please help...staffy advice!!!

[broomhead56]

please help me, Im after advice... Im really upset, my dad whom i live with, finally got another dog after 6 years. To my delight his name was Max a five year old male staffordshire bull terrier, we got him from the rescue centre nearby. We had him two weeks, everything seemed perfect.. he was so loving and soft..i fell in love with him. He wasn't brilliant around other dogs though, on the field he would bark, growl and rear up around other dogs, always kept on the lead we hoped this would pass. Last friday, the door was left open for a second, Max ran outside, bolted up the drive and immeadiately lept onto a passing boxer dog. He bit around the dogs neck and wouldn't let go. After about a minute of chaos, my dad threw water over him and he let go of the boxer. Since this incident the owner has taken the boxer to the vets, who was told it could've been fatal. Obviously the owners where upset, advising us to get max put to sleep. To cut a long story short, Max was returned to the rescue centre yesterday and I am heartbroken. I had become so close to him, everyones been really upset, especially my dad. However he says he would be always worried it would happen again. We where advised to get a muzzle by a friend, but my dad still said he couldn't trust max anymore, and "what if next time it was a child"...I want Max back so much, but is this a trait that could be remedied with training, even though he's already five?. Is it likely to keep happeneing? would he eventually get used to other dogs?. If you could see what hes like around me at home you'd understand...has anyone any answers...if it where up to me he'd still be here now next to me

[nick_j007]

What a night mare situation for you. You have my sympathies.

On the other hand I would be devastated if it were my dog that were attacked...it runs both ways.

Can't say from my cosy office, but this sort of situation is potentially solvable or at least manageable, but to what degree and after how much work, nobody could say at this stage.

I have seen many a well -intended owner get dragged down physically and emotionally trying to resolve such behaviour. As you say, 5 yrs, male and the breed. Probably under socialised or attacked himself.

Up to you of course, but I would not take the dog back for your own sanity and look for something that is manageable and safe, unless you had the funds and time etc. to try again with the guidance of somebody that really knows their stuff with aggressive problems like this.

Most of the dogs I see for dog to dog aggression are as you say lovely with people.

Sorry. Let him go, move on. You'll thank me long term.

Nick

[Susie B]

hi - i have heard that staffies can be tetchy with other dogs though loving and docile with and to their owners - my friend has a staffie puppy - now 7 months old - we went for a walk with my new 16 week jack russell puppy - and her dog went for mine continually - and when she was let off the lead - she pinned my little one to the floor who was screaming in fear on her back - growling ferociously at her, lips back and teeth barred - i was terrified for my puppies life - staffordshire bull terriers need expert training - and your dad was right - it could have been fatal for the other poor dog it went for - or it may have been a small child - i feel sorry for you - but even sorrier for the dog who is back in the home because whoever had him as a puppy - did not train him - you'll be ok in time - your dad has done the right thing .......