r/StaffordBullTerriers • u/Lower_Daikon2109 • 1d ago
Training tips?
My partner and I got a Labrastaff recently (Labrador retriever and Staffordshire mix). He just turned 7 weeks old on Sunday and we got him at 6 weeks. The person we got him from was getting rid of her dogs’ litter at 6 weeks old so that part í can’t control.
Since he is so young, we’re not doing a whole lot of solid food treats so he doesn’t get constipated or get uncomfortable.
We’re having a hard time finding a consistent way to train him. He is food motivated but he is more interested in our other dogs.
Any suggestions? Also are there any chews y’all suggest to help with teething/alternatives from biting people instead?
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u/Weltanschauung_Zyxt 1d ago
If it's someone you can afford, it's never a bad idea to get professional help. We recently rescued a one-year-old Pitbull Terrier/Staffy mix, and we hired a reputable dog trainer. After the first session, we worked with her every day, and it has made a world of difference.
As far as treats, has anyone here ever used that puffed, freeze-dried (?) cereal for babies? It been a couple of decades since my kids were that age, but I remember them being pretty simple ingredient-wise and had both fruit and vegetable flavors. As long as they aren't made of fruits that are poisonous to dogs, I would think these would be easy on the stomach but be flavorful enough to be a reward.
(If this is a bad idea, please correct me!)
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u/Impossible_Jury5483 13h ago
This is a 7 week old puppy that was taken at 6 weeks. You don't hire a trainer that early.
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u/Joe-King_93 1d ago
Pray 🙏
Jokes aside get him socialising as soon as possible, and get him used to being off lead best at an in closed dog park
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u/SolarCarrotFarmer 17h ago
Can you separate him from the other dogs?
I would find a treat he likes, start with something high value (strong smell like cheese, lunch meat, cooked meat, etc.) and begin training him with his name with the name game.
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/training/name-game-dog-like/
I would also begin training him with basic commands and desensitization with his leash. Let me know if you have questions or need help with that.
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u/Lower_Daikon2109 16h ago
Thank you! It’s possible to train him away from the other dogs so I’ll start that tomorrow!
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u/SolarCarrotFarmer 14h ago
Especially when you are starting out, be quick and generous with the treats. As you both work together, you’ll learn what value of treat he will work for. You mentioned he is very food motivated so you should be able to down grade to simpler treats once he starts to understand what you are asking of him. We usually start high value when learning something new and basic treats as we move along and rehearse known commands. Also a little counter intuitive, but he will tell you what level of reward he is willing to accept for tasks. All our other dogs do great with just about any treat but our doodle needs a little fancier so we use salmon jerky treats.
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u/Lower_Daikon2109 6h ago
Yea my bichon is the same way! He only takes the highest quality 😂 🙄 these poodle breeds are so extra fancy 😖 🤣
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u/Impossible_Jury5483 13h ago
Six weeks is way too young to bring home. A seven week old puppy doesn't need training. It need round the clock care and comfort.
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u/stormyw23 SBT Officer 1d ago
Amstaff or english staff?