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Finally got 2 minutes on computer to reply. Puppies + children at same time are hard work. Will be a lot easier when they're back at schol tomorrow and I can maybe do some trainign without being constantly interrupted.
Yes socialisation critical. I took Daisy out into the park in my arms pre jabs before was allowed to put her on ground so she could watch what going on. Also held her and let her say
That's good to know - had been intending doing that this week if possible. Have a friend with a very well trained malinois who she's met already and I'll probably take her over to their dog park as they know all the local dogs already + imagine observing well behaved dogs is good for her.
Got any thoughts on collar vs harness once we get to stage where I can walk her? Have seen both recommended. Collar seems like it would be a lot easier but she's going to be strong. Just weighed her and she put on over a kilo since Friday. She's noticeably bigger than a week ago.
Can already see little bits of stuborness - she is definitely not keen on going outside when cold or wet. But also can see her confidence growing - have put her in multiple different situations in the last week (children's playgrounds where she got mobbed, trip down to my parents for weekend, etc) and she's taken it all in her stride.
Have ordered that book as had been meaning to get another one - one I've been using is a bit oddly structured. Defintiely want to get on top of training early. She's doing pretty well with 'sit' and I've made a start on 'drop' which sounds useful.
The kids definitely need some training. They're still getting stressed when she's exciteable because they're worried she'll nip them. Which is entirely possible when she's over excited. So trying to get them to practise being calm plus also that they're in charge, not her.
On the other hand she's already done a huge amount of good in comforting them when they're upset. Younger daughter had a massive tantrum last week and she put her head on her lap and she'd calmed down within five minutes.Better get back to kids/dogs. Got more people coming to visit her this morning. We're suddenly very popular... plus she's got a kid's halloween party to go to this evening.
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Sounds great! My staffies have always really got on well with Malinois / German Shepherds for some strange reason. Think because had similar physical strength despite the size difference.
I went with harness as they are very strong and enthusiastic and I found easier to control and grab if needed when they were doing crime.
Your kids are wise. Those puppy teeth are lethal and she will be trying them on everything. Having a toy in hand to quickly shove in her mouth will save a few nips. She will also be chewing / swallowing everything so best avoid leaving things around and on low tables to avoid an expensive vets trip. Good crate training (see Steve Mann) is also a godsend to give everyone downtime.
Younger daughter had a massive tantrum last week and she put her head on her lap and she'd calmed down within five minutes.
Yes that empathy is one of the breed characteristics.
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It was hard enough getting Crumpet at 5 months, she was very calm for her age and we don't have kids. Juggling a very young puppy and kids sounds like a nightmare! Good effort.
Regardless of collar or harness, I'd recommend an elasticated lead, we have the one below. Crumpet is quite big (32kg roughly) and quite strong. She's normally pretty good on the lead but still goes berserk if she sees a fox. Having a bit of give in the lead stops her pulling your arm out of your socket which makes it a lot easier to keep her under control if she pulls unexpectedly.
We use a harness because it suits her body type better, an added bonus is having a handle that you can hold on to. It makes life a bit easier if you can hold on to her to stop her wandering in front of a cyclist and things like that without having to put her on the lead.
velosaurus
ltc
Am sure will be fine. As a family we have had staffies for 60 years. Daisy is No. 19. Love the breed. I
Yes socialisation critical. I took Daisy out into the park in my arms pre jabs before was allowed to put her on ground so she could watch what going on. Also held her and let her say hello to other dogs nose to nose after checking with owner dog ok and vaccinated. Most owners appreciate what trying to do.
When on ground tried to get her to meet as many other dogs as possible. If playing with other dogs made sure didnt play for too long 2-3 mins before giving her space to reset and shake off. Playing too crazy isnt good. Socialisation to different things in first 16 weeks is key. As get older guidance on boundaries v important. Staffies are lovely but very strong willed, very competitive and get themselves in trouble because of this.
Recommend Steve Mann Easy Peasy Puppy Squeezy. Esp' crate training if have kids as guess you will be training the kids as much as the pup? PM me if needs.