Training a Staffordshire Bull Terrier: what works and what to expect

Staffies are eager learners when training feels like a game, and they respond especially well to food, praise and tug as rewards. They can also be stubborn and excitable, so short, upbeat sessions of 5 to 10 minutes work best. Teach an 'off' cue early, because a delighted 16 kg (35 lb) dog leaping at guests is a lot to handle.

Loose-lead walking and calm dog encounters deserve the most practice. Use a well-fitted harness, reward your dog for glancing at another dog and then back at you, and add distance whenever your dog stiffens. A muzzle introduced with treats, so it becomes something positive, is a useful safety tool for vet visits and busy places, not a sign of a bad dog.