Question 10

What advice can you offer, when I take my Staffy home?

Answer: Taking on a rescue dog can be a very rewarding experience, but it’s important to remember that if your dog has been mistreated you will need to be prepared for some hard work and a lot of patience. Your Staffy may have had very little socialisation in his former life – for example he may have limited experience with children, dogs or any other animals. Others might have been raised and kept outside so won’t know what a hoover or television is. They may have also learnt behaviours which many people view as undesirable or unacceptable. These dogs will need careful, positive training to introduce them to new experiences and help them adjust to their new lives. Our staff will spend time with the dogs introducing them to new experiences to help them adjust and gain confidence and will work with you and offer advice, Once you take your dog home you should continue positive training and you may feel you need the help of a qualified behaviour expert to help your dog overcome any behaviour problems it may have.

It's important that you use a behaviour expert with the appropriate knowledge, skills and experience to treat your pet. Inappropriate or outdated advice or training methods may affect your pet’s welfare and could even make your pet’s behaviour problem worse. For more information please visit: www.dogwelfarecampaign.org

For information about puppy classes, contact one of the recommended ASAB/APBC behaviourists for advice:

Find a Certified Clinical Animal Behaviourist:
Association for the Study of Animal Behaviour visit www.asab.org  
Association of Pet Behaviour Counsellors visit www.apbc.org.uk