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Frequently Asked Questions
I frequently asked or came across these questions and often found numerous answers to them.
My comments and opinions on what I found follows:
- Ocassionally, my dog eats grass? Is this normal?
Answer. Well, there does not seem to be a clear answer to this question. I have heard some report
that it helps clear their stomach and others say they are missing some nutritional element in their
diet. I have found there are times when Saffy goes 'grass crazy' but most of the time she does not
bother much at all. I have heard some arguments that claim this
helps clean their stomach out and others that say they are lacking some nutritional element. I'm not
sure I believe either one. I do know if she is in the 'grass crazy' mode and she eats enough of
it she will throw up. I guess we'll leave this one a mystery.
- Does playing tug promote obedience when used as a
training tool or aggressive behavior?
Answer. I read a lot of information on the net, in books, in leaflets, and could not come to a
conclusive answer on this question. Some articles claimed that it promoted obedience while others
claimed it made the dog more aggressive. Which is correct? At this point, I honestly do not know.
A number of Staffordshire Bull Terrier breeders advised me that playing tug is a natural
outlet for their prey drive and can be a useful training tool. Another expert advised me that she
had played tug with the bull and terrier breeds for over 25 years and to no ill-effect. I tend to
believe this is true as I have taken to playing tug with Saffy on an almost daily basis with no
obvious temperament change, she absolutely loves it and is her usual self at all other times.
In general, I understand, if you are going to play tug you must win the tug match most of time.
This instills the notion that you are mentally and physically stronger in the pack order and reinforces
that you are the 'leader' of the pack. However, if you always win they will grow tired of it, you
must occassionally lose a match to keep their interest up.
- If introducing your dog to another dog and either your dog or the other becomes aggressive
and starts barking at the other what is the correct approach to this situation?
What response will illicit a more friendly response in the future?
Answer. First and foremost, use caution when introducing your dog to another dog and
maintain control of your dog at all times. Before introducing your dog make sure your lead
is short to ensure that your leash and the other owner's leash does not wrap. Your dog
will probably take better to dogs of the opposite sex. However, some dogs will never get
along. If an encounter arises stay calm and gently pull your dog away from the situation
and walk onwards. If your dog becomes engaged with the other dog do not put your hands near
their jaws or in the center of the dispute, instead pull your dogs hind legs backwards and away
from the situation. Your dog will lose balance and be forced to dis-engage the other dog.
To reduce future encounters it is advised to properly socialize your dog with others on a
routine basis.
- Is there such a thing as 'Rage Syndrome' aka. 'Sudden Rage Syndrome?'
And, if so, is it present in the Staffordshire Bull Terrier breed?
Answer. Yes, 'Rage Syndrome' is a serious but rare uncharacteristic behavioural problem that has been
reported in several breeds (particularly in Spaniels). The behaviour is exemplified by sudden
attacks for no apparent reason; the dog will often be sleeping and then attack without warning. The
eyes become dilated and sometimes change colour during and after an attack, the dog is totally
confused when attacking and will not respond to any attempts to stop it. The attacks are very
unpredictable and the dog will often appear disorientated afterward and unaware of it's actions,
then return to it's normal self shortly after. Victims are usually members of the family and due
to the lack of warning from the dog, suffer from a flesh wound that will need medical attention.
The problem has also been reported in American Cocker Spaniels, Bernese Mountain Dogs, Chesapeake
Bay Retrievers, Dobermanns, English Bull Terriers, English Springer Spaniels, German Shepherds,
Golden Retrievers, Pyrenean Mountain Dogs and St. Bernards. Rage Syndrome is often incorrectly
diagnosed as it is sometimes confused with other forms of aggression. The problem has not been
reported with Staffordshire Bull Terriers or American Staffordshire Terriers.
- If your dog whines when you get ready to leave the house,
or if he wrecks your carpet or is destructive while you’re away, he may suffer from separation
anxiety.
Answer. Canine separation anxiety is a distress response due to their separation from people.
Shortly after the dog is left alone the symptoms are evident in a short period of time, usually
within 20-45 minutes. Symptoms range from chewing or other destructive, barking, crying, defecation,
and urination. Defecation and urination are usually the result of a panic response and not the
dog's attempt to seek vengeance on you. Separation anxiety is extremely common in dogs and can
usually be remedied by keeping your entrance and exits low-key, that is ignore your dog on entry
and make no fuss on exit, and by leaving your dog an article of clothing such as a tee-shirt that
you have recently worn. More severe anxiety disorders may require further techniques.
For more information try the following links:
Separation Anxiety - Dumb Friends League
Doggie Door - How to Handle Separation Anxiety with your Dog
- Do I need to socialize my dog? If so, what is the best
way to do this?
Answer. A socialized dog is a like a socialized person, those that are well socialized will be
confident and relaxed around others whereas those that are not used to it will be tense and
nervous. Most breeders and articles I have read recommend early socialization starting at the
6 to 8 week stage. In fact, must say this is critical in developing your puppy's long term
personality. So, it is very important to introduce them to as many different people, dogs,
and places as early as possible. You will want to continue this throughout their life to maintain
their social skills. The old adage really applies here; if you don't use it (social skills)
then you lose it!
- What is a Phantom Pregnancy?
Answer. A phantom pregancy is where your bitch has a hormonal change that makes her body act like
she is pregnant. The signs of a phantom pregnancy usually occur one to two months after she has been
in season. She may exhibit behavioral changes such as nesting, chewing on her blanket, clinginess, and
she may have pain around and produce milk from her teats. It is not entirely clear why phantom pregnancies
occur but it may be due to the fact that they are social animals in packs and that the bitches have a
tendency to come into season together and the phantom pregnancy may help nuture the offspring of the
alpha bitches pups in the pack. Usually, after a few weeks the symptoms will disappear. Note, a phantom
pregnancy is different than a false pregnancy.
For further information try the following link:
Phantom Pregnancy
- What is Brucellosis? When do I need to worry about this?
Answer. Brucellosis is a disease found throughout the world and spreads through contact with
aborted fetuses and discharges from the uterus of infected bitches. Basically, in females, infection
leads to abortion or early death of infected puppies. In male dogs, the infection can lead to infertility. So,
if you plan to breed it is extremely wise to test both the dam and the sire beforehand. I found
this article on the
web that goes into great details and explanation in regards to the disease.
- What are Cataracts? Do I need to worry about this?
Answer. Coming soon...
- What is Cystitis? How do I get rid of it?
Cystitis is an inflammation of the urinary bladder and can lead to incontinence and or frequent urination.
Such bladder infections are very common in dogs and can be very painful for them. If your dog is diagnosed
with a bladder infection antibiotics may be prescribed by your veterinarian. Your dog will need to follow up
an antibiotic regimen with with acidophilus to restore good bacteria. An alternative to antibiotics, like
bee propolis or grape seed extract, may be a solution you can look into as well.
- What is Hip Displatia? Do I need to worry about this?
Answer. Coming soon...
- What are Inner Eye Lashes? Is this a concern?
Answer. Coming soon...
- What is Kennel Cough? Is this a concern and when do I need to worry about this? I have heard this is common in kennels.
Answer. Coming soon...
- What is Milk Fever (Hypocalcaemia)?
Answer. Coming soon...
- What is Parvo?
Answer. Coming soon...
- What is Pyometria?
Answer. Coming soon...
- What is rabies? Do all dogs need a rabies shot? If so, how often?
Answer. Rabies is a horrible disease. Many countries require all pets to have a rabies shot. The
first shot lasts for one year. Subsequent booster shots can last up to three years. There are some
countries and locales that do not have rabies such as Britain and Hawaii. It is best to check with
your local licensing agency or the agency of the locale you plan to import the dog to. Some countries
have strict quarantine guidelines due to rabies. More information about rabies can be found on this by
clicking here.
- The vet informed me that my dog is over-weight? What can I do to diet her?
Answer. There are several things you can do. First, and most obvious, you need to reduce your dog's
caloric intake, and the easiest way to do this is to reduce the amount of food at meal time, reduce
each meal by 20 to 50 percent. Second, you can reduce the number of fatty treats and or
subsitute carrots or celery. I have a tendency to use regular dog food as treats and I always try
to make sure to reduce that from her regular meals. Saffy kind of looked at me funny at first when
I offered her carrots but she got used to them. Regular exercise will also help in reducing
weight, I generally take Saffy for a 40 minute walk every day.
- I have noticed that dogs in shows often have very
fancy names. Do these show names have anything to do with their real name?
Answer. No, not generally. Show names are made up to be catchy and usually have nothing
to do with the dog's affectionately known name. Most names include their
country of origin, titles, breeders name, and catch name. For example:
AUST CH PREFIX JOHN DOE SHOWNAME
- What sorts of Staffy shows are there in the dog world?
Answer. Most shows for Staffords fall into the following groups:
- Conformation
- Obedience
- Agility
- Flyball
- What does the traditional "Stafford Knot" (like the one you can
order on the A.E. Collars) symbolize?
Answer. The 'Stafford Knot'
The origin of the 'Stafford Knot' is shrouded in the mists of antiquity. However, there
is a tale that a somewhat barbaric certain Sheriff invented it to hang
three rogues, but there was only one gallows in town. The Magistrate
told them that if they could devise a knot that would hang all three at once,
they would earn their freedom. This is the knot. It appears on the county coat
of arms, badges, emblems etc. and has come to mean "unity" to the Staffordshire born.
For more information on the Stafford Knot click here.
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