Training a Staffy Bull Terrier for Dog Sports

Every breed of dog was bred for a specific purpose, from rat-catching to sled-pulling. Dog sports such as flyball, agility trials and dock diving provide modern dogs with a constructive outlet for their energy. Energetic and enthusiastic, the Staffordshire bull terrier̵2;nicknamed the "Staffie"̵2;was originally a working and alert dog for coal miners in England. Tenacious, brave and people-oriented, the modern Staffie is well-suited for participating in a variety of dog sports.

  1. Basic Obedience

    • Obedience is an essential foundation for any future dog sport athlete. As a breed, Staffordshire bull terriers are eager to please, but can also be stubborn. Training your Staffie in any type of dog sport is impossible unless he can obey your commands. At every transition, such as when attaching his leash or exiting the house, use a clicker right before giving a command. Reward your Staffie with a treat immediately when he obeys to positively reinforce his good behavior. Do not react to disobedience by yelling, hitting or pulling your dog̵7;s leash. Instead, simply wait until he complies and offer praise and a treat.

    Focus

    • Your dog must learn to focus on your instructions without being distracted by the other dogs at the competition venue, or by the nearby bowl of treats. Start by training your Staffie to sit, pause and look at you for direction before crossing the street, eating his food or getting on the couch. This reinforces your role as leader and teaches him to wait for your instruction instead of following his own impulse. Slowly introduce distractions into your training regimen as your Staffie masters seeking your instruction and approval. For example, practice training on a populated neighborhood street and progress to a busy intersection with other people walking their dogs or near a dog park.

    Fearless Training

    • Staffies are famous for their fearless bravery, but this noble character trait doesn̵7;t negate the importance of gradual instructions. Familiarizing your dog to sporting helps him feel comfortable so you can focus on developing proper technique. For example, introduce him to dock diving by acclimating him to swimming and then jumping off the dock while holding him in your arms. Progress until he feels comfortable jumping by himself. Train him to run through agility tunnels without hesitation by starting with a completely collapsed nylon tunnel. Slowly increase the length of the tunnel by extending the material outward over several training sessions.

    Technique Training

    • ̶0;Swimmer turns̶1; and ̶0;pole weaving̶1; are just two of the moves in dog sports. Build your dog's skill set by making sure he has mastered each element individually before introducing additional skills. For example, practice flyball by having him run between two people who are holding his favorite toy or treat. Trade the treats for a ball only after he masters running between the handlers at top speed.

    Conditioning

    • Conditioning is important in any dog sport. Improve his endurance and speed by practicing the movements necessary for the sport itself. For example, instead of taking him on a six-mile run, have him run between two people for 45 minutes. Reinforcing the physical technique of the sport through conditioning helps him associate energy and speed with dock diving, agility or flyball.