Are Staffies Hard to Train?

There are endless questions that run through your mind when you’re thinking of getting a Staffy or have a new Staffy Puppy: How much sleep do Staffies need? How much water do Staffies need to drink? How often should you wash a Staffy?

The first question most people probably think of though is: are Staffies hard to train? Staffies aren’t hard to train, as long as you’re committed to training them from a young age and follow the right steps to do so.

That’s why we have lots of training tips to help you train your puppy and to help you understand the best ways to train your Staffy into a well behaved, happy dog. 

Most Important Things to Train a Staffy

Each dog breed is different and it’s important to know what behaviours are common so you can train them accordingly. Staffies have their own specific traits and behaviours, so here’s a list, with links to other articles, of the most important things you need to know when it comes to training a Staffy:

How to Train a Staffy

Staffordshire Bull Terrier Training

Training a Staffordshire Bull Terrier is imperative to having a happy and healthy dog, and for being a happy and healthy owner, too. 

As with all dog breeds, training is easier when the dog is still a puppy, but each dog breed needs different training. Even different types of Staffies need to be trained in slightly different ways, so let’s take a look at how the American Staffy and the English Staffy differ when it comes to training. 

American Staffordshire Terrier Training

The American Staffordshire Terrier or AmStaff, have been carefully bred over the years to have a favourable temperament with humans.

Even though AmStaffs love being around humans, they’re not always fond of other dogs, so when training your American Staffordshire Terrier, socialise them carefully from a very young age. 

Making training fun and enjoyable is very important with the AmStaff. They’re a playful dog and will be more than happy to follow your commands when you train them in a fun way.

Another thing to note is that the American Staffy loves to be loved, so they won’t respond to harsh treatment.

English Staffy Training

English Staffies are known for being affectionate dogs who want nothing more than to be around their human family. They’re great with children, making them a great family dog. It is important in their training, though, to introduce them to children and other dogs early on.

Consistent, loving, and patient training is what the English Staffy needs. They’re very independent and strong-willed dogs, so they won’t do exactly as you say straight from the get-go. However, they’re intelligent and quick learners, so the consistency and patience will pay off.

Just like the AmStaff, the English Staffy loves affection. However, they also need more firmness than the AmStaff and it’s important that they learn the command “no.”

How to Train a Staffy Puppy

Like every dog, training a Staffy puppy is easier the sooner you get to it. The saying: you can’t teach an old dog new tricks, has some truth to it. So, once you have your beautiful new Staffy puppy, it’s vital that you begin training them as soon as possible.

Staffy Puppy Training 

Staffy puppy training is all about being clear and consistent with your puppy. Whenever they display bad behaviour, be prompt in your discipline so that your puppy knows exactly why they’ve been naughty.

Being firm is much better than being angry, too. Don’t shout, but be firm, and teach them the command “no.” You can also give your Staffy puppy a timeout, which is a great training tool.

On the other hand, train your Staffy puppy with positive reinforcement when they display good behaviour.

Staffy Training Guides

There are many different elements when it comes to training Staffies and sometimes you need specific tips for specific issues. We’ve compiled a list below of all our training guides, so you can find the exact training you need for your Staffy.

Staffy Training Guides

How to STOP…

Behaviour and Play:

Out and About with Your Staffy:

Other Resources: