Staffordshire Bull Terrier: How should an owner handle adolescent behaviour changes?
When a young Staffordshire Bull Terrier becomes less reliable, return to the last version of the behaviour that was working and rebuild from there. Schedule the first attempt after the dog's normal age-appropriate outlet, not at peak excitement. Return to easier cues, shorten sessions, increase reinforcement, and manage the environment while skills are rebuilt. Keep the easier version in the routine while reliability returns; do not test the hardest version every day.
What can change during adolescence
Staffordshire Bull Terrier's exercise is recorded as The Stafford requires regular exercise to stay mentally and physically fit. Here, that matters because it changes the amount and timing of movement, stimulation, and recovery this situation needs.
Rebuild the behaviour you want
- Return to easier cues, shorten sessions, increase reinforcement, and manage the environment while skills are rebuilt.
- Use this exercise note (The Stafford requires regular exercise to stay mentally and physically fit) to choose the starting amount of movement and the length of the recovery period.
- Keep the easier version in the routine while reliability returns; do not test the hardest version every day.
Arrange an assessment if
Escalate for sudden personality change, pain, disorientation, or aggression that cannot be safely managed.
References
Height: 14-16 inches
AKC page PageMap DataObject > height
Weight: 28-38 pounds (male), 24-34 pounds (female)
AKC page PageMap DataObject > weight
Life expectancy: 12-15 years
AKC page PageMap DataObject > life_expectancy
Grooming: It doesn't take much work to keep a Staffordshire Bull Terrier looking handsome. Occasional baths and weekly brushings with a horsehair mitt or hound glove to pull away dead hairs will keep him in beautiful condition. His nails should be trimmed at least monthly. Avoid letting them grow out too long, as overly long nails can be quite painful for him. Clean…
AKC page Grooming > official section copy
Exercise: The Stafford requires regular exercise to stay mentally and physically fit. This exercise can be chasing a ball tossed across the backyard, running alongside a biking or jogging owner, or just a nice, long hike through the woods. The age recommendation for running beside a bike or jogger is after 18 months so that growth plate closure can be…
AKC page Exercise > official section copy
Training: The Stafford is intelligent, learns easily, responds quickly, and can be a loving and fun companion. They have an ardent desire to please and easily comply with the requests of their owners. However, remember that they were originally bred to fight other dogs, and most have retained a strong prey drive, so watch for escalation in enthusiastic play,…
AKC page Training > official section copy
Official breed description: From his brawling past, the muscular but agile Staffordshire Bull Terrier retains the traits of courage and tenacity. Happily, good breeding transformed this former gladiator into a playful, energetic, and sometimes boisterous, companion with a special affection for kids.
AKC page About the Breed > official breed description
Recommended parent-club health tests: ['Ophthalmologist Evaluation', 'Hips: X-rays evaluated by OFA or PennHip', 'Elbows: X-rays evaluated by OFA', 'Hereditary Cataracts DNA Test', 'L-2-Hydroxyglutaric Aciduria (Staffordshire Bull Terrier) (L-2-HGA) - DNA Test', 'Hereditary Cataracts (HC, JC) - DNA Test']
AKC page Health > Recommended Health Tests From the National Breed Club
Official breed standard: http://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/StaffordshireBullTerrier.pdf
AKC page The Breed Standard > View Full Breed Standard
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