Puppies

Is a Staffordshire Bull Terrier the Correct Dog for you ? The Stafford is renowned for its affinity with humans and is particularly good with children, but before you buy a Staffordshire Bull Terrier puppy it is wise to ensure that this is the correct dog for you and your family. Having a dog is a lot of extra work and responsibility and you need to be sure that you wish to commit yourself to your dog's welfare for its lifespan, which on average is between 10 -12 years.

A good first point of contact is to refer to the enclosed list of SBT Breed Club Secretaries and speak to someone in your area who will be able to advise on available litters from bona - fide breeders. Take time to meet other owners by attending shows and the local Breed Club handling class where you can see other dogs and formulate an idea of the colour and type you prefer. Look at as many litters as you can, where possible try to see the parents and satisfy yourself that the type and temperament is consistent with the Breed Standard and ensure both parents are KC Registered. Perhaps the best time to see a puppy is at around 6 weeks of age when they should be fully weaned and typically boisterous and outgoing. ( It may be helpful to take someone along with you who is familiar with the breed, but the final choice should be yours ). A puppy is best left with his mother until between 7 and 8 weeks of age, following which he will be ready to go out into the big wide world and that is when the work begins in earnest for the new 'parents'.

Taking care of your puppy.

A young puppy will initially be on four meals a day, comprising: milk / meat/ meat / milk to coincide with breakfast / lunch / dinner / supper, with a puppy complete added to the meat mixture to ensure a balanced diet. As a guide you can reduce your puppy's meals by omitting lunch at around 4 months, then supper at 6 months until by 9 months he is on one main meal, usually fed in the evening. In addition, fresh drinking water should be available at all times.

When puppy is teething he will want something to chew and if left unattended for any length of time he will become bored and your skirting board or chair leg will become the object of his attentions. This can be minimised by providing toys ( not too small and not containing metal pieces that could be swallowed as the toy breaks up ), and of course by giving him time and attention . In addition, when used properly, dog cages can be helpful at this time, as the confine the puppy whilst you are out and until you can be there to supervise him. Dogs are not meant to be kept cooped up in cages for long periods of time, or in cages that are not sufficiently large enough to allow free movement. Therefore if you do use a cage – please don't abuse it.

The breeder may have already begun basic training of your puppy by allowing him to differentiate between the 'vetbed' for sleeping and the newspaper placed in the run for his toilet. Patience is required when toilet training your puppy - always take him to the door following feeding and allow him to go into the garden, praise him when he has done well and he will soon get the idea. During the night it is best to place newspaper near to the back door which minimises the mess and encourages him to go to the door when he wants to do his business.

Your puppy will thrive on play time but don't give him anything too hard to chew whilst he has milk teeth as this could cause damage, and don't allow him to hang off a rubber ring when young, as his bones are still very flexible. If you have children please ensure that they realise that this is a living animal with feeling and not a toy; they should be taught to respect the dog. Don't let them wake him when he is sleeping or constantly handle him when he is awake. It is unwise to leave Children of any age unsupervised with a young puppy.

A puppy's milk teeth are razor sharp and he should be discourage from biting as it can be very painful. Staffords are very sensitive and if chastisement is necessary a very effective method is a rolled up newspaper - usually the sight is sufficient to act as a deterrent. Otherwise let them know by the firm tone of your voice; that is all that should be required.
Don't be tempted to subject your puppy to too much rigorous exercise. Prior to six months of age he will only require light exercise with free running and light lead work and no intensive roadwork.

During this time a puppy's bones are soft and 'too much too young' can result in malformed limbs. Exercise should gradually be increased so that by around 12 months he will be able to accompany you on long walks without distress.