How to Train a Staffy Easily Using Six Basic Principles!

 

If you’ve been looking for some information on how to train a staffy, there are six basic principles and ideas you should consider which can make your staffy training much easier and more enjoyable. 

  1. Modify Your Own Behaviour 

 It is important to realise that any training program has to involve changes to your behaviour as well as your dog’s. Like all dogs, staffies show instinctual behaviours which in some cases need to be controlled or modified. However, to a large degree their behaviour is a reaction to your own, so learning how to modify your own behaviour to bring out the best in your dog is very important. Your staffy wants to be part of your family ‘pack’ and will look to you for guidance and direction.    

2. Use Positive Reinforcement 

Staffies are a very intelligent breed and respond well to training, although they can also be very strong-willed and it can often seem like they have a very clear agenda of their own!  In learning how to train a staffy, the best general approach is to use positive reinforcement of ‘good’ behaviour, rather than yelling or shouting at them if they do something you don’t like.  With positive reinforcement, your dog’s behaviour will naturally shift towards your desired outcomes and the other behaviours will fade way.  This is particularly so with staffies because they are a very affectionate dog and actively seek out human warmth and attention. So, if you want to modify any aspect of your staffy’s behaviour, the best way is work on changing how they express their basic instincts.      

3. Be Consistent

  Any dog training method you might use when considering how to train a staffy has to be used consistently.  Dogs respond best to consistent commands and behaviour.  For example, if you only make your dog sit down occasionally before putting on its leash, it will get confused and excited and will not know how to respond.  If you establish a rule, make sure everyone in the family follows it when interacting with your staffy.   

 

 

Click Here to Learn How to Give Your Staffy EFFECTIVE COMMANDS!

 

   4. Establish Your ‘Alpha Leadership’

  One of the most fundamental aspects of how to train a staffy, or in fact any type of dog training, is the position you hold in the household.  It is up to you to show your staffy that you are the leader of the family pack and they must look to you for guidance.  This allows them to relax because they then have a better understanding of their place in the pack and they also know that you will protect them. 

5. Use Leash Training

 If your staffy has a habit of pulling on their leash, the most useful thing you can do is teach them to settle into a calm state.  One simple measure you can use in how to train a staffy is to get them to sit down before putting on their leash. This will allow your dog to respond to your commands instead of getting over-excited about the walk.  If you are out walking and your staffy pulls on its leash, make them sit down and wait for a few moments before you continue.  They will soon realise that if they pull on their leash the walk will come to a halt, which is the last thing they want!

6. Consider Obedience Training for How to Train a Staffy  

You can get some excellent tips on how to train a staffy from going to an obedience class. These classes will show you what you need to know about establishing and maintaining alpha leadership, and how to give your staffy firm, effective commands.  Whether you have a new puppy or are struggling to control an older dog, obedience classes can be a very useful addition to your ‘how to train a staffy’ home training program.

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