Adopting a Malinois/Staffy cross

Sebdu81
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Hi everyone, my name's Sébastien. I'm 23 and I've been in a wheelchair, paraplegic, for a year now.

Anyway, a friend messaged me yesterday to say he's rehoming a 3-month-old puppy, a Malinois cross Staffy. I've always had dogs growing up at my parents' place, but I've now got a new-build home with my partner.

I was wondering what your thoughts are on these breeds; I'm a bit worried he might be a bit of a handful for me.

I have a 500-square-metre garden for him to go out in, and I'm not working at the moment, so I'm at home most of the time, except in the evenings when I go out for sports.

Thanks! :)

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19 answers
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    • Docline
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    Hi, I’ve got a Malinois cross Staffie. It’s going really well; he’s very obedient and very protective.

     

    How old is he?

    An overprotective dog is a dangerous dog if anything were to happen and the owner needs help or if other people need to step in for certain things...

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    Juju44
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    Hi, I’ve got a Malinois cross Staffy. Everything’s going really well—he’s very obedient and very protective.
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    ?
    Anonymous user Icon representing the flag French
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    Yes, Hazelle, but we're talking about an explosive mix here! 👌
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    H
    Hazelle Icon representing the flag French
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    I agree with what the others have said. Would you not be able to get an assistance dog?

    That being said, my sister, who was also paraplegic, had a Staffy-type dog, and he was brilliant at accompanying her. Mind you, he didn't fetch things or help her take off her jumper, but he followed her wheelchair better than any lead could. He was always right by her side but never actually touched her, otherwise it would trigger muscle spasms and so on.

    He hadn't had any training at all. I’m over in Belgium, where Staffies are more widely accepted, even the crossbreed types.

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    ?
    Anonymous user Icon representing the flag French
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    When it comes to assistance dogs, I’ve learnt that several Creole dogs have been trained recently. Having one myself, I can say they’re such affectionate dogs!

    https://www.libertesansfrontiere.fr/actualite-1341-nos-creoles.html

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    Tania28
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    I completely agree with what everyone else has said. I don’t think this crossbreed is the right fit for you either; you’d be better off finding a dog that’s a bit less bouncy and less demanding when it comes to exercise and walks... Of course, a dog can bring so much positivity to your life—the kind of fulfillment where humans can’t even begin to measure the benefits—but just not this type of dog, I’m afraid.
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    ?
    Anonymous user Icon representing the flag French
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    And just to clarify for Sébastien: you see a huge number of Labradors and Golden Retrievers working as assistance dogs, but they aren't the only breeds that can be trained (just in case you’re more interested in other types). There are also shepherds, mastiff-types and mixed breeds trained as assistance dogs.
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    Sky
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    Personally, I think the benefits of having a dog are clear in any situation, including for paraplegics and other wheelchair users. 😌

    But in Sébastien’s case, I’m not convinced this puppy won’t be more of a handful than a help...

    I still hope the little fella finds someone who’ll make him happy, and that Sébastien finds the right four-legged companion if he really wants a dog; but sadly, keeping the two separate would be the most sensible thing to do... 😔

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    ?
    Anonymous user Icon representing the flag French
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    [youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WIxW763F7x8]

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    ?
    Anonymous user Icon representing the flag French
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    Yeah, you're right Lorna, I hadn't thought of that. We always automatically think of guide dogs and don't make the connection with wheelchairs, even though it can actually be a really positive thing...

    But we’re in agreement about advising against this dog in particular...

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