A few weeks ago, one of my jack russells was attacked by a friend's staffie (a mature rescue that he had just acquired).  My friend fought to get his dog under control and we managed to prise them apart.  This has, not surprisingly made both of my dogs a bit defensive.

Last week my husband took our dogs down to the usual doggy park and this time, they were both attacked within 10 minutes by another staffie that appeared.  The dog was not on the lead and had to be taken out of the field by its owner.  Apparently it literally pinned my dogs down.  Suffice it to say, my bitch is particularly traumatised by the event and now does not want to go to the field - she was with my friend (who walks my dogs when I'm at work) and was desperately trying to drag herself away from a normally friendly dog who she previously gets on well with.  When we last went down there, they were both snappy, especially by this staffy puppy who would not leave me alone and kept flopping down at me trying to get my attention.  I kept having to apologise for my dogs being like this, when in hindsight, the owner of the staffy should have stopped her dog from following me.  I was also plagued by her child who kept insisting that he wanted to play with one of my dogs.  All in all it was a horrible situation.  The same owner was also trying to get me to feel sorry for the woman with the original staffy who apparently "couldn't stop crying" and now had her staffy on a muzzle.  Apparently, the dog was wound up by "all the little dogs" which is a completely different story from the one my husband told me. 

My friend who has a lot of experience says to avoid the field at all costs, but I honestly have nowhere else in the near vicinity to take her to.

What shall I do?

I don't drive and this doggy park is my lifeline and for three days now, my poor dogs have not had the chance to run  free. 

You say you work but could you not try to walk when others have finished in the field just for a while so that your dogs get their confidence back, then try to go with a friend with just a few dogs around, if they are fine with this then brave the field again at normal times.
I would not in anyway feel sorry for the woman concerned and I think whoever was walking your dog should have made clear exactly what she felt although I think if the attack was so nasty she may have just had obviously the dogs welfare to think of.
The owner has done the right thing muzzling the dog but it should still be kept on the lead at all times, there is NO excuse for the dog to attack whatever the circumstances in my opinion.
My dogs are lucky now we have our own land to walk on so they do not have to mix but as every owner would do if they were attacked I would defend them. This lady is giving ALL staffie owners a bad name and it is irresponsible behaviour like this that makes people wary of staffies. I have never allowed mine to play with this breed simply because I worry about them locking on to another dog in a fight. (and before people start about staffies are fine this is my personal choice and I have had rottis so am not against this type of breed)
My dog years ago was attacked by the same dog 3 times and the first time I gave the dog the benefit of the doubt, the second time I made it very clear to the owner she needed to control her dog, the third time (please don't all jump on me) but I kicked the dog really hard to get it off of mine, it yelped and ran back to the owner who I told again and I am lucky she did not come to that area again.
I hope your dogs recover from this awful experience and I'm sure others will have more ideas on how to help.

This lady is giving ALL staffie owners a bad name and it is irresponsible behaviour like this that makes people wary of staffies
Sorry but by the same token, you saying things like that is just reinforcing that wariness...if people are blinkered enough to take ONE persons' behaviour as a benchmark for all Stafford owners, then more fool them.
And as for 'locking on' - don't get me started!
The lady in question is no doubt irresponsible, but please don't lump us all together.
I don't know how many times, when I've been out with my two (Staffords that is) and at least once every time I'm out, my dogs are approached by other dogs off lead... I always try and tactfully say - please retrieve your dog as one of my two isn't  dog friendly... Ifeel that I'm being responsible there, yet Iam the one who is looked at as if I've made a funny smell! 
This is part and parcel of being a Stafford owner, so I take it on the chin. 
Last time it happened my dog friendly boy was attacked by a cocker spaniel - I don't now lump all cockers or their owners as being irresponsible!

I do wish some Stafford owners would think before they act though :-(
I feel I'm very responsible with my dogs, I wouldn't be any other way. 

the owner is responsible for the dog so the fault lies with them, you are going to be shaken up about it

Hi there

Im sorry to hear about the problems you have been having at the dog park. 

I would advise that you dont walk your dogs there for a little while as by taking them there you are reinforcing their fear.  If you leave it a week or two they may forget the experience.  Perhaps you are also on edge so the dogs are feeding off that too.  The two together doesnt make for a very enjoyable walk for either of you!!!!

In the meantime play little games with your dogs like find the biscuit.  Get a big box and crumple up lots of newspaper - wrap a couple of biscuits in a couple of pieces and let them run riot through the box.  Its a great game and dogs love it.  You could also give them a kong or an activity toy to keep their minds occupied.  I would also advise that the next time you go to the park you take a ball or something with you so that you are playing with the dogs.  Keep away from other people and play with the dogs until you gain your confidence again.  You need to become more confident because you have had a fright too.  Take your husband with you on the first time and the both of you interact with the dogs to alleviate their fear.  You could start in the house by getting a squeaky ball and just playing with them and putting it away.  The only time the ball comes out is when you play with it.  Always put the ball away and dont leave it around.  When you go to the park the dogs will be really interested in the ball and not too bothered with anything else as this will be high value for them.  Good luck.

I do feel sorry for staffies because they do have a bad name but my belief is that because of their popularity not everybody is the correct owner for a staffy.  They are wonderful dogs.  My best friend has one but Rosie is never off the lead where there are other dogs around; she's just not reliable.  She is also walked on a muzzle.  She is used to it so it doesnt bother her but the number of people that just let their dogs run up to her is amazing.

I would agree, after all if one was in season you would have to keep to road walking for several weeks. 

I am sure a couple of miles on lead followed by a game in the garden will be fine until things settle and they get their confidence back. 

You could meet with people you know and their dogs for this too.  Enrolling in training classes for socialisation in a controlled environment with different breeds.

well said tessies tracey. 

I do the same, as mine can on occasion be a bit of a grumpy mare if she encounters rude dog who tries to hump her or play with her when she isn't in the mood.  the response I usually get is 's/he is only playing', 's/he is only a puppy' or 's/he needs to be taught a lesson'.  Makes my blood boil.  Grrr.  staffies get far to much bad press when in my experience there are too many dogs out there who have had too little training invested in them.

Don't even get me started on owners who laugh when their ankle biter tries to latch on to my dog or my ankle.  Grrr.

I know what you mean.  Unfortunately, however, there will always be these types of people with dogs and you have to do damage limitation.  My dogs generally are very well socialised etc., and well trained.  The braccos do sometimes have one of their "off" days so I'm always a bit reluctant to criticise people too much for their untrained dog because I know it will be them I meet the next time I am shouting for mine to come back!!!!  They're only interested in hunting so dont tend to bother anybody but I still feel a bit of a fool when they do run off.  I always know when it is going to happen because they get this look in their eyes and its always when they are just out of reach to put the lead on.  LOL  I do tend to walk places where there arent many people so that they can have a good run though. 

Today I went for a walk with the dogs and took them round the fields.  I was exploring a new walk so came back along the path.  I noticed a couple walking behind me so I called my 5 in and got them to sit.  Meggie (the oldie!!) did a couple of wee barks and the woman threw up her hands.  Just as well mine arent jumpy because that would have been a red rag to a bull!!!!!  eek!!!!

Dogs arent perfect and thats the reason that you really have to have the right breed for your lifestyle and personality.  Too many of the wrong types of people get the wrong types of dogs for all the wrong reasons!!!  All the wrongs!!!  LOL

Kind regards
Spettadog

"My dogs generally are very well socialised etc., and well trained.  The braccos do sometimes have one of their "off" days so I'm always a bit reluctant to criticise people too much for their untrained dog because I know it will be them I meet the next time I am shouting for mine to come back!!!!  They're only interested in hunting so dont tend to bother anybody but I still feel a bit of a fool when they do run off."

Tee hee, me too.  Same reasons.  That is why I work so ahrd on their dog manners and the not jumping up or interfering with peopel.  Doesn't help when a tot holds out food though :D

It was a Bracco on Dog Borstal?  The trainer was like what would someone want t dog like that for a pet for, and at then end he was blown away with it's of tracking ability and how easily it learnt this.

Hi there

Yes, Chichio was on Dog Borstal.  The Bracco fraternity werent too happy about it because they're not even off the import register yet but I think they did a very good job with him.  He hasnt had any training at all and they are full-on dogs - not for the faint hearted.  I have 2 bitches.  I yearn for a dog but it wouldnt be fair on my working cocker so perhaps when he's older!!!  They are wonderful dogs but can get you into some very embarrassing situations as they dont have the best table manners.

I show my little one and Ruby is in the process of being trained - hopefully to stalk deer.  We'll just have to wait and see!!!

Kind regards

that's true about having right dog for lifestyle and personality - what's cool and perfect for one person is no use for another.  I would not get on with a wee yappy dog but other friends of mine would not get on with anything that wasn't a wee yappy dog. lol.

You've got that right!  My parents have a mini poodle and my sister a chihuhua, I adore both breeds and those two particular dogs, but I couldn't live with them - I like my boisterous, OTT big working type dogs! :D

I know that you have a Staffie Tessies Tracey and love this breed as do many others on this site, but unfortunately they have become the in breed in certain area's and estates, with this influx of the breed is bad breeding, bad ownership and bad dogs to boot. 

There have been 3 incidents in my area alone just in the last month which is in a village/country area, not even an estate, one where a Staffie has attacked a male 15 year old lab minding his own business walking with his owner, this particular Staffie went up to the owner wagging it's tail and then just attacked her dog for no reason at all, damaged it's leg and the owner of the Staff just stood there whilst she had her hand bitten trying to get the Staff off her dog, he was traced and the lab owner is forcing the police, (who were very reluctant) to take it further, this is not a one off incident and two other attacks on two smaller breeds, it is happening everywhere, Staffies are getting a bad press for dog on dog attacks. I'm sorry but it is becoming a real nuscience and a real problem.

Yes, there are lots of lovely Staffs, I know two myslef who wouldn't hurt a fly, but..........

This lady is giving ALL staffie owners a bad name and it is irresponsible behaviour like this that makes people wary of staffies

Sorry but by the same token, you saying things like that is just reinforcing that wariness...if people are blinkered enough to take ONE persons' behaviour as a benchmark for all Stafford owners, then

It has to be addressed that this is now becoming a major problem. What will be done about it I don't know, but for those of us with lovely friendly dogs, Staffs included, the breed is causing problems from very bad management. It is getting worse not better and you know who will suffer, the Staff breed.

Anyone who truly loves this breed needs to get together and stop all the BY Breeding before the law has to finally step in with serious measures, I'm certainly fed up of worrying everytime I see a Staff if it is going to attack or wag it's tail. :-(

The

Classic example.  My brother rings me one night, someone he knows thinks their staff bitch is in labour.

Well was she mated or got at?  Oh no planned mating but they don't know what to do, not whelping box nothing.

Told to not leave bitch alone and ring the Vet at any point if the bitch was straining for an hour without producing a pup.

Few weeks later i get another call from my brother who had popped in to see them.

Is it normal for a bitch to get really thin rearing pups???

Not if fed properly I said.  What is proper feeding.  My answer at this stage as much as she will eat at least 4 times a day.  IN the back ground I hear them say, but then she will poo all the time.

Oh do I know anyone wanting to buy staff pups.

I told them to look in the local dogs home and see how many staff and staff crosses were there and then decide if there really were lots of people queueing up to buy badly bred and reared pups.

My best friend's dog is 10 now so she was bought long before the breed became so popular.  She says she wouldnt have another though.  She loves this dog so much she said she wouldnt be able to get another to replace her as she's almost human.  On the other hand, it is hard work for her having to keep her away from other dogs etc., and she feels she misses out on a vital part of dog ownership ie meeting friends for walks and chat about all things doggy.  Rosie is the loveliest dog and a delight to be around - as long as there arent any dogs around.  The number of times my friend has said she would love to come out with me and the dogs with Rosie but she just isnt able to.  Its a shame!!!!

Rosie is very fortunate.  She gets out of town more or less every weekend to the country where she can run and run and run and run.  She is walked on the lead during the week.

I used to have a dog walking business and walked a staff with my own dogs.  I used to watch the body language very carefully and knew that if there were any problems it would be with Jack, my working cocker.  One day Jack had a stick and Diesel wanted it.  She basically tried to take it off him and when Jack refused she went for him.  After that there was always tension so I decided not to walk her anymore.  I told the owners about the problem and advised that they be very careful when walking her off the lead.  The dog went on to attack 2 more dogs and was reported to the police - who did nothing!!!  the woman still wont believe that her dog has a problem and still walks it off lead and lets it run up to other dogs.  Its not the dog's fault; the owner should be more responsible and realise the damage that a staffy can do if provoked!!!!  It will probably end up with the dog being PTS for aggression but that doesnt need to happen if the owner is more careful.

Spettadog

being aware of the body language is key.  My staffy will generally give 4 warning signals before she goes for another dog, sometimes 5  but others would say there were no warnings.  she generally wont growl or snarl but will -

look away from the other dog and not make eye contact
come back to me and stand behind me
sit down if the dog is pestering her (so he can't smell her girl bits!)
if she is standing up her tail will stick up and swell in size and her hackles will rise slightly

then and only then will she go for the other dog.

so when people say to me that I am over reacting when I put my dog on a lead and move her away I can without fail point out the warnings she has given that their dog ignored.  I found the work of turid rugaas (sp) very useful in understanding her body language and all of the subtle signs she gives.

Well done for recognising her body language.  However, you would be surprised at how many people dont recognise various aspects of their dog's body language and often take tail wagging as being happy.

I can read my dogs like a book and know when something isnt pleasing them.  Like you, I always put them on the lead if this happens but many other dog owners dont or think I am over-reacting.  I dont want my dogs to be upset or feel threatened and act accordingly.

The danger dogs are those that dont show any physical signs before attacking.  I knew one person whose dog was like this but she insisted on popping into the supermarket and leaving him outside.  He bit somebody (not the first person he bit!) and she had him PTS.  It was her fault!!!!!!!

Spettadog

I have never allowed mine to play with this breed simply because I worry about them locking on to another dog in a fight

Im sorry ok but this is the biggest load of rubbish Ive ever heard. Im not even a Staffie owner but even I know this isnt true.
There has been extensive research into the bone structure of this breed and there is nothing to suggest the have the ability to 'lock' their jaw.
This is just another myth that surrounds the Staffie and makes people even more wary of them
They dont have the nickname 'nanny dog' for no reason.
Im very sorry for what has happened to the OP and it's compeletly the Staffie owners fault, i hope your little doggies get over the trauma soon

Well I have learnt something today about staffies........thankyou.

I don't think when the term ''lock' their jaw' people care if the jaw is locked or not...what they mean is they can't get the dog to loosen it's grip because it is so strong.

Any dog breed can give a nip or snap snarl or go for my dogs...but some breeds because of the damage they could cause worry me more than others... basically any if the strong macho breeds!  A Border terriers attacked my dog and 'locked on' and no one could get it to let go. But I wasn't too worried because what damage could it do! Even so it too 6 people to get it off and then it latched onto a different part of my dog. My dog just looked pitiful with a get it off me mum look. He wasn't hurt more than the grip hole  puncture woulds.  Were it a Staffie I would not have been so relaxed and I think my dog would have got hurt....maybe I am wrong about the tougher fighting  breeds but I don't intend to experiment to find out the truth on my dogs!

I love the Staffie and I know some lovely ones and they make good family pets .... but I wouldn't want my dogs to  mix with some Staffies!

Thank you all for your help and lovely ideas.  Instead of taking them over the field in the evening, I will do a long 'block' walk and some fun games.  Actually, I went over the field earlier.  I walked around the outside until I was sure who was in there and Maisie was happy again.  However, the baby staffy (who is actually very friendly) came in later and started flopping at my feet again so we got our dogs and left.  The people who I told about it said, "why don't you give it a try".  They obviously hadn't heard the low growls starting to come from both of my dogs.  The trouble is, while the baby staffy is a very friendly dog, Maisie and Billy (who now have a thing about staffies - not surprisingly) don't like her coming into my space.  Part of it was definitely me as I was worried.  I just wish that the owners had not put us in that position because you end up having to leave rather than have an argument.

Sounds like that it is you who will have to relax, and the dogs are already forgetting their upset.  so I would avoid the park until I felt more confident again which will channel down the lead in a positive way to the dogs.  Understandably your a bit shaken by the experience.

It is hard when something frightening has happened to release the fear. You know I confess to being personally scared of Staffies.   I can't get over it. I know it sounds weird but mentally I can't let it go.

I have told the story on here about 8 years ago but just to summarise one of my best freinds has a staffie and for about a year we walked her and my dog together every night. My dog was a boxer at the time. I didn't show at the time.  Anyway probably around 300 plus walks together.

One night my freind was unwell and I took her dog along with mine, my daughter and her freind tagged along. The kids were only 10 at the time. Anyway when we got to the big field we let them off the leads , the dogs were running around playing etc , then out the blue from no where the staffie started to chase and run at the 2 girls, eventually getting a hold of my daughter's freind by the arm.  I swear this dog actually took the child off her feet and shook her. It would not let go.  I feel physically sick thinking about it.   I had to kick the dog a couple of times to get him off her. We immediately left the field, I was so frightened and shaken I just left the dog. ( He did follow us all the way home anyway off the lead)  I was walking home speedily with the two girls huddled into me.

   My freind and I had a right ding dong about it, she couldn't believe that it came out the blue but it did.  His owner claims he may have been rough playing or whatever, I really don't know BUT infront of me was a dog trying to bash a child to death. It is a day I never want to re live I tell you.  When I got the coat off the child she was black and blue. I have never felt so guilty taking a child home in my life.

I was never able to walk with the dog again. Since then I have been terrified of them. Even at the shows I lift my dogs and walk the other way.

Yes it has become psychological but I had know this dog since a puppy.

My post isn't a generalisation that staffies are bad or can't be trusted but how when fear is installed it is so hard to undo.. 

I know that you have a Staffie Tessies Tracey and love this breed
Firstly may I say I have a Stafford or Staffordshire bull terrier.. sorry - not a dig, but I don't like the term 'staffie'...

Secondly, yes, I agree, bad ownership definitely comes into play - but bad breeding?  I don't know...are you referring to cross bred Staffords?  KC Reg'd bred Staffords?  Or simply, people who are breeding and instilling  aggression toward other dogs?
but unfortunately they have become the in breed in certain area's and estates - not sure what you mean by this?  Are you saying that the small proportion of people from these area's are tarring all Stafford owners with 'their' brush?
the breed is causing problems from very bad management - how could this possibly be overcome?  Could you elaborate as to what you mean by bad management?
I don't breed so I can't answer for the many Stafford breeders that are out there...
I do acknowledge that overbreeding is a problem within the breed kc reg'd or otherwise...is that what you mean by 'by-breeding'?

Staffies are getting a bad press for dog on dog attacks - and to me it's the press hyping up these stories!  There are other dogs that attack other dogs, but it's always the Stafford or other bull breeds that end up being branded as 'evil'.

I have had two incidents with my dogs, I too live in a fairly rural area.  My bitch was attacked by a mix breed dog and my dog was attacked by a cocker - and in the same way as the 3 incidents you have mentioned; the dogs attacked for no reason at all..
That to me was a nuisance, but as I said in my previous post, I'm not knocking the breeds involved, just the owners for not taking more care...
I don't know what the answer is, and I'm sorry that you're fed up of worrying every time you see a Stafford.. I'm not gonna try and convince you that ALL Staffords are angels.. mine would probably wag their tails (for you) and growl and snap at your dog(s) if they got too close.. but I'm responsible in the way that I deal with other dogs approaching and in the way I handle my own two dogs..

I can't say any more than that.. I just wish I could throttle all the 'bad' owners sometimes!
I don't know what the answer is either...

Firstly may I say I have a Stafford or Staffordshire bull terrier.. sorry - not a dig, but I don't like the term 'staffie'...


I'm afraid you will have to get used to that terminology without upset as it is how the majority of people refer to this breed. :-)

Are you saying that the small proportion of people from these area's are tarring all Stafford owners with 'their' brush?


Unfortuantely, yes, though it is becoming more widespread, you seem to  have a blinkered vision of just how bad this problem is now getting, it is not all press hype, many posters on here have also had or know someone who has had problems, due to the increase in population.

how could this possibly be overcome?  Could you elaborate as to what you mean by bad management?


Yes, when a breed falls into the wrong hands, with the wrong type of owners on a large scale without proper training socialising and used as a status symbol spilling out into society then there are things that can be done.

IMO...............

Firstly all responsible KC reg breeders need and must endorse all their pups and only sell to carefully screened people,
Secondly the Dangerous Dogs Act needs to step up and clamp down harder on bad owners and take seriously dog on dog attacks,
Thirdly, breeding needs to become illegal if not a KC ceritified breeder or better still accredited breeder,
Fourthly, there then should be a number for the public to then call to report anyone breeding who shouldn't be, ;-)

As we know parts of Ireland have already clamped down hard, it is only a matter of time it happens in this country.

but bad breeding?  I don't know...are you referring to cross bred Staffords?  KC Reg'd bred Staffords?  Or simply, people who are breeding and instilling 

You have a lot to learn with regards to breeding, it is not just putting two dogs of the same breed together, infact that is the last thing it is all about.

The list of good breeding can go on and on but I will simplify it, temperaments, bloodlines, health checks, if pet dogs are popped together bad temperaments/health issues will increase tenfold, only the best of the best with generations of good bloodlines should ever be bred from. This is why Staffs of bad temperament are coming through, it is not all about bad ownership but bad breeding too. ;-)

The safety and longevity of this breed are in the hands of the real breeders clamping down hard and the haphazzard breeding and ownership needs to be dealth with.

> You have a lot to learn with regards to breeding, it is not just putting two dogs of the same breed together, infact that is the last thing it is all about.

Indeed, that is what's responsible for an awful lot of the staff pups around - "breeders" just putting two dgos together.  I remember listening to a program on R4 a couple of years back about puppy farms; they interviewed an owner of a farm, and asked him about health testing and the like.  He actually said "I just take a dog and a bitch of the same breed and put them together", he was explaining how he doesn't bother with health tests as they aren't necessary.  It's the classic backyard breeder mentality too - maximum profit for minimum outlay.

'm afraid you will have to get used to that terminology without upset as it is how the majority of people refer to this breed. - well ok if you say so, I personally don't know the majority of people (far too many in this world!)- but the majority of Stafford owners I know don't call them staffies, and I'm far from upset by it - it's just a personal preference :-)

you seem to  have a blinkered vision of just how bad this problem is now getting, it is not all press hype

:-D my view isn't blinkered, and I am a wee bit bemused by that.  I said before and I will say again, I'm under no illusions that there are irresponsible Stafford owners out there, just as there are irresponsible owners of other breeds too...
I also said that I feel the breed is being over-bred.  In any breed that is over-bred you are going to get some bad examples of that breed.  I don't deny that.  I agreed with you on that score.

only the best of the best with generations of good bloodlines should ever be bred from - and do you truly believe that happens in every other breed in the UK?  The Stafford breeders I know are endeavouring to do just that - use good lines, well thought-out planned litters from health tested stud/dam.

You have a lot to learn with regards to breeding, it is not just putting two dogs of the same breed together, infact that is the last thing it is all about
Well, maybe I do, as I said I'm not a breeder.  But I've been around the breed long enough to know that it's not just a case of 'just putting two dogs of the same breed together' - I am a little more enlightened that that :-)
What I was trying to do was clarify and understand what you were referring to with regard to your comment 'bad management'.  I'm very much aware of health testing, line breeding, good examples of the breed to the kc breed standard been bred with complimentary sire or dam, show champs, etc....I think your reply sounded a little rude really.  As I said before, I know a lot of Stafford breeders the last thing they would do is breed just ANY dog to any dog, least particularly a dog with a bad temperament.

only the best of the best with generations of good bloodlines should ever be bred from
Couldn't agree more, shamefully that doesn't always happen - again this could apply to ANY breed....

Firstly all responsible KC reg breeders need and must endorse all their pups and only sell to carefully screened people,
Secondly the Dangerous Dogs Act needs to step up and clamp down harder on bad owners and take seriously dog on dog attacks,
Thirdly, breeding needs to become illegal if not a KC ceritified breeder or better still accredited breeder,
Fourthly, there then should be a number for the public to then call to report anyone breeding who shouldn't be

In an ideal world.. that would be lovely!  The Dangerous Dogs Act applies to all breeds when the case for a dog out of control in a public place applies.. so that part of the Act I would actually welcome as it covers all breeds and not a specific 'type'.
'A KC certified breeder or accredited breeder otherwise breeding to become illegal' - who would police that scenario?  I can't ever imagine it happening tbh.  I know of a KC accredited Stafford breeder and in my opinion that person produces too many pups as it is - so that idea kind of falls flat too in my opinion.
Many of the Stafford breeders I know, do in fact endorse their pups....

I honestly believe that the responsibility for bad examples of the Stafford breed, that you are referring to, does not lie solely with 'real' breeders as you put it.  That's why I mentioned cross bred Staffords being knocked out to a potential unsuspecting new owner, they don't necessarily know what they're getting - health wise or temperament wise.  Not everyone researches a breed perhaps as deeply as they should/could.  So perhaps education is the way forward? 
I work in rescue, so I know that the majority - actually no, ALL the recent rehoming/rescue cases I have dealt with have not been KC reg'd Staffords.  They have been untrained dogs, rehomed by untrained and unprepared owners.

You know,I love my breed and I love my own two dogs.  But I do try to be objective too.  I wish there was a little more constuctiveness to your reply.
There are bad owners of ALL breeds and so the world turns.....

>I kicked the dog really hard to get it off of mine, it yelped and ran back to the owner

I avoided one particular place for a while as a new person appeared on the scene with a very nasty lab who had a real go at my dog (a Dobe who wouldn't say boo to a goose :rolleyes:) twice. I attempted to speak to the owner but she would just shuffle past with her eyes to the ground! I eventually got fed up at having to walk elsewhere because of someone else and so returned to the field one day. On the way in through the woodland track I decided to pick up a 2 foot length of branch just incase, carried it for the full hour (looking completely mad no doubt) and was just about to throw it back into the bushes as we headed out when said dog appeared round a corner not more than 10 feet away, went nuts and hurled itself at my dog and got a ruddy great thwack for its troubles! It ran off yelping and yes I felt bad for having to hurt the dog when it's ultimately the owners fault, but there was no other choice and I was glad that I had been able to protect my dog (he was attacked by a boxer at 10 months old which pinned him to the floor and ripped the inside of his ear open and bit him around the neck. I felt awful after that that I'd been unable to do anything to get the dog off him, my dog was literally screaming and laying flat out on the floor but the dog continued biting him, as the owners casually saunted across from the other side of the field ). The owner of the lab saw me hit it and I got the same shuffle past, eyes to the ground, but this time she managed a muffled "sorry sorry".

Moral of the story: be prepared! My friend always takes a walking stick with him and I know someone else who keeps a pot of pepper in their pocket (perhaps not the best idea!). Our local dog warden actually told me to carry one of those rape alarms with me as they will usually stop an attack, but I'm not totally convinced, so I carry "the" branch now - my friend actually drilled a hole through it for me and threaded some cord through so I can hang it off a carabiner on my belt...on the plus side I'm sure I've had some people avoid ME because they think the stick is to thrash my dog when it attacks theirs!!

Does anyone else carry anything incase their dog is attacked..?

My elderly neighbour is always advising me to carry a stick - since my Eng Setter got attacked by a German Shepherd on the road.  Many years ago his corgi got attacked by a larger dog as they were walking along the front by the sea.  He used his walking stick to beat the other dog off his.  The angry owner rushed up and threw my neighbours walking stick over the sea wall.  That corgi never forgot that attack and was afraid of larger dogs from then on.   I have always been worried that by hitting another dog it might turn on me.   Anything that makes a noise will alarm my dog too and make the attack more traumatic.  My present dog was attacked - ie pinned down by a boxer in a very aggressive way.  I hate to think what hitting it would have done. It might frighten off some dogs

I don't think you think about the other dog at the time, you protect your own. I have just moved house and the collie next door had a go at my old girl aged 10. The collie is 13 but very agile. Well I just smacked it really hard and it ran, obviously I didn't know the dog so I didn't know what it would do, it was just instint to protect my girl.
Both are fine and we now know the collie is fine, just probably wondered why other dogs were around.

I was on a walk once and met my next door neighbour with his new girlfriend.  She had 2 dogs that used to run up and down the fence connecting our gardens and try to dig through to get at my dogs.  I thought that once they met that things would be fine.  They didnt have the dogs on the lead and made no mention that they were dog aggressive.  My old collie cross Megan (11 years!) was just standing minding her own business when one of the dogs attacked her for absolutely no reason.  At first I thought it was just minor but when I got home I saw blood.  This was christmas day last year.  I couldnt take her to the vet until Boxing Day and she had to have 4 stitches.  It cost £100.  I mentioned it to my neighbour when he got back at new year and gave him my number to give to the girlfriend.  She never phoned me and didnt even come to the door to see how my dog was when she was visiting.

She said at the time of the attack "she's bad for that.  All the dogs and people in the village are scared of her!"  as if it was a good thing. 

I was absolutely furious that she didnt even bother to enquire about my dog, knowing she had had stitches.  She maybe thought that I would ask her to pay for the vet bills.

Spettadog

> She said at the time of the attack "she's bad for that.  All the dogs and people in the village are scared of her!"  as if it was a good thing.

Did you say anything?  I'd have been absolutely furious and spitting anger, certainly wouldn't have been able to hold my tongue!

I was absolutely furious that she didnt even bother to enquire about my dog, knowing she had had stitches.  She maybe thought that I would ask her to pay for the vet bills.

I'd have made sure she DID pay the vet bills!  See what I mean -the acts of a few :rolleyes:

>attacked - ie pinned down by a boxer in a very aggressive way.  I hate to think what hitting it would have done.

I guess it depends on ones definition of "attacked". I certainly won't stand by and watch my dog get chunks ripped out of it no! I couldn't give a hoot about the other dog to be honest. I might have felt the same as you prior to the boxer attack, but I felt very guilty after that as I hadn't been able to protect him - his ear was ripped up and full of blood...some kind people opposite the field took us in to help clean him up prior to going to the vets. Too right I'm going to stick up for him after that experience! He appears to be completely incapable of standing up for himself, never growled at another dog in his life. I'm not talking about another dog just doing a bit of pushing and shoving or having a bit of a growl, but if they launch themselves to bite and the owner isn't right there to get control of them/has no control fullstop then I'll just have to do it for them I'm afraid. If they've got a dog with an aggression issue off lead that approaches my dog to attack then it's their problem to deal with the consequences of their dog getting whacked.

ETA: I should probably add that I've only ever hit the one dog! I certainly don't go round thrashing everything

As you say it is all down to the definition of attacked.  In my instance my dog was unharmed although she was crying when she was pinned down.  All I could do was walk on and call her to come away out of the other dogs way - the other dog kept trying to prevent her though.  I know a lot of owners would respond if you hit their dog - in my case we both had our dogs off the lead so we were both responsible - certainly nothing like your situation zarah.   I mentioned my stories to show that other owners can also be aggressive and to put the question that hitting the attacking dog may call the attack onto yourself instead - so making the situation worse. 

>to put the question that hitting the attacking dog may call the attack onto yourself instead - so making the situation worse.

Yes I can see your point. But if you are unable to verbally get control of the situation and/or the other dog has your dog physically restrained, what else can you do? I'm sure that if most of us saw someone pull a knife on a loved one, we'd run up and bash the attacker over the head with the nearest thing to hand, regardless if we might end up getting stabbed ourselves (not a very good analogy sorry :D). What I mean is, you don't have time to think about any backlash. I would hope that I wouldn't have to hit the dog if the owner was present and taking control of the situation, so not sure what I'd do with an angry owner. The lab woman seemed to know only too well what her dog was like and seemed rather embarrassed if anything that I'd had to hit her dog off.

That's very true, there's no time to think; it's instinct and it can be a very powerful reaction too.  I have to say if my dogs were under attack, I would rather call the attacking dog onto myself. 

I had a crossbred come up to my 2 a few months ago, only a youngster, sniffing Spender.  Well it was a lull into false security as the next thing it turned into the gnashing and wailing off teeth from hell. 

Spender kept trying to dodge it and I went over to get Spender by the collar and the little bugger had a go at me but missed but it was Spender he was really after, my hand was on the collar just as he lunged at his neck.  Those teeth were like razors.  Anyhow it was running up and down the length of Spender trying to get contact but I put myself between it and Spender.  It wasn't enough, he was quick, so I put my foot out to prevent him getting close just at the same time he ran towards Spenders shoulder and straight into my boot.  He had a spin backwards , yelped and sat down looking stunned.  Ran back to his owner then. 

I never said anything at the time because I thought it was just a spat.  However, when I got home and discovered that meggie was really hurt I was absolutely furious.  They werent home at the time and didnt appear home until later on Boxing Day.  I really should have gone through and demanded payment of the money but it was a very difficult situation because it was my next door neighbour.

However, this festered in my until the day I left and he mentioned the fact that my dogs howled for a little while if I went out.  That was it, I went for the jugular.  He is a motorbike fan and used to rev his motorbikes in the back garden at 10.30 at night.  He also kept a motorbike in his diningroom.  I said my dogs might bark etc., for a time when I got out but I am having my home put at risk, the motorbike revving etc., and eventually went on to the dog attack.  I basically told him I didnt think much of him for not getting his bird to get in touch nor did I think much of her.  Which meant I didnt think much of the two of them.  I had never said anything before because I didnt want to fall out with my neighbour but I was leaving so left him standing aghast in his driveway.  He didnt know where to look!!!!  So I did get him back.

I saw him once after I had left and they still had those dogs off the lead running about.  I turned round and went back to my car and took the dogs elsewhere.  I didnt want a showdown, nor any of my other dogs harmed.

Beggars belief doesnt it?

Spettadog

not wishing to belittle any real nasty situations but the term "attacked " is ofton used rather loosely when the behaviour really isnt that, just might appear that way to the human element.

Attacked is a very harsh word i agree. However, when my puppy was just a few months old we got "set upon" by a staffie. In hindsight i should have picked him up out of harms way, but i wasnt keen to do this as didnt think it would help his socialising skills. The staffie came up to fred, sniffed him then began to bite his back and legs. When i bent down to pick up Fred the dog went for me aswell. All the owner did was call the dog away(didnt even look shocked). Needless to say we were both very shaken up, but luckily no damage caused. I dont tar all dogs with the same brush but when something like that happens it does tend to cloud your judgement somewhat.

Sorry.  Were you there then?

Both of my dogs were pinned down to the ground by their necks which were in the mouth of the other dog.  As soon as the dog was forced to let go of one, she went straight for the other which was some way away.  My dogs did not approach her - AT ANY TIME.  They are very small jack russells (crosses) - very small indeed, especially Billy who is part yorkie.  They could have been killed and probably would have been if they were whippets with less dense skin and thinner necks. 

I cannot think of any other word to describe what happened to them.

Can you?

i dont know if this is just me but im gettin extremely fed up with every time there is a dog attack especially if it is a staffy there is a really big fuss about it HOWEVER when there is a attack when it has not been a staffy or a dog of the breed you would  expect to attack another dog no one will ever make a fuss. fair enough if a staffy did go for another dog yes it could do a heck of alot more damage but keep it in mind every single dog has the ability to turn and bite.
and following an iccident that happened to me while i was walking kacey a man let his jack russel (quite a big dog nearly the same size as kacey) go for her and was willing to stand and watch his dog attack mine saying i bet you my dog beats yours well i cant keep my temper with stupid people like this and i did go mad and i told him i wil make it my business to find his name and address then report him.
it does go to show that any person with any breed can encourage to attack

I think you will find that to be an unfair statement, you have not been on the board for very long, this particular post was about a Staff attack, there have been many, many posts if you do a search, about other dog attacks, people come on particular posts when they have something in common to talk of, for me I was drawn to this post as a lady I dog walk with also had her lab attacked by 'a Staff too' and there have been 2 other incidents of people I don't know, in my area just this month of Staff attacks.

[there is a really big fuss about it]

Believe me a real big fuss would be a thread with over a 100 posts, this is just like for like with actually other dog attacks and breeds on the post too. We all have our opinions on things, mine is this particular breed is overbred by many BYB's and put in the wrong hands more and more.

Many Staffies are just not dog friendly, but yes, that is true of other breeds too, even some of the friendlier ones! :-D I'm sure you will find posts in the past and future with regards to that too.
 

I was walking him by my side, on a lead. I am in no way discrimating against any type of dog. Merely telling my story and agreeing that it is very scary and extremely upsetting. And yes, now the explanation has been explained i definately agree that "attacked" is the right word

sorry i didnt mean that the members on here always make a big fuss when there is a post about a staffy attack i meant there is a big fuss within the media and it is always splashed across the papers.
but when its not a dog of that breed you never read about it lol

Staffy or not, the bottom line for me is I had two beautiful, friendly excellently socialised dogs that I have spent ages training and now I have two fairly nervous dogs - Maisie is even getting slightly snappy with other dogs which I am trying to nip in the bud by keeping her away from such situations. Luckily, they are still Ok with other small dogs and dogs who they know really well. 

I can sympathise with you on this maisiemum. 

Not Staff attacks with mine but bc then lab then boxer all with same pair of my dogs on lead.  Once attacked and I can say hand on heart originally unprovoked, the little ones are giving of anxious behaviour now which can be barking or running to the end of the lead crying etc., all of which can provoke another dog to attack.  It is so unfair.  Like you I have worked hard to get their confidence back and although the older of the two is pretty settled, the youngster still remains nervous despite my best efforts.

I have now started asking these particular owners to put their dogs on lead while we pass and with the lab they are up to nose to nose sniffing. As for the others the owners need training :rolleyes:

All you can do is be their protector and give off a real sense of being in control, they will pick up on it. Hope it gets better for you soon.

My golden was attacked by a viscious little collie on Saturday on a beach, the beach was almost empty but for one or two people and a dogs, I was amazed that the owner of the collie allowed it to be off lead as he seemed to expect her to attack other dogs.  He did apologise to us and I don't think it has harmed my friendly golden but had I have been able to catch the visciuous dog I think I certainly would not have been responsible for my actions

Round here we have a Great Dane which will attack all other dogs including mine, owners response is " I have to let her off its not fair to keep her on lead"  but its fair that she attacks my dog:rolleyes:. When we had Abby she was never off lead unless we hired a field that was enclosed as it was small and furry she would kill it, so we cycled for up to three hrs a day so she got enough exercise. 
Mary