Staffy advice needed

[marion]

Most of you know my niece has Floyd, a blue Staffy. Well the couple she got him from had decided to re-home Floyd's mother Sasha. They had 3 Staffy's and the other two have had a litter of pups a few weeks ago. His girlfriend is now pregnant so they decided to get rid of Sasha. I know, I've said it all. After much thought my niece decided to take Sasha because she already loved the dog with knowing the couple and going to visit. Although I don't think there will be much of that now, she's fuming at what they've done.

Anyway, Floyd will not leave Sasha alone, he's 11 months old now, Sasha is 3. She's his double only smaller. It's early days yet and I think he might calm down when he gets used to her being there. He's neutered and Sasha is spayed but he keeps humping her and just tormenting her with his attention constantly. His tail is wagging but Sasha has growled at him a few times. They've often gone out together in the past so it's not like they don't know one another but confined to a house is different. Sasha has never been dog aggressive and neither has Floyd. But as I don't know a lot about Staffies I thought I'd ask you who do and are wiser for some advice. She hasn't left them together unsupervised and they get lots of exercise.

Cheers

[Guest Anonymous]

Sasha will either really rip into Floyd and teach him who is boss in the house hold...or she will submit to Floyd. Humping is some times used as a dominant display with young (and old dogs). Some younger dogs will test other dogs this way...and some times dogs will use this to calm aother dog down instead of an out right attack. It could also be that young floyd still has some of those awful male hormones running rampade through his blood, that would be blue blood :lol: :wink: just kidding.

I would see if the dogs work it out on their own. I have had many dogs which have tested each other this way, it usually works out in the end with one dog finally giving up once they find their "place" in the house hold. Young dogs are always going to be testing to see what they can get away with and see if they are up for being "top" dog.

[Sarahstaff]

Definitely continue to separate them when they aren't supervised. Floyd is at an obnoxious age right now. If Sasha will tell him off, it would be good for him, but she may not do that, in which case your niece may want to intervene. She should also probably spend some separate time with each dog. Sasha needs a break from the young hooligan, and Floyd may need some alone time to show that he's still loved.

If she isn't yet doing any obedience training with Floyd, she should start. He could become a handful, also, it will give him something else to think about.