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

[Friendlystories]

OP has already said upthread she has decided not to take this particular dog due to its specific issues. She's taken sensible advice to look for a dog with a foster based rescue where the dogs are fully assessed for potential problems so hopefully she will find the right dog, staffy or otherwise

[shihtzumamma]

Discrimination ha !! I have a staffie myslef get over it ! I'm on about the op not being right for the dog !

[Friendlystories]

It's been acknowledged this dog isn't right for the OP upthread, you stated staffies aren't for first time dog owners which is a sweeping generalisation. If you have a staff you should know the misconceptions too many people have about them and how many of them are stuck in rescue because of their undeserved bad reputation, comments like that are unhelpful and untrue. My first dog of my own was a staff and he was a fantastic first dog, why put potential first time owners off by stating they don't make good first time dogs?

[RoseDog]

staffies aren't for first time dog owners

My dp or I had never had a dog infact I never wanted any dog ever and we took on a rescue staffy she is now my baby it turned ok!

[shihtzumamma]

Oh god mumsnet attack argggggh !!

[shihtzumamma]

I said it in the nicest way possible to the op would you rather me say ' your not right for the dog,your insure and you have to ask peoples opinions and you don't particularly sound educated on staffies so to save the poor dog from more heartache I suggest you dont give her a home'
Seriously get a life !

[Friendlystories]

I'd prefer you said anything other than a statement that staffies aren't for first time owners which implies all staffies and all first time owners. I'm heavily involved in rescue, do you have any idea how many potential adopters discount staffies purely based on the preconception they are aggressive 'devil dogs', comments like yours, however it was meant, play into that conception and mark them out as 'bad dogs'. I'm sorry you feel 'attacked' and that you believe championing staffies means I don't have a life, happily I believe quite the reverse

[Booboostwo]

Fails to read the thread
Makes pointless generalising comment
And flounce!

Can't day MN is not entertaining.





Good luck in your search for the perfect dog OP.

[Friendlystories]

Booboostwo