Staffies and other dogs question

[4cats2kids]

Thinking of getting a puppy but would like some advice on how to get them used to other dogs. I’ve been told this breed requires socialisation around other dogs as part of their training. Would it be a bad idea to get one now when puppy training classes are not up and running?

Hi, sorry I don't know much about that breed. But we got a lab puppy weekend before lockdown, training was cancelled then but we are now able to go to training classes with other dogs. Doggy day care is always a good way to socialize your dog too :)

I have a breed not known for typically being dog social at maturity.

As a puppy I went down the whole meet and greet lots of dogs route but in hindsight I think that was quite wrong.

Unfortunately a huge proportion of dogs have very poor social skills, whether that’s too rambunctious and friendly to the point they accidentally frighten others or intolerant to the point of aggression and the owners often either don’t recognise the problem or don’t care.
If your dog has too many poor experiences and gets a bit anti social himself you’ll be at a real disadvantage because of his breed.

I think the best way to ‘socialise’ is to focus on teaching a good heel and encouraging focus on you and rewarding each and every time dogs are nearby, practise walking right next to strange dogs (after mastering further away - don’t set the dog up to fail!) doing tricks around other dogs.
Basically get the puppy super comfortable around other dogs but don’t interact, if you know anyone with dogs that you know to be well balanced and sociable let the pup interact with them.

All dogs regardless of breed , need socialisation with other dogs and it needs to be maintained throughout their life.

I think puppy classes are great as a good trainer will ensure a safe and controlled environment with a good mix of shapes, sizes & colours.
Good on you for recognising that Staffies, while generally great with humans, may not be fans of other canines.

We had a staffie he was brill as a pup with other dogs but as he grew up and got attacked multiple times by other largers dogs he got to a point where he couldn't be trusted and if he had snapped the damage would probably been worse on the other dog. It was sad really as he was fab. You get a lot of people automatically assuming that they're just going to savage their dogs as well. I'd love another staffy though. They're ace

The only dog I've had that was good around other dogs was a staff. My Rottweiler was not and my Akita is not any good. If it's smaller it's thought of as breakfast but if the yapper encroaches on our personal space.

Staffs are the most loving and happy little dogs. They are all for their owner so while socialisation with dogs may help, they will get all their happiness from you and your family

We have a staffie. This is our second. First one was absolutely bombproof and perfect around other dogs. Liked a play but if another dog was OTT she would walk away.
Our staffie now is not perfect with them. She was fine but has been attacked twice, once while on lead, and now this means that if a dog gets in her face too much and growls, then she will have a go back, which means I put her on lead around dogs she doesnt know.
Theyre highly intelligent, trainable and playful dogs, but they are very strong and can be boisterous and need a firm hand. I really love staffies as theyre clever like a border collie but far less neurotic

@beanleuse I have a collie now and they are incredible incredible dogs but they are so highly strung. Ours has OCD with reflections, fire and beeps.. he is brill in any other aspect though

A certain degree of being high strung is a trait of the breed I think.

Though I don’t think I’d describe OCD like compulsions with reflections, beeps etc ‘normal’.

I also have a border collie.
Mine isn’t neurotic, shes fine with loud noises, doesn’t have any odd compulsions etc but i do have to be careful not to overexcite/overstimulate her else she gets quite anxious.

All dogs regardless of breed need socialisation. Not only to socialise and greet other dogs but also people too. There are various meet and greet methods for this. Puppy classes are starting up in July which is perfect for socialisation. Look for a class in your area. The puppy classes are in smaller numbers but you will be in a room with other dogs and puppies. Staffies are a nice breed and are people friendly too. Due to covid a lot of pups will have suffered due to lack of socialisation. I start a puppy class for this reason so my pup meets other pups and learns to greet people properly. Like you people will be judgemental on the breed. Google classes in your area and email them.