FOUNDED 1973
HELPING YOU TO KEEP YOUR DOG
Sometimes people feel that they can't give their dogs enough time and that they would be better off in another home with someone who can offer more. Realistically that perfect home often just isn't out there and both the owner and the dog have to make do with what they have. With most people having to work longer hours these days it is often lack of time that causes the problems - there are many ways to entertain and exercise your dog that perhaps you haven't realised. We are more than happy to be able to offer solutions so that the dog can remain in his home.
If you are out of the house for a long period during the day you could always arrange for a trusted friend or family member to visit and either take your dog out for a short walk or else play with him in your garden. If you don’t know someone willing or able to do that for you there is always the possibility of employing a dog-walker http://www.ukdogwalkers.co.uk/eastanglia.html#top or your vet may know of suitable trustworthy people.
If you’re unable to exercise your dog off your own premises there are a number of good ideas for entertaining and amusing him. A stimulated dog is a happy dog! It is boredom and lack of motivation that generally creates a destructive dog and bad habits.
Although Staffords can usually destroy most pet toys and it is unwise to leave them unsupervised with toys the black rubber Kong toys made by The Company of Animals are pretty tough and suitable for most Staffords. You can fill these with various concoctions (or make up your own!!) that will occupy your dog while you are out of the house. Check out various recipes here: http://www.companyofanimals.co.uk/kongrecipe.php
Check out any of these websites for games and ideas for you and your dog:
http://www.agilitybits.co.uk/games/indoor/indoor.html
http://www.dog-pictures.co.uk/dog-care-articles/games_to_play_with_your_dog.shtml
Some excellent books with ideas (all available on www.amazon.co.uk ):
Fun and Games with Your Dog by Gerd Ludwig and Dan Rice
Playtime for your Dog: Keep Him Busy Throughout the Day by Christina Sondermann
150
Activities for Bored Dogs: Surefire Ways to Keep Your Dog Active and Happy by
Sue Owens Wright
Totally Fun Things to Do with Your Dog (Play with Your Pet) by Maxine Rock
Games to Play with your Dog by David Sands
If you have specific behavioural problems with your dog click on any of these links to download helpful information or if you would like a paper copy sent to you email easbtc@thedoghouse89.freeserve.co.uk
Pulling on the lead http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&A=1124
Helping your dog to cope when left alone
Annoying barking http://www.apbc.org.uk/article1.htm
Basic dog training http://www.apdt.co.uk/dog_training_tips.asp
If you need one-to-one help with any of these or other problems we would recommend you contact a member of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers http://www.apdt.co.uk/index.asp or the Association of Pet Behaviour Counsellors http://www.apbc.org.uk/help/regions who should be able to give you specific advice.
For details of trainers local to your area look here: http://www.apdt.co.uk/local_dog_trainers.asp
or behaviourists: http://www.apbc.org.uk/regions.php?area=east
We would recommend any of the following dog behaviourists/trainers as ones that we have specific knowledge of and have seen work successfully with Staffordshire Bull Terriers:
Val Harvey
Area covered: Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire
Email: madcrazydogs@hotmail.com telephone: 01707 895436 (eve) website: www.puppypalsdogtraining.com
Stephanie Hedges
Area covered: Northants, Beds, Cambs
Email: stephanie@inthedoghouse.org.uk
telephone: mobile 07969
121559
Paul Rawlinson
Area
covered: Cambridge, Ely, Peterborough, Huntingdon , Newmarket and all areas in
between
Email: paul@K9Dogs telephone: mobile 07796 691955 home 01353 775081 website: http://www.k9dogs.co.uk
Battersea Dogs Home offers a telephone advice line for anyone with a dog displaying behaviour problems. It is advisable to seek help as soon as possible as the longer the behaviour is practised the harder it will be to stop. Phone 0905 020 0222 Calls cost 25p per minute from a BT landline, other networks may vary. Lines are open from 12pm to 5pm, Monday to Friday with messages taken at other times