I thought id rite this thread as i need some advise.

the thing is iam really scared of staffy bulls and its really starting to get out of hand. about 6 months ago my lil yorkie Toddy got attacked when harmlessly walking on the park it came from nowhere and grabbed him by the neck and starting ragging him. this staffy bull was huge and stocky no one was around i coundnt stop him(by myself!) i was grabbing him also kicking him- as at one point i just saw my little boy hanging out this dogs mouth lifeless-wrst sight ever!!! so i did anything to stop it as i was grabbing it it went for me-the owner finally came over and got it and walked off while my little boy was lying with throat ripped. he was in intesive care for 2 weeks as it has torn his trachea which caused the air to go under is skin so he was like a ballon. he coudnt walk for 2months he still has probs now though but hes living his life to full now he is brave and vets coundnt believe he made as at one point i was considering putting him to sleep because he wouldnt have a good life. anyway i cant look at another one if i see one i started sweating and everything i saw one at the vets the other day and i wouldnt go in beacause i was that scared. i cross the road when seeing one and wont let my dog off the lead incase another one comes running up. i have nightmares and visions of when it happened. i feel abit ridiculous now as i know im being stupid. i just need someones advice on how to be not sooo scared as i have a puppy now and i dont want to limit her to things either thanks
xx

My dog has been attacked several times by various breeds. I had a fear of any dog approaching us.

I joined a dog training school which helped me overcome my fear and gain confidence around dogs with my dog.

Sue

I don't blame you for being scared, sounds like an awful ordeal that both you and your dog went through, glad Toddy's on the mend, poor little soul!

The owner of the dog's behavior was appalling, to not even apologise or see if your dog was OK, or to offer some sort of assistance as your dog clearly was in a bad way, needing urgent medical treatment! Sickens me!

I think it is quite normal to be wary of the breed after what happened, but I can assure you not all staffies are like the one you met, to be honest I have never come across a nasty one yet, I think the breed seems to be a favourite with the wrong type of people, they want them for the wrong reasons, and encourage bad behavior, giving the breed a bad name, sad as we have loads of them where I stay, my friend has one and she is the most docile loving ball of fun ever, good with her 2 young kids under the age of 4, and her cat is the dogs best friend, my father in law has had them for years, and all of his too have been lovely natured too.

Try and not stress yourself too much, you need time to get over it.

Do you have an area where you know dogs are walked on their leads, that way you know all dogs will be controlled, might help reduce the stress feeling until your more comfortable, and as for your puppy, take him to a training/socialising class, again this will be a controlled environment, and the people there will hopefully be able to help you through your feelings and anxieties.

Sure others will be on with some advice on how to cope...chin up (((hugs))) xx

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Kerry x

I'm here lol,
I can understand your fear and I'm sure I would be feeling the same way,after encountering an attack of this nature.

I would advise you to visit a dog show near to where you live and see the breed in the ring,talk to breeders and meet their dogs.Staffords are fantastic family dogs and very very rarely do they attack people.I have a dog aggressive bitch,she hates some dogs with a passion,that is why she is never allowed off lead.Unfortunatly you will always get one idiot that lets a breed down.

i think i might have to its wierd how im ok with tan colors and whites but brindle or black i cant look at them. well i was going rescue a staffy from the shelter once so its not that i didnt like them. apparently he was an ex fighter dog and the guy was a druggie. contacted the police but they not bothered, no where guy lives and there was kids in park that saw it so i had witness! but they just not bothered. it could of been a kid!

xx

where abouts are you? Might be worth contacting your nearest staffie breed club and explain to them your fears and ask if they will help you overcome them by meeting some nice staffies I have a beatiful black brindle who is the softest baby you would ever meet and hes one of many many others. Talk to the breed club and see if they can help

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Thats awful for you .... the attack was completely the owner at fault - staffies are wonderful dogs but need to be socialised and trained - and the owner needs to be able to handle them and ensure they are safe around other dogs...

Where are you? I have a black staffie - if you are anywhere near me i would be happy to meet you so you could meet Oscar and walk him to help you start to get your confidence back