Hi...I've just adopted a staffie who's 3 years old.  I wondered if anybody could give me some tips on this breed as I've never had one before... She's adorable even though she sounds more like a pig than a dog! I'd appreciate any advice on the best diet and training...in fact just about anything will do so I know more about what I'm dealing with!  Thanks Leanne

Hi Leanne, where did you get yourdog from, i only ask as if it was a rescue or breeder did you not get advice from them? Where ever it was from it is usually a good idea to keep the dog on the diet it has been used to as changes can cause tummy upsets.  Feed the best quality food you can afford but do be aware that Staffs can be greedy and will eat huge amounts if you let them, theamount depends on your dog but if he appears to put on too much weight reduce the amount as an over weight Staff is not healthy. It is generally a good idea to read up on any breed before you get it to besure it is the breed for yyou and so you know what to expect. They can be headstrong so training is a good idea, does he get onwith other dogs, if so try training classes it is never too late.  Chris

Hi Chris
she came from a family friend and I have kept her on the same diet but I am gradually changing it to a complete which she seems to love more than pedigree chum.  i  read and read various articles on the internet about the breed before i agreed to adopt her but there are so many conflicting opinions that it just gets a bit confusing!  I've found this site to be the best for advice

I've started her training at basic level just to be on the safe side :-) and you're right she is headstrong!  i've had mainly collies in the past so she is a new challenge.  She is such a lovely dog...so trusting and loving.  i love her to bits and i'm a definite staffie fan!

her previous owners didn't really spend much time with her and I think they've allowed her to become a bit of a rebel to be honest so I was keen to hear from anybody who has a staff for some general advice as her previous owners didn't seem to know too much. 

she loves other dogs, people, cats..in fact she loves anybody or anything.  I've been looking for a traning class in my area but so ar I'm not having much look finding one thats close enough.  I'll keep hunting!

thanks for your help
leanne

Hi Leanne
there is no BEST food- only that which suits both your dog and you- all dogs do well on differing foods
I have three staffys (two which I show and a rescue cross)
If you need any advice please dont hesitate to PM me
They can be  a hyper breed but also very loving too

It is very nice to hear this lovely girl got such nice owners...... obviously she didn't have the best start in life, but I hope she found a real friend in guardian in you ;).
Staffordshire Bull terriers are lovely dogs (in the right hands of course) and I also had a Staffy cross girl at one point. She was  lovely, very loyal but you wouldn't believe how energetic she was!!! I did Agility with her and realized that's actually the best stimulation for these dogs. She loved it and she got all the exercise that she needed.....

I wish you all the best with your girl!!

Hi Leanne, have you checked the APDT website http://www.apdt.co.uk/index2.htm. Their members are reward based trainers.

hi ellie. staffy = easy life. like i said in my other reply they are a very loyal dog.ours runs upstairs after she as been out in the morning, licks me to death then dives under the duvet, and will not move until i get up. our's like's a run but will also sleep all day. they are great with kid's, our 3 year old uses our dog as a pillow. if brought up right socilised at a early age they are as soft as s**te. yours sounds a good dog. just enjoy. by the way they can snore for england. all the best steve.

Steve I think you have missed out one vital thing all staffy owners need to know - they can fart for Britain too and it stinks   Apart from that a spot on description of life with a staffy

Hi cheekychow... you're not joking about the farting!  It's making everyone in the house suspicious of each other!

Thanks everyone for your comments

you will eventually become immune to the smell but visitors in my house who aren't familiar with the aroma do struggle with it because it can be quite pungent.  I've found that Burns food controls it quite well but watch out for chicken and turkey skin coz the smell they generate is vile

nice one cheekychow, i forgot about the farting, we have a 10 week old pup as well as a 16 month old. can you imagine the smell when they both let go. enjoy your staff. glad to see the long lead is working. all the best steve