Dog Training for Staffordshire Bull Terriers and Staffordshire Bull Terrier puppies

Staffordshire Bull Terrier dog training at Royvon

As a once bull-baiting and dog fighting breed, the Staffordshire has much in common with other terriers of its ilk, but is not to be mistaken for a dangerous, undesirable companion unless intentionally and wrongfully made so. Rather, the problems most owners have with their Staffies is that they are too friendly! They are strong, feisty, easily aroused, highly active and love their people - often times to a flaw. When well trained, they are totally reliable, affectionate, loving and playful. They are also coined the "nanny dog" as a few other breeds are as devoted and loyal. And while these are all desirable traits for most people, there is the responsibility of not only culling the best qualities of the breed to complement your lifestyle, but also the awareness of what not to nurture.

To begin, a Staffordshire Bull Terrier can be dog aggressive and a threat to small pets and animals, thus requiring proper socialisation, strong social skills and a high standard of obedience. If a Staffie missed the crucial socialisation period when they were a puppy, it is almost certain that a great deal of positive, careful and ongoing interaction will be required when the dog is mature to teach the Staffie how to be nice to other dogs. Terriers are bold and often tenacious, and this coupled with their tendency to engage in rough and relentless activity are the recipe for an unfriendly and unwanted disasters.

Also consider that the breed repeatedly listed as one of the top registered breeds in the UK is also the breed most likely to land in rescue centres. There is a combination of factors for these statistics, but for those making all the best laid decisions to own a Staffie, the breed's reputation from all the irresponsible owners can have an overwhelming effect and one perceived negative experience with their Staffie in a public environment is likely to threaten the future with their dog. And while all dogs should be obedience trained, the Staffie is more apt to stand out as a beacon when it is not. Staffies need to be trained to avoid unwelcome attention and trouble, and Staffies need to be trained to enjoy all they have to offer as companion dogs.

Royvon specialise in recall training for Staffordshire Bull Terriers.

Breed Characteristics Breed Awareness/Management

Although originally bred for dog fighting, today's Staffordshire Bull Terrier is legendary for its loyalty and devotion.

The respect & leadership you put forward will be the respect & devotion you receive from your Staffie in return.

The Staffordshire, like many bulldog cross terriers is bold & fearless, and can be headstrong.

Obedience train with fair, but firm & consistent reinforcements. Avoid playing aggressive games, rather interact on your terms by controlling when the games start & stop.

The Staffie is also a clever, playful & hardy breed that can be boisterous as a natural outlet to its bounding energy.

To avoid owning an over-boisterous dog, teach your Staffordshire that barking is accepted, but also when enough is enough.

Due to the breed's fighting instincts, the Staffordshire will scrap if provoked, but normally will not look for or initiate trouble.

Avoid contact with other aggressive dogs. In addition, do not provoke the breed through hard treatment or training methods.

A well socialised, obedience trained and overall well-balanced Staffordshire Bull Terrier is a versatile companion.

The aforementioned characteristics and owner diligence will most likely result in a companion that's second-to-none in devotion, loyalty, sociability, amiability with children and just plain fun to have around!