Do you want to learn how to stop a Staffy puppy from biting? No doubt about it, you’re absolutely correct in wanting to curb your puppy’s biting before it gets out of hand. Allowing this behavior to continue unchecked could become a severe problem.
Fortunately, Staffordshire Bull Terriers are typically mild-mannered and pretty easy going; plus, they are highly intelligent and not difficult to train.
All puppies love to chew and bite, it’s hard-wired into their DNA, but if left until they grow into adult Staffies, that’s when significant problems will occur. Undoubtedly it’s in the best interests of both you and your Staffy to get biting under control.
NOTE: This page may contain affiliate links, which means Staffy Dog may receive a small commission for anything purchase via these links, at no cost to you. This keeps our tails wagging.
Are Staffy Puppies Aggressive?
The simple truth is Staffy puppies are no more aggressive than any other puppy.
Then again, Staffies have a reputation for aggression towards other dogs, which is unsurprising when you consider the history of dogfighting Staffies have had to endure. Even so, you can quickly remedy this by taking a Staffy puppy to socialization classes from a very early age, starting immediately after they have had their vaccinations.
When you allow a Staffy puppy to play and interact with other puppies of the same age, they quickly learn how to approach and greet other dogs. Staffies will gain the necessary confidence and enjoyment in meeting other dogs.
When you approach a breeder to choose a Staffy puppy, thoroughly check them out first. Breeders with many puppies to sell invariably have little time or inclination to socialise the puppies, which is a crucial mistake. Choose breeders with only one litter at a time and handle their puppies consistently; doing this is so beneficial to a Staffy’s temperament.
Why Do Staffy Puppies Bite?
Staffy puppies will bite for several reasons; they need to explore the world around them, much the same way a human toddler will. Of course, the difference is a dog doesn’t have hands, so they use their mouths. A Staffy puppy will likely bite or chew down on many items in the home.
When you watch the interaction between puppies, you’ll quickly notice a tremendous amount of play biting and nipping each other. Perhaps unsurprisingly, you’ll often hear one puppy yelp very loud when another sibling goes too far. In one way, a Staffy puppy is replicating this behavior with you now there are no siblings to play with.
Why Do Staffy Puppies Chew?
Puppies also go through the teething period and will feel a considerable amount of pain in their teeth and gums. Biting and chewing is one way they try to alleviate the symptoms; you’ll also notice your Staffy start to drool during teething.
You can prevent biting and chewing on expensive items around the home by providing plenty of chew toys for your Staffy to get their teeth into.
Staffy puppies might also be biting too much because they are overstimulated. Puppies can get very excited when playing and tend to grab hold of things, especially hands, with their mouths; they will probably even start to growl. Playing by touching or pulling the Staffy’s face, waving your hands in front of the dog’s mouth effectively tells the dog your hands are a toy.
How to Stop Staffy Puppy from Biting
Puppies learn bite inhibition when they play with other puppies; it refers to controlling the bite force they use. The problem is young puppies that haven’t learned bite inhibition don’t appreciate how much a bite hurts even when they’re only playing.
Because another puppy yelps in pain when a bite hurts, it usually stops play biting immediately. Continuously playing and stopping because of the yelps of pain eventually teaches a puppy restraint.
Tip 1: Yelp – Your Staffy Thinks They Have Hurt You
The first way to stop a Staffy biting is by mimicking the play behavior of puppies. Play with the puppy until he bites too hard; you let out a yelp of pain and instantly stop playing. Startling your puppy in this way should make them stop.
Playtime must end immediately; unfortunately, some puppies think this is part of the game and continue biting.
Tip 2: Redirect Your Staffy Puppy
Redirecting your puppy from your hand to a chew toy is a simple method but often one of the most effective. Remove your hand, or whichever body part your Staffy is chewing on, from his mouth and slipping a favorite chew toy in its place.
If you have a heavy chewer like a Staffy, one chew toy won’t be enough. You’re far better having a variety on hand to engage their attention continually.
Tip 3: Issue Your Staffy Puppy A Command
Begin training your Staffy to commands as soon as they arrive home with you.
Basic commands are where you need to begin. Assuming you have started this part of essential training, you can issue a single order when your pup is biting. One command that’s perfect for this and necessary for other situations is “leave it.” When nipping is out of control, give your Staffy the command; it should help, and your puppy ought to instantly obey.
Tip 4: Avoid Rough Play With Your Staffy
In so many ways, rough play encourages a Staffy to bite and nip. Rough play tends to make use of the hands, and that’s where the problem lies. Avoid this type of play and keep playtime restrained. In addition, teach your children how to play with a Staffy; otherwise, they will naturally undo all your hard work.
Tip 5: Never Strike Your Staffy Puppy
Many dog owners are under the misapprehension that hitting their puppy is acceptable and a way to grab their attention. Hitting a dog is the worst way to train and treat any dog. Nine times out of ten, you’ll only succeed in making the Staffy afraid of you, which can in itself lead to fear aggression and actual biting, not play.
How Do You Discipline a Staffy Puppy?
5 Steps To Discipline A Staffy Puppy
Step 1. Consistency:
- Be consistent at all times; training a Staffy takes consistent behavior from owners. You cannot rebuke your Staffy for bad behavior one day and let it slide the next.
Step 2. Promptness:
- Never address behavior that you didn’t physically witness. A naughty puppy will not have a clue what you’re angry about ten minutes after the event. Even if the dog has gone to the potty in the house and the evidence is staring you in the face, it’s too late unless you catch them in the act, and you can scold them and put them outside to get the message that’s where it belongs.
Step 3. Firmness:
- When you become angry and shout at a Staffy, the dog interprets that as a threat behavior. The dog cannot associate your anger with the fact they’ve done something you’re upset about; don’t get angry; be firm instead and teach your Staffy the command “No.”
Step 4. Positive Reinforcement:
- Never forget the other side of the coin to all this discipline is praise. Take every opportunity you can to praise and reward your Staffy when they do things correctly.
Step 5. Give Your Staffy Puppy A Timeout:
- Timeouts are a perfect training tool for bad behavior, whether chewing, nipping and biting, or other unacceptable behavior.
Crates can be a valuable tool for this, although a time out should only be for a few minutes. Crates should be a safe, calm area for your Staffy, not used as a punishment area.
How to Stop a Staffy Puppy from Chewing?
Staffies are chewing machines, and you cannot stop them from chewing altogether. The only thing you can do is redirect their chewing habit.
Excessive chewing might be because the dog is bored, both physically and mentally; there might be a case of separation anxiety if your Staffy chews when left alone.
If chewing is constant, crate training is the best option. Start crate training when a Staffy is very young, place plenty of their favorite chew toys in the crate. The simple truth is the more room you give them, the more a Staffy is likely to chew.
