Boston Terrier Temperament: Everything You Need to Know
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Boston Terriers are small, short tailed dogs that are known for their “tuxedo” coat, which is usually white and either black, brindle, or seal. They have a short muzzle that creates a beautiful contrast with their large, dark, and round eyes. Due to its characteristically gentle disposition, the dog has come to be fondly referred to as the “American gentleman”. The breed was actually made in America from a cross between a white English Terrier and an English Bulldog. Now that you are familiar with the basics, let’s get to the nitty gritty: the temperament. If you own a Boston Terrier, chances are you have already figured out that it is not the most obedient dog, especially if it came as an adult. Here is everything you need to know about the Boston Terrier temperament.
1. They have a diverse personality
The personality of a Boston Terrier depends on the individual. Some are calm and subdued, while others are active and rowdy. However, they all share a common characteristic: the love for people, activities, and plenty of attention. Due to their tendency to focus all of their attention on one person, they are particularly recommended for the elderly. They have an incredible ability to tune into your emotions. It can determine when you are happy, sad, angry, or lonely, and then adjust its behavior accordingly.
2. They are quite energetic
Do not let their small size fool you. Boston Terriers can be very energetic. They love to run and will play as long as you are willing to stay engaged. They thrive well in apartments, but need play time and daily walks. Due to their active nature, they can fit well with families of any age or size. They are comfortable spending two or three hours curled up on the lap of a senior companion, or jumping around the yard with the kids. They are extremely intelligent and will adjust their activity level to suit the person they are with.
3. They have a high sensitivity
Boston Terriers have an impressive level of emotional intelligence. They have a unique ability to relate with the emotions of their owner. This means that they can sense your mood and provide a reaction that corresponds with that particular emotion. For instance, if you come home from a hard day at work, your Boston Terrier will notice your exhaustion and try to cheer you up by performing a few ridiculous antics or just cuddle next to you as you relax in front of the television. This sensitivity goes both ways. A Boston Terrier does not respond well to negative feedback. While some dogs will let a stern reprimand slide off, a Boston Terrier may take even a dirty look to heart.
4. They are fairly easy to train
Boston Terriers can be difficult to work with. However, they love challenges and enjoy learning, which can be a great incentive for training them. Due to their high intelligence, they can pick up commands easily so long as they are delivered firmly and consistently. Boston Terrier have a pack mentality, and consider you (the owner) the alpha. If you fail to take this responsibility, the dog can become willful and try to order you around instead. Stick to positive, non-violent and reward-based training methods when dealing with a Boston Terrier.
5. They are very friendly
Boston Terrier are great with children, the elderly, other people, and even other pets. In fact, they are so friendly in nature that they are considered very poor guard dogs. That said, they can act as good watchdogs, alerting you to the presence of strangers. Although the breed is not an avid barker, they can bark at other dogs to express dominance – albeit not so aggressively. It is advisable to socialize the dog early if you want to keep your sanity.
6. They can be rather stubborn
Even though they have their own charm and personality, Boston Terriers need to be trained in order to achieve an ideal relationship with the owner, other dogs, and other people. Training usually involves tackling different aspects of their behavior. One particularly important part a Boston Terrier training is housebreaking. Some people prefer enrolling their dogs in obedience schools, but training him yourself will help establish your role in the household and strengthen the bond between you and your pet.
The secret to training a Boston Terrier is patience and perseverance, as well as proper knowledge on how to effectively house train your dog to achieve the desired results. The first thing you need to do is train your dog when and where to defecate. Keep in mind that it usually takes about fifteen minutes after a meal for a dog to need to poo or pee. Time your dog within this period and then take him where you want him to relieve himself. Repeat this for several days until it becomes a habit and your dog will definitely start to remember. Soon he will begin taking himself to the designated area whenever the need arises.
When house training a Boston Terrier puppy, incorporate lavish praises each time he does something correctly. He will notice that you are happy with his actions, and will try to do the same thing again to please you.
