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Old 05-02-2012, 11:34 PM   #1
heilyprollecyspor

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Default Reading/re-search for a future well balanced dog
I'm not going into detail and explaining myself, I've spoken to certain people about what's on my mind, I'm just asking for advice.

If I choose I can't keep Serenity, I will be getting a SBT at the END of this year or early next year.

I am terrified of failing this dog. The only dog who has been fine, is Sunny. I know quite a but about SBTs but I'm afraid I won't be up for the challenge of owning one.

I have the exercise down. I already walk/(working on running) with Serenity, we play a lot, I go riding with her, she gets to swim and we go hiking. I would get into agility, lure coursing and Flyball (if possible).

I have been working with training the dogs so by the time I get the pup, I know I'll be consistent with the training. I'd also take the pup to training classes.

My fear is that Sunny and Serenity are low key and mellow. Serenity is not what you'd except from a Kelpie x, energy wise. She is so calm and chilled. I remember owning Guage (SBT) and he was full on. so, owning a higher energy dog is a new stepping stone for me.

So, while I decide what I'm doing, I want to do my re-search and learn more though I'm not exactly sure what I should be learning about. I am going to start doing NILF now and will do it with the pup.

So, any books/links, advice on SBTs or training things I should do. I don't know what to ask for, so anything you think might be good to know. I was thinking about going to shows/events maybe to learn a bit.
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Old 05-02-2012, 11:45 PM   #2
JessicaLin

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All I can say is SOCALIZE the shit out of the pup.

I believe it is advised to have a dog be introduced as many as 1000 different people (size, color, hair styles, male, female ect.) during the first 6 months of their life.

Also I am going to PM you tonight when I get off work. Got some other info you might want.
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Old 05-03-2012, 12:11 AM   #3
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This sounds like you already know what decision you are making when it comes to Serenity. /:
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Old 05-03-2012, 12:16 AM   #4
heilyprollecyspor

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I haven't, yet. I %97 there with what I believe I should do but it's not final yet, I thought about it more and I need more time before I make the choice. I have doughts and I know if I do not keep her and just do it now, I'll live to regret it so I'm giving her and me some more time.

The fact is, I am to stressed owning a dog like her. If I lived by myself, if I was just me and her, if I was older and more responsible, things would be different.

So, I'm sure of what I'm doing but I'm not %100 there yet and I'm giving us both more time to see if I can change for her. I'm giving more time but until then, I want to start re-search. I need something to distract me and doing re-search while I have her will help.
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Old 05-03-2012, 12:19 AM   #5
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This should help: Staffordshire Bull Terrier Club Of America

As someone who has fostered a staffy and someone who interacts with A LOT of staffy and staffy sport crosses in flyball, I sincerely urge you to understand the exercise requirements of this breed before getting one. They need a job. They will do ANYTHING you ask, but they are definitely a breed that needs something to do.

Staffies, IME, are not a breed that necessarily challenges authority, but they CRAVE human attention. They will do anything to love on you. So, if you don't want them in your lap when you eat or on top of you when you sleep, you need to establish that rule immediately.
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Old 05-03-2012, 01:48 AM   #6
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The best resources you have are going to be your breeder (assuming a reputable breeder who offers lifetime support) and your trainer (assuming a qualified trainer who does not suck). Anything beyond that will be all about you doing what the dog needs and what the trainer and breeder advise.
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Old 05-03-2012, 02:30 AM   #7
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I think you need to wait, and not get another dog for years, when you have your own place, are financially stable enough to pay for plenty of training classes, and have become more stable and reliable yourself. From watching your posts over the last couple years, I think that even a sound dog will not thrive with you. Remember it is nature and nurture.
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Old 05-03-2012, 03:09 AM   #8
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I agree with MJJean and Leslie.

Get involved in your local dog clubs. Go to shows, meet breeders, talk to them, go to training with Sunny and/or Serenity.

I've worked with some SBT's and they were DA. One of which, severely DA. I know you are unsure of being able to handle Serenity right now, for a completely different reason yes, but do you feel that right now, you could handle a DA dog? I know you mentioned you wanted to do dog sports/activities, you can absolutely do them with a DA dog but it requires very responsible handling, and lots of training.

I think truly working on yourself as a dog owner/handler is what you should do now. Sunny seems like a good dog to start with, and if you can find a good trainer, or breeder willing to work with you, maybe you can even learn how to resolve some issues with Serenity.

The breeders I know that are into "harder" breeds, whether they be prone for DA or are "edgier" dogs won't even consider homing even a pet quality with an inexperienced owner, or especially one that has rehomed in the past. In fact it's on most of their puppy applications; Have you ever surrendered or rehomed a dog? If so, why? If the answer wasn't rehome a long time ago due to a living or financial situations (to which they will probe as to why you feel you are now financially stable) than that's the end of the line in purchasing one of their puppies.

I do know of a Rottweiler breeder that made an exception for one puppy buyer who PTS'd for behaviourial issues, but she did speak with the trainers and behaviourialists as well as the vet before making that decision.

My motto is I want a breeder to ask me uncomfortable questions, I want a breeder to truly search me and up and down, if they don't, I don't want one of their dogs. At this point in time I think what's more important than researching potential breeds, is focusing on your ability as a handler.
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Old 05-03-2012, 03:17 AM   #9
heilyprollecyspor

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Thanks LillianLove. I defiantly love a cuddler. Serenity love's to cuddle and be right up against me so it wouldn't bother me if that's what the SBT liked doing.

Thanks MJJEAN. I'll defiantly be going to a responsible breeder, I like the fact they offer support. I do know of some good trainers so that's all set for when I take her/him training.

Leslie, I see what your saying but chances are, I won't move out for another 4/5 years, it all depends. I don't want to wait that long. I don't mind waiting till next year sometime. I believe I can raise a dog right. I plan on getting more hands on experience and doing more reading/re-search. I learnt a lot from Serenity and that'll help with the next dog.

I know I can now provide proper training, care, socialization, exercise. If I can provide that, I should be fine. I've got a good trainer if I need help with training or if I don't see a issue, they may pick it up.

I do have a few books in mind I plan on reading about SBTs, training/puppy raising but if anyone knows of any, feel free to post them in case I don't have them.
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Old 05-03-2012, 03:22 AM   #10
heilyprollecyspor

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I understand SBTs can become DA and that is a big fear of mine but I've handled a DA dog before just fine. I am still considering looking into different breeds, I haven't had a look yet but I plan to.

I'll defiantly start going to shows to learn more, I'll have to search for some up coming shows. I am currently working with Serenity while I decide what I'm doing for sure. If I don't keep Serenity, I will work with Sunny. My goal is to work with him around distractions and my biggest goal is to be able to have him off leash with a great re-call. I don't plan on getting a pup till I know I can put the effort and time in to it.
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Old 05-03-2012, 06:31 AM   #11
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If you're not 100% sure you are going to be able to handle the breed, don't get it. Give Sunny your full attention, take him with you to shows, participate in sports, talk to breeders, learn first before adding another dog. And if you get a dog no matter what anyone says, why not go to a rescue and get a dog with its temperament already set in?

And I don't know how you'll handle a DA dog if you can't handle one with human issues. Holding a leash is one thing, but successfully helping a dog overcome these problems is another. And before you do that I wouldn't consider adding a potentially DA dog.
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Old 05-03-2012, 06:38 AM   #12
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If you knew how to properly train and socialize a dog; you would feel like you can't handle serenity 100%.

I agree with the others, you do not need another dog right now. You need to take what you have and learn from it. Also you need to wait until you are a little more stable. SBT from what I have heard are very high energy dogs who need constant attention, training and stuff to do.
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Old 05-03-2012, 06:44 AM   #13
heilyprollecyspor

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I'm not getting any dog until I'm %100 confident I can do the right thing. I haven't %100 decided on a SBT, I am still looking at other breeds.

The difference between Serenity and a new pup is her issues Vs a pup with none, a pup I can work with and raise better. I won't have to have the fear that the dog will try and bite some one, for the rest of my time owning the dog.

As I said, I will be doing everything with Sunny till I'm ready. I won't be getting the pup for a long while yet, maybe not even till next year.

I understand SBT's are high energy, I want that. I want to do some sports, I want to take the dog biking, running, hiking and swimming. I want to play and train the dog.

I just don't know if I have it in me to keep Serenity. I'm looking at her now, I don't want to see her gone but I don't believe I'm right for her. I'm battling with myself what to do every day, in the end, it's the fact if I believe I can keep her contained %100 of the time and the fact I won't always stress about her.

There is a big difference between owning a HA and a DA dog. I'd pick owning Guage over Serenity, issue wise. (Guage was DA).
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Old 05-03-2012, 06:48 AM   #14
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You can raise a dog with all the socialization in the world, it's genetics will still be the major deciding factor. You don't need a high energy dog to do all the things you listed. A biddable fit dog would be a better choice, then if you learn from doing all that with a easy dog, then you move up.
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Old 05-03-2012, 06:51 AM   #15
heilyprollecyspor

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I know it all matters on genetics. I've learnt that. I know I don't need a high energy dog to do all that, I have Serenity and she can do most of that and she's low key. It's the fact, I only really like 3 breeds and out of all 3, the SBT is the best to get.

If you have thoughts on a dog that may suit me, I'm open to listening to what breeds you'd suggest.
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Old 06-02-2012, 08:02 AM   #16
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There's not even 100% chance that IF you get a new pup that it will be genetically sound. So then what? gonna Put it down too?
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Old 06-02-2012, 08:04 AM   #17
heilyprollecyspor

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I'll just be happy if the dog doesn't have issues towards people, that's all I want. If Serenity just had fear issues without the aggression towards people, I'd be fine with that. I am hoping going to a breeder will work in my favor of getting a sound dog.
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Old 06-02-2012, 08:09 AM   #18
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And what if the new dog does have the same fear based issues as Serenity has? Getting a new dog doesn't mean a damn thing.
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Old 06-02-2012, 08:16 AM   #19
heilyprollecyspor

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I probably wouldn't want to keep the dog. If that happened, I wouldn't even bother getting another dog after that. I dought that will happen though.

I don't believe the dog will have aggression towards people. I hope going to a good breeder, dogs that have been showed, health tested and such, shown good attitude, I'll get a good pup.

Guage loved people, Sunny love's people. I am not worried about the next dog having people issues. I can't deal with the stress of owning a dog like this. I worry to much. I am giving her a bit longer, I am going to see if I can change my view about her. I'm not rushing into this.
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Old 06-02-2012, 08:19 AM   #20
heilyprollecyspor

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I'm not taking this choice lightly. I know what she's thinking, she knows what I've been considering. It's even harder since I know her on a deeper level with AC. The only comfort I can take is that she will understand, whatever choice I make.
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