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We had always great admired
the Staffordshire Bull Terrier breed ~ a strong, smallish,
short haired beautiful looking dog. Having decided we wanted
one, we contacted the Scottish
Staffordshire Bull Terrier Rescue ~ they were and still
are, very helpful and gave us really good advice.
The Rescue
organisation had dogs and bitches of all sizes and ages
and at the time we rang, they had a pregnant bitch coming
into the Rescue. Because of our existing livestock (chickens,
ducks and cat) we asked if we could have one of the new
puppies, female if possible. After answering a few questions
and a simple homecheck, they accepted us as prospective
owners of the new pup. When the pups were born, it materialised
that they were in fact a Staffordshire Bull Terrier cross.
It didn't matter to us whether the pup was purebred or cross
~ we didn't intend to show her and only wanted her as a
pet.
POLLY is my first ever
dog and it was with slight trepidation I took her on, not
knowing exactly what to expect, despite reading all the
'books' beforehand. We had a few issues, simply related
to puppy behaviour and with help and advice from the Scottish
Staffordshire Bull Terrier Rescue organisation and other
dog owners, we dealt with problems as they arose and overcame
them. One of the main issues to deal with was the toilet
training and another one, which surprised us, was a once
off intial aggression display that most puppies demonstrate.
There was nothing, with a bit of commonsense that could
not be overcome.
We started obedience training with her within the week of
taking her home, basic stuff like sit, down, stand and recall
~ just to get her attention on us and give her a bit of
first obedience. When she was 16 weeks old I took her to
Obedience Training classes, where she learnt more advanced
commands, like recall, down, sit, wait and stay ~ all from
a distance of 25 metres or more and sit and down while on
the move.
Polly has grown into
a lovely natured, friendly, very lively little dog. She
likes all animals (except for crows) but does get carried
away sometimes when helping to put the livestock away at
night. She loves her walks, the longer the better and climbed
her first Munro (mountain over 3000') Ben Whyvis, when she
was 9 months old.
With good training and firm and consistent boundaries she
has matured into a very obedient and well balanced dog and
we do not for a minute regret taking on this wonderful Staffordshire
Bull Terrier x Lurcher. Walking her every day is an absolute
delight and never a chore ~ there is always something for
her to find, dig, smell or chase and she loves going in
the sea. The ONLY problem she causes is when
she spies a rabbit or hare and then the lurcher in her takes
over and her ears fold to the back of her head, her head
goes back and she is off ......... completely oblivious
to anything including calls from us for her to come back.
Even on one occasion getting lost when on the chase and
finding her own way home !
AMBER actually belongs
to our youngest son. She is a pedigree Staffordshire Bull
Terrier ~ her pedigree includes Crufts entrants. Like Polly,
she is a lovely natured, friendly and very lively little
dog. I have trained her well and she is an obedient and
well balanced little dog, just like Polly. Also like Polly,
Amber climbed her first Mountain Mount Keen, at 9 month
old and she loved it ~ rushing about all over, chasing rabbits,
hiding in the heather and jumping about in the snow.
Both dogs on first greeting you, even if you saw them 10
minutes previously, rush at you manically (Staffie style)
as if they haven't seen you for a very long time and smother
you in doggy kisses. Yuk !! Their tails wagging so madly
like they are going to fall off.
This website is dedicated to all Staffordshire Bull Terriers
and their crosses everywhere.
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Polly
Scenting The Wind
It
is the first sense utilised by the whelp. Scent is
what, 'Turns the canine brain on' initially.
This scenting carries on throughout life, 'Imagine
if you as a human saw only the same views your entire
life'
This is what life is like for the canine who walks
the same roads every day.
Having a pup/dog is a partnership if you like, as
a puppy you're patience will be tried but that patience
will be rewarded by the mature dog.
Polly
walks in valleys and mountains,
'Scenting The Wind' it is our way of saying, 'Thank
You' for her loyality and companionship.
It is a great way to learn and understand the canine,
having the priviledge of seeing how Polly acts/reacts
in the natural enviroment that is Moor and Mountain.
It IS a great responsibility to own another creature
whos heart beats only for, 'YOU'
It is only fitting that we do all in our power to
keep that heart healthy and stress free.
penned by Jim
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