It is best to begin Staffordshire Bull Terrier puppy training as young as possible. Training Staffordshire Bull Terrier puppies is likely to be more effective than training an older Staffie, although it's not true what they say: you CAN teach an old dog new tricks!

Dogs are pack animals, and so your Staffordshire Bull Terrier puppy will think of your family as his pack. It is very important that you establish yourself and your family as pack leaders immediately. It doesn't really matter which member of the family your Staffie perceives as top dog, as long as he knows he's the lowest ranking member of the pack.

In order to achieve this, you must believe it. Remember, your puppy does not understand English or any other spoken language, so the vast majority of communication between you and your dog will be non-verbal. If you don't believe in your pack leader status, your puppy will know and may look for an alternative leader.

Staffordshire Bull Terrier Puppy Temperament
A Staffie puppy will be playful and energetic, and is likely to be a bit of a vandal. There's a good chance he may try to destroy anything left in his reach so make sure you prepare the areas where he will have access before he arrives home for the first time.

Even with these precautions, your puppy will manage to get hold of something he shouldn't and it is then you must remember the most important piece of Staffordshire Bull Terrier training advice I can give you: be patient!

Whatever your puppy did, it wasn't personal. If you get angry or upset he's just likely to consider you unstable and possibly not fit to be his pack leader. There's a good chance, especially with males, that your Stafford may decide he has to take over the role of leader himself.

Nobody Tells a Pack Leader What to Do
As pack leader, you are in control. Your puppy should not get you to do anything. Give affection when you choose, not whenever your puppy wants it. It is beneficial to ignore attention seeking so your dog learns that it doesn't work.

This especially applies whenever you return home after going out without him. One thing about Staffordshire Bull Terrier dogs is that they can suffer from separation anxiety, and affection at this time can help to enhance it.

Don't worry, your puppy won't take it personally!