The Staffordshire Bull Terrier, affectionately known as the Staffy, is a breed renowned for its intelligence, agility, and loyalty. Training your Staffy to follow essential commands not only improves their behaviour but also strengthens your bond and ensures their safety. This article will explore some of the key commands you should teach your Staffordshire Bull Terrier.
The Importance of Training
Staffies are a strong and energetic breed, which can sometimes lead to boisterous behaviour if they’re not properly trained. However, with positive reinforcement, consistency, and patience, you can train your Staffy to follow commands, making your life and theirs more enjoyable and balanced.
Training not only helps manage their energy levels but also stimulates their intelligent minds, keeping them mentally fit. Moreover, a well-trained Staffy is safer and easier to handle in public spaces, ensuring they don’t get into trouble or endanger others.
Essential Commands to Train Your Staffy
Sit: This is usually the first command you should teach your Staffy. The ‘Sit’ command is an excellent way to get your dog’s attention and helps calm them down when they’re excited. To teach this command, hold a treat above your dog’s nose, then move it over their head so they naturally move into a sitting position. When they sit, say ‘Sit’, give them the treat, and share some praise.
Stay: This command is crucial for your dog’s safety. The ‘Stay’ command is beneficial when you want your dog to remain in one place, such as when you open the front door or during meal times. Start by asking your dog to sit. Then, open your palm, say ‘Stay’, and take a few steps back. If they remain in place, reward them with a treat and praise. Gradually increase the distance and duration.
Come: This command is another safety essential, useful for calling your Staffy back if they slip their leash or dash out the door. To train this, use a leash and say ‘Come’ while gently tugging the leash towards you. When your dog comes to you, reward them with a treat and praise. Practice in a safe, enclosed space before attempting it in open areas.
Leave it/Drop it: This command is vital for preventing your Staffy from picking up or eating harmful items. Start by holding a treat in both hands. Show them one closed fist with the treat inside, and say, ‘Leave it.’ Ignore the behaviours they show to get the treat and once they stop trying, give them the treat from the other hand. Repeat until your dog moves away from the first fist when you say ‘Leave it’.
Down: This command is useful in various situations, from calming an overly excited dog to keeping your pet relaxed at a café or park. To teach this command, start with your dog in a sitting position. Hold a treat close to their nose, and then move your hand down to the ground, encouraging them to lie down. Once they’re in the down position, say ‘Down’, give them the treat, and praise them.
Heel: The ‘Heel’ command is beneficial for walking your Staffy on a leash without them pulling. Start with your dog on your left side, then step off with your left foot while saying ‘Heel.’ If your dog forges ahead or lags behind, stop and encourage them back to your side with a treat before continuing the walk.
