New to the staffy bread and doesn't know much about my dogs past?

I agree that dogs live in the moment…they dont’ feel “self-pity”…and they generally don’t hold grudges (tho I’ve seen them hold a grudge against another dog)…They can be “triggered” by events, noises, movements, etc…if somewhere in their past they were traumatized. They do not, however, live their lives worried about their past life, nor wallow in self-pity…they live in the here and now.

Staffy’s are HIGH energy, VERY smart, VERY athletic…and need mental and physical stimulation every day…my experience is that a tired dog is a good dog :)… Obedience training will build the bond between you, and instill good doggie manners…teaching him to sit, down, stay…

Staffy’s are also a dominant breed…therefore you must be firm…consistant…and fair…(putting a LOT of weight into consistancy). Like Rotties, German Shepherds, Dobies, Akita’s…if YOU don’t take the leadership role, they will…and then you have a problem.

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Well… they can be quite a strong breed so you will need to exercise your dog lots, everyday for a couple of hours, like you would do with any breed of dog. This helps a lot, because it drains the dogs fustration and excess energy so that the excess energy isn’t channelled into behavioural problems like anxiety, fears, or agression. So this is very important.

You also need to be able to discipline your dog… not punish.. not harm her… but let her know where the line is, you need to be consistant with the rules… ie. not allowed in the dining room while you are all eating, or not being allowed on the furniture etc. you need to be consistant and calm and assertive so that she knows where she stands… so that she knows that humans are the pack leaders, not her… that will also prevent mannny behavioural problems.

It is probably best not to know her past… because it doesn’t matter… dog’s keep moving forward, they don’t feel sorry for themselves and they don’t hold grudges… and when humans show that they are sorry for the dog because of their past… the dog see’s it as weakness… and will try to take control of you… which leads to behavioural problems. So its a fresh start which is good =]

Exercise… then discipline… then affection, in that order. =]

All the best, enjoy your new dog! =D

*It is probably best not to know her past… because it doesn’t matter… dog’s keep moving forward, they don’t feel sorry for themselves and they don’t hold grudges…

that is one of the most incorrect statements I have read regarding animal behavior in quite a while.