Aha! I found the videos of the girls playing in the snow for the first time. A trio of video fun!

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Please send EverythingAmstaff your own pictures of you and your bestie!

Different people have mixed views on teaching Amstaffs to play Tug-Of-War. However, you just don’t know how much fun she has playing tug. She’s a good girl and I’ve always been extremely careful to not let the game get out of hand or be played inappropriately. She is aware of when is an appropriate time to play tug and when isn’t. Owning an American Staffordshire Terrier is a responsibility, more so than owning a smaller less powerful dog and I’ve taken that into consideration at all times, even during play.

There are some very tell-tale symptoms of ear mites. I would never say forego the vet visit, but in my experience, mites are pretty easy to distinguish and very easy to treat at home if detected early.

Usually the first symptom you notice will be your dog scratching his ears or shaking his head due to the extreme itchiness that the mites cause. His ears may be painful to touch and he may cry in pain when you touch them or while he is scratching them. He may rub his face along the ground trying to relieve the itching.When cleaning the ears, if you see discharge that looks like coffee grounds, you can pretty much bet you have a case of canine ear mites on your hands. You may also notice a foul odor coming from the ears and in severe cases, you may see swelling of the ears, redness and crusty discharge. If you are seeing the latter symptoms, it is probably a good time to call in the reinforcements and see the vet.

Dogs may cause damage by scratching causing the ears to bleed. They may also shake their ears with such intensity that small blood vessels are broken and hematomas form.

In Macy, the first thing I notice is the smell, which is pretty noticeable and then the shaking of the head. Please stay tuned for our homeopathic solution to early stage ear mites later this week.

As usual, if Macy had persisted, the cat would’ve surely won. Lucky for Macy, she’s learned a few things over the years. Namely, THE KITTY ALWAYS WINS.
This is yet one more example of how terribly vicious Amstaffs are not.

Video can also be found at www.youtube.com/missmacyandme

I was present when Macy was born and have had her since then, so naturally the question about whether or not to crop her ears came up at some point. I personally have never really liked the look of cropped ears, but there are many breeds for which cropping is commonplace: Dobermans, American Pitbull Terriers, Boxers and more. Read the rest of this entry »

I’m certainly not a big fan of “As Seen On TV” products, but this one has me very happy. Initially, Macy was a little turned off by the noise, but we have the process down to a streamlined art. I find this incredible useful since when I use the clippers on her “tough-as-nails” nails, I tend to cut too far down. This little wonder tool makes sure that not only do I not go into the cuticle, but that I can smooth and shape the nails too. This makes it a necessity if you spoil your dog as I do, and she practically lives on the furniture.

Cheers to Pedi Paws!

This not only broke my heart, but gave me a different perspective on life with my dog.
Cheers to my Amstaff.

1. My life is likely to last 10-15 years. Any separation from you is likely to be painful.

2. Give me time to understand what you want of me.

3. Place your trust in me. It is crucial for my well-being.

4. Don’t be angry with me for long and don’t lock me up as punishment. You have your work, your friends, your entertainment, but I have only you.

5. Talk to me. Even if I don’t understand your words, I do understand your voice when speaking to me.

6. Be aware that however you treat me, I will never forget it.

7. Before you hit me, before you strike me, remember that I could hurt you, and yet, I choose not to bite you.

8. Before you scold me for being lazy or uncooperative, ask yourself if something might be bothering me. Perhaps I’m not getting the right food, I have been in the sun too long, or my heart might be getting old or weak.

9. Please take care of me when I grow old. You too, will grow old.

10. On the ultimate difficult journey, go with me please. Never say you can’t bear to watch. Don’t make me face this alone. Everything is easier for me if you are there, because I love you so.

Vote for her now!
http://littlelink.webtrouble.com/?q27B

Contrary to both stereotype and popular belief, American Staffordshire Terriers are among the most affectionate and emotionally available breeds. I’ve read time and again how if one is looking for a dog that will be perfectly happy to be fed and tied up in the backyard, this is not the breed for that. They demand to be a part of the family and to be treated as anything less than that can cause great damage to the heart of a dog who really only wants to please and be near their people. Macy, my 2 year old Amstaff, loves everyone but as this video shows, she simply loves some people a little bit more.