| CARE AND TRAINING 
Staffordshire Bull Terriers are a "natural" dog and generally robust. The short coat of this breed requires little grooming other than an occasional brushing and a bath. The downside of this drip dry coat is that Staffords are susceptible to fleas and ticks. The general remedies to discourage fleas and ticks are recommended, as well as a thorough going-over with a flea comb during the worse months of summer. Staffords covet human attention to the extent that I have seen several of them gather around their "person", waiting to be combed from head to tail for fleas! Care of nails, ears, teeth and anal glands are the same as they would be for any other breed (beginning when young and attention on a regular basis). The Stafford is not a dog that tolerates weather extremes easily. Because of its short coat, it prefers plenty of shade and water on sweltering summer days (a child's wading pool has been a popular choice in the past; supervised of course). Its Bulldog ancestry and brachycephalic (short-headed or broad-headed) respiratory system can contribute to overheating. Watch carefully to be sure that your Stafford doesn't become overheated during intense play in the summer; if she appears to be wheezing or gasping for air, find the nearest source of cold water and soak her to lower her body temperature. Staffordshire Bull Terriers can boast a number of obedience degrees and are "quick studies," provided the trainer utilizes a positive, creative approach. Staffords are smart with a capital S. Young puppies enrolled in Kindergarten Puppy Training classes can begin to learn good habits and mix with other puppies. In addition to AKC obedience com petition, Staffords have been successful Therapy Dogs, participated in Agility Competitions and even "gone to ground" with other terriers! Staffords are exuberant, impulsive, sometimes bull-headed ... and surprisingly sensitive. A trainer must learn to be persistent, patient, and firm. Rome wasn't built in a day and a great deal of ground may be lost in trying to adhere to the sort of inflexible techniques and rigid timeframe advocated by some training books. Excellent training suggestions are provided in some of the resource books listed in this FAQ, and in the Staffordshire Bull Terrier Club, Inc.'s magazine, Staff Status, which includes a regular training column in each issue. Basic obedience training (at the very least) is a must for any Bull and Terrier. It helps to maintain control in unexpected situations. Because of their impulsive natures, the other cardinal rule of Bull and Terrier ownership is "always think ahead." An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure! 
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