re: Godson just got a Staffordshire Terrier puppy

That's a great dog for a child. My Godson had a 9 year old one when he was born. They were best buddies, unfortunately the dog passed a few weeks ago. It was very hard on the kid.

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Godson just got a Staffordshire Terrier puppy

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You're Godson's parents are ignorant and putting themselves, and most importantly their child at risk.

Also, it will kill any other pets he owns.

Don't listen to all of the fricking TD drama queens. They see a mean looking dog and "omg, omg, it's going to bite your face off".

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Staffordshire Bull Terriers are friendly, enthusiastic and usually extremely affectionate[19] towards humans.

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RSPCA chief vet Mark Evans said: "Staffies have had a terrible press, but this is not of their own making - in fact they're wonderful dogs. If people think that Staffies have problems, they're looking at the wrong end of the dog lead! When well cared for and properly trained they can make brilliant companions. Our experience suggests that problems occur when bad owners exploit the Staffie's desire to please by training them to show aggression."[22]

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As far as tips for getting a 4yr old to take responsibility, I got nothing.

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Neither his dad or I have owned a dog before, however we want it to be his dog as much as possible. He is 4, what kind of things can we get him to do to feel responsibility for the animal? TIA

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I'm guessing you've never seen a good dogfight before.

I had a scottie and westie for 15 years. Something would trigger them to fight about once a year. They would grab each others neck and shake like hell, literally trying to kill each other. Both would usually come out bloody, the white one looking much worse.

The first few times I got bit trying to separate them. Frick that. I learned to just let them fight it out.

We never let them have toys or bones, in an effort to eliminate their annual fights. But they're just dogs, and don't always understand a logical conversation. (kinda like humans)

Once you've witnessed this, you realize that a small child has somewhere between very little, and no defense against a big dog.

No one on this board expects you to change your mind about this ownership. You seem set on taking the risk.

Parenting isn't always fun. Telling kids "no" is not a cool thing to the kid. I'm not sure what the role of God parent is. I thought it was something like helping to protect the kid. Wrong?

Did not read through this entire thread but I own a Siberian husky and a staffordshire. Sheis an amazing dog. May play a little ruff for a 4 year old. Will not eat him but may scratch him up; they are very strong. They also can develop a tendency to dislike other dogs.
Great dog to own if cared for properly, but idk if I'd recommend a 4 year old raising it. :yikes: