What should I know about owning a Staffy?

[driverrob]

We've just been to the Chobbham RSPCA and were really taken by a Staffy bh http://www.rspca-millbrook.org.uk/?page=24&ani....
Lovely, friendly dog. We took her for a walk and she wasn't bad on the lead. We don't have any other pets nor children at home but we will, occasionally, visit or be visited by family with their own dogs or children.

We've had hamsters, rabbits and a cat before, but not a dog. So, any advice before we decide to go ahead with adopting her?

[driverrob]

Firstly, apologies to anyone from around Chobham for mis-spelling the name of the town.

Secondly, thanks for all the comments and advice, guys. As you'd expect, I've also been trawling the 'net for ideas.

We went back today, with a few treats in my pocket, and took her for another longish walk. She pulled a bit most of the way but mostly out of inquisitiveness for anything and everything. She enjoyed a jog for the last part - though, at our age, she can't expect too much of that - and was (typically) silly and puppy-ish off the lead with some toys in the enclosed area. She calmed down after that and sat with us, good as gold, while other dogs passed around us and let several children stroke her. She hasn't barked once in either session and has no known illnesses or other problems.

We're hooked. She's now reserved. House/garden inspection and free training session next week. Hopefully she'll be properly ours by next weekend. I'll post some pictures.

[driverrob]

I think all or most of the dogs at this rescue home are on a diet of some preferred dried food mix but I've read that a better diet, for their coat and their digestion (!), includes a lot of raw meat and bones, esp. chicken.
Any experience of this, anyone?

[driverrob]

Light n Hairy said:

Lots

Well, thank you for that verbal lashing.
As a retired couple with loads of experience of our families' various dogs over the years, we wanted a dog for company, love and exercise. We had a list of other criteria, too, to help us choose but the views and prejudices of other people were not among them.

[driverrob]

So, before 8:30 on a Sunday morning, you're wearing a tie and staring into a pint glass.

Is there anything helpful in your posts I should take seriously?

[driverrob]

NoVetec said:

I was lazy with mine, got him a harness and he stopped pulling.

Unless he sees a cat.

Yep. She has a harness at the centre, so we'll be getting her one. Haven't seen how she reacts to cats yet.

[driverrob]

We've just had our home visit. Then we shot back up to Chobham to take her for another walk. This time she did bark, once, at another large dog, and a pretty scary bark it was. On the other hand, she seems to be learning the 'sit' command from us (with a treat) so we're hoping some intensive training and socialising with other dogs should cure her of any aggression towards other dogs - unless threatened, of course.

The RSPCA are giving us a free starter training session later this week. Then we bring her home.
We've spent loads on her already: stair gate, bed, bowls, toys, with food, collar, lead etc still to come. It's almost as exciting as expecting your first child!

[driverrob]

Here she is just before we brought her home from the RSPCA.

Kerry at RSPCA by driverrob, on Flickr
I'll put some more photos on the appropriate thread - when I get chance. We are both knackered from trying to tire her out today, in the hope of a peaceful first night with her staying in her bed in a cage (for the moment).

[driverrob]

Karyn said:

She looks like a lovely soft character! So unsure! Bless

Hopefully you can give her the loving home she craves OP





Edit, I can't remember whether you know her history or not? Looks like she's just had a litter, doesn't it? I'd have one of her pups!

Believe me, she's loved

Yes, she was found abandoned but not, apparently, ill-treated, with three puppies (probably not her first litter) back in June or July. The puppies all sold quickly but no-one wanted Kerry.

She's desperately trying to stay awake while there's still any movement in the house.

[driverrob]

The Highway Man said:

....
Not a vicious bone in their bodies.

I'd have to admit that idea probably wasn't going through the mind of the hedgehog she found in the garden just now or the cat that decided to wander along the top of our fence earlier today!