on a lead without being pulled over or him getting the lead wrapped around the children? PTS may not be appropriate now, but is a humane and sensible option available to you to prevent this dog suffering in kennels if you are unalbe to cope.

Let us know how the lead walking etc goes.

Hippygirl

Hi Newmee- sorry, I wasn't saying they needed to live in large houses - just that those were the 2 happiest and least confined staffies I've ever met. I don't have a 'stereotyped' view of Staffies - as I said, I've known lots and think they are lovely dogs. My mum had one as a child - they lived in a town ...but she (dog not mum!) had to be kept on her lead at all times and regularly killed cats which went into their garden. She refused to allow any other dog into the house (or even to walk past if she'd had her way!) She was also the most loyal, loving family pet. But it has to be the right circumstances - as with any pet. All dogs have individual needs and as responsible owners we have to take those into account before committing - hence my decision not to have a dog which would not necessarily have needs which were compatible with our lifestyle. We live in the country and I don't want to have to keep my dogs on leads all the time - obviously, if the situation requires it, I do. I don't want to have to refuse invitations to friends with dogs. I wasn't doubting staffies ability to be affectionate, loyal companions - just recognising that as a family other needs have to take priority. and our dogs are definitely dogs, not humans!! They know their place in the pack (below the cat!) Unfortunately, lots of people do not recognise that distinction and thats where problems can often arise, when dogs do not understand their pack -position and seek to assert their dominance.