Staffy with behavioural issues. Is this doable?

[NotTheSpiceOfLife]

Ok, complete novice here and looking for some advice please!

We have decided that we would like a dog to join our family.

I've been contacted by a lovely lady that needs to rehome her 9 month old Staffy bitch and I've just spoken to her on the phone to discuss.

She's been very honest with me and told me that the reason for rehoming is because the dog is very destructive - she says that this is because she didn't crate train her when she was a puppy, as she thought it was cruel, and fully admits that she has inadvertently caused this problem. Her vet has told her it's not too late to resolve it, but as she works full time, and still doesn't want to put her in a crate, she needs to rehome the dog.

She can't take the stress of all the destructive behaviour, and also said that staffy has separation anxiety, and this contributes to the destruction - she is fine when someone is in the house, but if she is left alone, she causes carnage.

Is this a lost cause for our family, do you think? One of us is at home most of the time now, and although we might be able to put the time in to resolve this, is it too hard at this age?

Honesty please!

Thanks ever so

[TrionicLettuce]

For a first dog/novice owners I don't think a private rehome with known issues and zero back up is the wisest choice, especially as she's an unknown quantity when it comes to cats and she'll be hitting adolescence very soon which can turn even the loveliest, problem-free young dogs into complete sods.

There's also a huge difference between an under stimulated young dog getting a bit bored/lonely and having a nibble on the furniture and genuine separation anxiety. The former is much easier to deal with than the latter.

In your situation I think I'd be looking at reputable rescues who properly cat test their dogs (rather than deeming them cat safe because they didn't go batshit walking past a cat in a carrier.....) and who will provide back up post adoption should you need it.

[NotTheSpiceOfLife]

Brilliant. I think I'm going to take your advice Trionic.

Ultimately that's why I came here, for advice. And since it's the cats that I need to protect in the first instance, I think this one will have to be a no.

We don't have any rescue centres locally, and we don't have a car at the moment, so perhaps we will have to have a day on the train somewhere.

[needastrongone]

OP - what will you do with this dog if you take her on and things don't work out? Do you have enough experience to deal with separation anxiety? If she's hard to walk as she pulls, she will also need to be trained to walk to heel, or at least on a loose lead. A Staffie is a strong dog, so pulling on the lead more of an issue than with other breeds.

This lady is going to exaggerate her good points and gloss over the bad, to rehome.

Go into this with your eyes wide open. I would seriously consider a reputable rescue, where they can assess your circumstances and needs, and provide back up too.

Good luck.

[needastrongone]

Cross post OP

[NotTheSpiceOfLife]

Thanks ever so much for all your advice. I knew I was in the right place

[Friendlystories]

I think that's the right decision Not, I have 2 rescue dogs, a staffy boy and an EBT/staffy cross girl and an older cat who was already here. Both dogs came from a foster based rescue so were fully cat/child tested etc and that's what I would recommend for someone who already has cats. Both of my dogs are fine with cats but we still have a stair gate at the top of the stairs so the cat has somewhere to escape to as my dogs are young and lively to say the least! If your cats haven't been used to dogs I would recommend you do the same and have an area the cats can get to but the dog can't even with a fully assessed dog. The urge to help with a situation where a dog needs rehoming like this one can easily override good sense but the outcome is often not good and can end up with more upheaval for the dog in the long run if it doesn't work out. If you wanted to PM me your general area I have rescue contacts all over the country and might be able to give you some numbers for foster based rescues for the lady to ring for help with this dog, just bear in mind this is the worst time of year for rescues and places are like gold dust, will help if I possibly can though.

[NotTheSpiceOfLife]

Thanks Fern, I will x

[MrsS182]

Where are you based? If your in Scotland can point you in the direction of a great staffie rescue.

Please don't be put off rescuing a staffie though they are wonderful loving dogs

[Friendlystories]

Totally agree with MrsS they are fabulous dogs

[Dieu]

Agreed, best dogs!

[RoseDog]

MrsS182 I wonder if we can point her into the right direction of the same rescue...

[Friendlystories]

Not in Scotland unfortunately am trying to find something in her area but they seem to be few and far between. I'm closer than Scotland so talking to a few I have local links with to see if we can do anything out of area for her.

[NotTheSpiceOfLife]

I'm in South Cheshire, for those that are asking. I believe there is a rescue centre in Warrington, and I'm sure there will be plenty in Birmingham/Liverpool/Manchester. Transport is an issue, but it's manageable.

[Friendlystories]

I'm not far from Birmingham Not and can possibly help with transport if I can find a rescue my end to help. Still trying but with the bank holiday and then the weekend it might take a few days.

[MrsS182]

Best of luck I hope you get a lovely dog to join your family

[merrymouse]

You can't expect a dog to be happy to be left alone all day just because you put it in a crate.

Is it destructive or does she just not like the reality of having a dog?

[merrymouse]

This dog aside, I think you are right to go to a rescue centre. there are plenty of lovely Staffies around - you don't need to start with a dog that you know may have behavioural difficulties. Also rescue centres give you follow up support.

[Booboostwo]

I am sure you have thought of this, but just in case...you will need to get the dog to the vets, to training classes, to walks, etc. is all that possible on public transport?

[JoffreyBaratheon]

She may have signed a contract with the rescue saying the dog should be returned to them and only hem if there is a problem. Some rescue dogs are also microchipped to the rescue, not the 'owner' so if the dog was lost, it would be returned there and then they might have to look into the situation... In other words is this dog even her's to give away?

Not something I'd recommend to a first time owner - I've had ebts/staffies all my life. Staffy pups come into rescue all the time. Pass the home checks, do your research and get on a waiting list.

I would ask her where it came from and then advise her to contact them ASAP. Odd that a rescue re-homed to a working person, though.

[shihtzumamma]

Do not rehome this dog you will end up rehoming her.
Staffies are not for a first time dog owners.

[Friendlystories]

Wow, blanket statement much! I agree this staffy has too many issues and incompatibilities to be right for the OP but all dogs of one breed are not the same. Breeds may share some characteristics but they're individuals just as humans are, you wouldn't presumably assume all people of one race are the same and dogs are no different. I hate this kind of breed discrimination, much of a dogs' behaviour and character will come from its background and the treatment it receives from humans and a well brought up staffy will make as good a first dog as any other breed.

[tabulahrasa]

Staffies are pretty much ideal for first time dog owners tbh, energetic and playful without the drive of a working breed, not too big, short coated (so hardly any grooming) and hugely trainable and eager to please.

Not this one, in these circumstances - but they are great dogs for first time owners.

[Monty27]

Sorry. I had one as a pup and looked after him really well, fed walked, loved. The minute you turned your back he was chewing shoes, oh and not to mention chasing his tail. He used to go ballistic when certain people came to the door. Harmless people.There was never any shouting or suchlike in the home we had and he was adored. He had company all day as my partner could take him below our maisonette to work. God I loved him but couldn't even leave him with a pair of shoes let alone children,

[Friendlystories]

Those issues aren't peculiar to staffy's though Monty, just that particular dog.

[Monty27]

Well I've advised against. Its your decision.