Staffies

Rev

I absolutely hate the way people stroke dogs without asking. I get it all the time and it annoys the crap out of me. I live close to two footballs grounds and was out with my dog a few weeks ago when the match let out, I can't count the amount of people who stroked or patted the dog without asking or giving any warning. Yet if the dog had turned on someone, he'd have gotten the blame. If I was walking in a huge crowd of people and was repeatedly touched by strangers I guarantee I'd show considerably less patience than the dog. Thankfully the dog didn't bat an eye lid, but I was fuming.

bramble1

My puppy is very boisturous, i've always worried about people letting their children go up and stroke him, he's a lovely dog, but he gets really excited, parents see a yellow lab puppy 'awww look a little marley, go and say hello'

Bramble was still learning not to bite eveything then, i would panic so much! Luckily he was fine and parents seemed to understand when I asked explained.

We used to joke that we wished we had an ugly puppy so people would be less tempted to stroke him!

Sublime_2

Anybody who is thinking about taking on a rescue staffy, please look here. Please then think carefully about whether one would be right for you. I love them, and couldn't think about a better dog, but they do like people interaction. They don't ask for much, just to be loved (not excluded), have a walk, and a nice meal everyday.

foreign_correspondent

My mum was not a fan of staffies in particular, until she looked after one overnight that we had found straying... she fell in love with her overnight, she had not realised how people focussed they are, a complete contrast to her rather aloof sighthoundy/lurcher type dog.. (who is also lovely, but different!)

The staffy had that little way that staffies do of almost trying to talk to you, and wanting to be right next to you all the time - and those lovely, soulful eyes...

I think it is a tragedy that although they are a breed that is really focussed on their humans, we let them down so badly...my local pounds and rescues are alwyas full of them, and so many of them are just desperate for human contact - for a stroke, a fuss, or a love...

If I was ever going to have a staffy, I would have to take one of those little dogs on, not encourage the birth of even more of the poor souls - if I bought a pup, mine may be looked after well, but how many others from the litter would end up in the pound or worse? Statistically the odds are not good for pups of this breed.

tandraig

er - in defence of westies - have known two - and they were both lovely friendly dogs - neighbours dogs and always up for a bit of attention when I was passing!
I have granddaughters who adore dogs - but - I make them ask the owners if its allright to stroke the dog - and watch for signs the dog isnt in the mood! have explained to gds that sometimes dogs dont want to be fussed over - just like them!
I used to hate it when kids rushed up to my dog(s) and started to pet them - I had one kid kiss the dog on the mouth! being me - I immediately told the mother off! my dog (it was the staffie btw) was fine with it - but imagine if the kid did that with an aggressive dog!!! I love most dogs but use common sense before petting them!

Ruby_Moon

UKTigerlily wrote: »

People can get plenty of Staffy pups from Rescue. Who said anything about letting them die out?! RIGHT NOW, nobody needs to be breeding them! Let the thousands in rescue be homed, I believe IMO that anyone who truely loves this breed & isn't wanting one to show should get a rescue, there're all ages in rescue, why should they die?! It's wrong to bring more into the world meaning others die.

As I said, if everyone went to the rescue centre and got a Staffie tomorrow and no more were bred, what happens to the breed in 15 years time?
Who makes the decision to breed? Who is the one who gets to breed?
Why should people who want a Staffie have to have one that has already had another family influence? The very young puppies (weeks old) very rarely get given to families. Why should my family not have a puppy if we want one? Who is in charge of deciding who gets the best dogs?

C_Mababejive

Pete*G wrote: »

we've never had a problem, and don't intend to. Both ours adore our 5 month old baby, both have started to sleep under her cot during the day if they can sneak in there - even when our LO isn't in there!

Why do you think they sleep there instead of elsewhere?

candygirl

C_Mababejive wrote: »

Why do you think they sleep there instead of elsewhere?

Because they love kids, and are known as the "nanny dog":D:D

Paradigm

hethmar wrote: »

My post was in response to an earlier one about westies being snappy mrcol (Paradigm) - I was just very surprised - had never thought of them being like that til this one had my hand. I cant imagine a westie in a muzzle ...

I haven't met a Westie yet that didn't start yapping & being a downright pain in the !!! as soon as it see's my dogs.. maybe it's the "little man" syndrome but in doggie world?

Horrible little things!

RacyRed

Fire_Fox wrote: »

http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b00nts91/Wonderland_Series_2_Seven_Pups_for_Seven_People/

Hell on earth, and not just for the dogs.