A friend of mine has a 6 month old staffie pup. Just recently he has become very territorial over the back garden. Now the weather has changed she and her 2 children went into the garden and he went beserk.  He jumped up her little girl and bit her lip (drew blood).  She put this down to him being excited and thinking that the garden was his territory and a couple of days later he has bitten her on the arm and very badly bruised it.  She has been attending dog training classes with him once a week for a few months now and says that she has just been asked to move him to another class for aggressive dogs as he is also being aggressive with other dogs.  She has had enough and doesnt want to put the kids at risk, but her husband doesnt want to give up on him. I have 3 staffies and mine are all great, couldnt ask for a better dog around the kids/cats/rabbits.  Do you think that there is hope for him yet? Her husband thinks they can turn him around.

I would seek professional help, after consulting a vet to check him over, in the home where he can be watched with his behaviour.

I agree with Chloe, you need a good vet check (vets need to give a thorough check ie maybe take blood etc) and then get a referral to a good experienced and reputable behaviourist. They will help you and give you a programme to follow - much better this than trying to do it yourself or struggling on being unhappy...:)

Lindsay
x

Whats he like in the house with the children?  Or is your friend keeping him mainly outside in the garden?