we have just got a young staffy hes about 9 months old but were not sure as there werent any papers etc hes really loving allmost fully house trained ( apart from the odd accident) hes brilliant on the lead we got a harness to fit him which makes it far easier for the dog and us, hes great in every way apart from destroying anything he can get his teeth into ! ie my new shoes, pc discs etc etc, we have given him supposedly indestructable toys ha they dident last an hour ! this happens mainly when hes on his own ie at night when we are in bed, or if we have to leave him in the house on his own .mostly he goes with us purely for that reason. we havent had a dog before so any info would be appeciated.

Others with specific Staff experience will be on soon I expect, have you thought of introducing him to a crate. I am a big fan of crates when used sensibly. The dogs seem more relaxed in their "Cave" and it helps with house training and chewing. he can then have the things he should chew in his crate with him

Yep would agree re: a crate, if used properly and the dog views the crate only as his bed and not as a punishment.
My 2 staffords have never chewed anything they're not supposed to.  Starting now at his young age, you should quite easily be able to train him to chew only his toys.
I would suggest a strong (the strongest) Nylabone, and a quick "ah ah" any time he goes to chew something he shouldn't.  Then offering the Nylabone, if and when he chews that, give lots and lots of praise.
Good luck!

many thanks for your replies, when you say "crate" is that one of those cagelike things for dogs ? can i get one from any pet store or is it a speciality thing ? sorry to be so naieve but never had a dog before due to circumstances, thanks again.

Yes a crate is a cage for dogs and you get usually get them from the pet store. Go in and ask, if they dont have any they will know of other places that do. I am a big fan of crates also but only for nighttimes or if we are going out for a short time.

I'm not a staff owner but it sounds to me like typical signs of boredom/frustration. Does he get a nice walk OFF of the lead+harness everyday? With nice fields to roam.
Even small dogs like staff need to get rid of energy.

Also, he may be a very intelligent dog and needs something else to get his 'teeth' into :p
Give him lots of new things to work out. Buy a 'kong' from the pet store and stuff it full of yummy things. It takes them ages to get it all out, and gives them something to do.
Also, I like to hide their toys around the house and play games where they have to sniff them out. They love it.

Good luck

Yes, crate meaning cage.
You can get some really good sized one's for reasonable prices, I got my largest from ebay (one of the sellers who is a store) and it was fairly cheap if I remember rightly.
I'll send you a pm with the link.

> Even small dogs like staff need to get rid of energy.

:-D Most definitely!  And they have it in abundance! 

> when you say "crate" is that one of those cagelike things for dogs

The trick with a crate is to think of it as a bed with a door, used for your pups safety and security NOT a cage used for control or punishment.

Don't ask your dog to go to 'bed' without being tired first or your dog will get the wrong message.  After a walk it's a great place for some quiet time, enabling you to go out if you need to.  It can be a good place to encourage chew toys (although take care not to leave your dog unattended with anything other than tested safe toys) - your dog will soon learn that anything given in his crate is OK to chew and will not be taken away.  Dogs that are taught to use the crate at their safe den for sleeping learn to relax when you go out.  They soon realise that they aren't required to patrol your boundaries or be on alert and the crate becomes a bit of time off for them - like going to bed and pulling the duvet over your ears!!

Do as much reading as you can about the best ways to use a crate but remember that it should always remain a positive experience for your pup. 

hi, many thanks for all your replies you have been a great help, i got a crate last week but as yet he wont go all way inside he leans in and pinches any treats he can get to without going all way ! but i am sure it wont be long now , i allso got a nylabone he loves it . hes a great dog and ime sure our percivierance will pay off , ive allso got a dog training book which is helping enourmously. many thanks and if i ever need more advice i will be right back here.

> i got a crate last week but as yet he wont go all way inside he leans in and pinches any treats he can get to without going all way !

If you've got a crate with two doors try leaving them both open and encourage your boy to walk through first.  If you arm yourself with a clicker and some good treats you'll soon get him through and then staying in a little longer each time.  Good luck

hi, crate idea ! it does have the two doors so will try that, you can tell i am new to this . ( sorry about the pun ).

Try a proper raw marrow bone from a butchers, ask the butcher to cut it in to large pieces so he can get to the marrow. Nicer than a Nylabone. Give him it in the crate it will keep him occupied.