Now that you have
decided that a Staffordshire Bull Terrier is the dog for you, where
is the best place to obtain a puppy? A good first point of contact
is to refer to the enclosed list of SBT Breed Club Secretaries
and speak to someone in your area who will be able to advise on available
litters from bona - fide breeders. Take time to meet other owners
by attending shows and the local Breed Club handling class where you
can see other dogs and formulate an idea of the colour and type you
prefer. Look at as many litters as you can, where possible try
to see the parents and satisfy yourself that the type and temperament
is consistent with the Breed Standard and ensure both parents are
KC Registered. Perhaps the best time to see a puppy is at around
6 weeks of age when they should be fully weaned and typically boisterous
and outgoing. ( It may be helpful to take someone along with
you who is familiar with the breed, but the final choice should be
yours ). A puppy is best left with his mother until between
7 and 8 weeks of age, following which he will be ready to go out into
the big wide world and that is when the work begins in earnest for
the new 'parents'.
At
the time of collecting your new puppy the responsible breeder will
have wormed the litter and be able to provide you with the date/type
of wormer used and details of follow up treatment, a copy of the Pedigree,
a photocopy of the KC Registration document ( which should have been
applied for, but which takes several weeks to be processed by the
KC ), click
here to view a bona fide specimen KC Registration document Take
a close look at these Kennel Club Registration documents and the sample
'Certificate of Eye Examination'and a 'diet sheet'. Try to collect
your puppy as early as possible in the day ( preferably before a feed
) so that you have the longest possible time to settle him into his
new home. It is advisable to take a small cardboard box lined
with newspaper or a piece of 'vetbed' to keep your puppy warm and
secure on the journey home. Make sure you have checked his diet
and have purchased food and a suitable bed/bedding in advance.
Do remember to contact your local veterinary practice to make an appointment
for puppy's inoculations and check up (the inoculations are administered
in two parts at around 9 and 12 weeks). During this time your puppy
cannot come into contact with other dogs or during the week following
the last injection. The first night away from mum and his brothers
and sisters can be quite traumatic but don't be tempted to let him
sleep in your bed or get up to him in the night; these are patterns
that are hard to break in the future, and he will quickly settle down
and adjust to his new way of life. You will find it helpful
to maintain a good relationship with the breeders through photographs
and regular updates and they, in turn, will be able to provide
you with help and advice as your puppy grows.
You should
take advice from your puppy's breeder, but the following is a guide
to some aspects of looking after your puppy:-
A young puppy
will initially be on four meals a day, comprising: milk / meat/ meat
/ milk to coincide with breakfast / lunch / dinner / supper, with
a puppy complete added to the meat mixture to ensure a balanced diet.
As a guide you can reduce your puppy's meals by omitting lunch at
around 4 months, then supper at 6 months until by 9 months he is on
one main meal, usually fed in the evening. In addition, fresh
drinking water should be available at all times.
When puppy is
teething he will want something to chew and if left unattended for
any length of time he will become bored and your skirting board or
chair leg will become the object of his attentions. This can
be minimised by providing toys ( not too small and not containing
metal pieces that could be swallowed as the toy breaks up ), and of
course by giving him time and attention . In addition, when
used properly, dog cages can be helpful at this time, as the confine
the puppy whilst you are out and until you can be there to supervise
him. Dogs are not meant to be kept cooped up in cages for long
periods of time, or in cages that are not sufficiently large enough
to allow free movement. Therefore if you do use a cage - please
don't abuse it.
The breeder may
have already begun basic training of your puppy by allowing him to
differentiate between the 'vetbed' for sleeping and the newspaper
placed in the run for his toilet. Patience is required when
toilet training your puppy - always take him to the door following
feeding and allow him to go into the garden, praise him when he has
done well and he will soon get the idea. During the night it
is best to place newspaper near to the back door which minimises the
mess and encourages him to go to the door when he wants to do his
business.
Your puppy will
thrive on play time but don't give him anything too hard to chew whilst
he has milk teeth as this could cause damage, and don't allow him
to hang off a rubber ring when young, as his bones are still very
flexible. If you have children please ensure that they realise that
this is a living animal with feeling and not a toy; they should be
taught to respect the dog.
Don't let them wake him 
when
he is sleeping or constantly handle him when he is awake.
It is unwise to leave Children of any age unsupervised with a young
puppy. A puppy's milk teeth are razor sharp and he should be
discourage from
biting as it can be very painful. Staffords are very sensitive
and if chastisement is necessary a very effective method is a rolled
up newspaper
- usually the sight is sufficient to act as a deterrent. Otherwise
let them know by the firm tone of your voice; that is all that should
be required.
Don't be tempted
to subject your puppy to too much rigorous exercise. Prior to
six months of age he will only require light exercise with free running
and light lead work and no intensive roadwork. During this time
a puppy's bones are soft and 'too much too young' can result in malformed
limbs. Exercise should gradually be increased so that by around
12 months he will be able to accompany you on long walks without distress.
The information
contained in these notes is not meant to be exhaustive, but we hope
they provide helpful guidance on the purchasing and early stages of
raising your new Stafford. Congratulations on selecting this
wonderful breed of dog. I am sure you will find in him a true
companion and life-long friend, you will have lots of fun together
and your life will undoubtedly never be quite the same again.
Remember : You're never alone with a Stafford !
Written
by Jenny Smith © 2001- 2008
