How To Train An American Staffordshire Terrier

Tags: dogs, pets, training, american staffordshire terrier

The American Staffordshire Terrier is a dog of medium yet strong build – they can weigh anywhere from 57 to 67 pounds, and stand as tall as 18 inches. Tough inside out, this pooch is genetically healthy, meaning there isn't much diseases that it is susceptible to. The only known issue that's often associated to this breed is Hip Dysplasia, but doesn't happen to often if given a dogs balanced diet and sufficient exercise.

Other diseases may include problems with its eyes, which is often passed down from generation to generation by some members of the breed. With that in mind, the problem can easily be eradicated by selecting the puppy with parents that have been thoroughly diagnosed to be disease-free – doing a background check on the grandparents would also help a lot.

American Staffordshire Terrier is often said to be the same breed as the American Pit bull Terrier – this is because they look very much similar and possess the same temperament. That is according to some people, but according to the organizations which register the breeds, they are different. Anyways, the American Staffordshire Terrier, American Pit Bull Terrier, or however you want to call it, may have the “fighting spirit” but it's actually pretty friendly.

Aside from mauling and attacking other animals that cross it, it's does a good job serving as a companion dog. They are sweet and affectionate – they love hanging around their human owners and taking strolls down the park or whatever place you may decide to take it. Because of its strong-willed and bossy attitude, having it on a leash will mean it'll be taking you out for a walk.

If not trained not to do so, expect it to be pulling you around everywhere – that isn't an excuse not to put on a leash and collar on it while out; seeing other animals especially others pets provoking it will trigger its aggressive behavior. From there, you'll most likely be chasing it around everywhere while it engages into battle with all kinds of stray and domestic mammals.

To deal with that, dog training till the day it is no longer capable of training or dead will be needed. Start at a young age – this is the best time for it to learn and for you to establish your superiority over it; very important for all American Staffordshire Terriers.

Also, socializing it with other pets and people at an early age will ease its aggression and make it even more friendly. While teaching it, you want to be firm but not harsh – keep the atmosphere fun and fair so that it won't feel bored. Use a pet reward system; include doggy treats and praises for obedience and good behavior.

Be consistent – hold the training routines on the same time everyday. Don't keep sessions to long or its mind will drift and it'll refuse to listen. When done training, you can spend some time playing with it – whoever said all work and no play makes Johnny a dull boy was right.

This will condition its mind that it'll have something to look forward to after training.

About the author

Alex De La Cruz is a successful Dog Trainer who has been advising and coaching dog owners for many years. Alex now decided to share his knowledge through this site, Doggyweb.info. You can sign up for his free weekly newsletter and learn how to keep your dog healthy and happy.

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