How Can Staffie Owners Help Re-build the Staffordhire Bull Terrier's Reputation?

1. 85

   Linda Blissposted 12 years ago

   How Can Staffie Owners Help Re-build the Staffordhire Bull Terrier's Reputation?
   
   Despite misconceptions, Staffies are loving, loyal and reliable dogs if trained and socialised properly.
   
   I can't tell you how many Staffie owners I meet in the dog park who tell me about strangers coming up shouting abuse at them simply for owning a dog of this breed - totally unprovoked and probably fuelled by uneducated media reports.
   
   I'm not a Staffie Owner myself, but how can Staffie owners and enthusiasts of the breed help re-build the breed's damaged reputation as a friendly family dog?
   
   (Photo: Cleo from Battersea Dog Home, re-homed after 1 year in Kennels)
   
   
   

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2. 93

   peeplesposted 12 years ago

   The three leading reasons dogs are aggressive are lack of training, Neglect (leaving tied to a logging chain all day), and inbreeding. If all Staffie owners took the time to train their dogs, didn't neglect them, and didn't become back yard breeders the attacks would decrease. Sadly that will never happen. We have a rental property in a neighborhood where every house has 2 or 3 tied out. These dogs are left on logging chains day and night no matter the weather and are bred over and over again. It's sad that these people care more about making a quick dollar than caring for their animal. My girl is 10 and the best dog I have ever owned. She treats my children great even when they aren't so nice to her!

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3. 60

   Dubuquedogtrainerposted 12 years ago

   Train them using positive reinforcement, no force. Take them out and about. Participate in dog sports if that's something that interests you. Certify your dog as a canine good citizen, even a therapy or service dog. Take good care of your pet and be pleasant to other pet owners and the public.

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4. 81

   Seeker7posted 12 years ago

   Hi. I don't own a Staffie myself, but I do know people from walking my own dogs that have had very bad experiences from strangers shouting abuse at them for having the breed. Naturally they have been very upset by this. I think it's sad that the obviously good Staffie owners get picked on. Their dogs are very well behaved and these folks are responsible dog owners. But it doesn't seem to matter to some folks who are prejudice and ignorant.
   
   On the other side of the coin and another kind of owner, the problem is not with the dog but with the owner. Around my area these lovely dogs have unfortunately become like a status symbol or fashion accessory for so called 'tough guys'. I think what happens is that firstly these goons have no idea how to look after any dog properly and they've bought the dog for all the wrong reasons. Secondly, people see these twats with Staffies, and so equate the dog with all things unpleasant.
   
   So maybe as good Staffie owners you should have a campaign to highlight all the positives of this dog - and there are many. Hopefully as well,  a few of the idiots will pick up good tips on how to look after their dogs properly.

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5. 0

   DoItForHerposted 12 years ago

   You can join mailing lists about breed specific legislation. Become educated and keep abreast of any possible changing situations. Then write your representatives when BSL ordinances are introduced as bills. Learn how to properly write that letter and ignore online petitions. Online petitions are next to worthless for making any real change. Make posters and get others educated and involved. Drive to your legislative sessions and speak about your position. Go to city council meetings and have your say. Run for office. Volunteer for anti-BSL organizations.
   
   There is lots of stuff you can do that would make a real difference, but, unfortunately, that takes time, energy, money, emotion, etc. Lots of people are quick to give their opinion, but few will actually doing something meaningful.

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