Boston Terrier Temperament and Training

The Boston temperament

The Canadian Kennel Club describes the Boston as robust, playful and engaged, friendly and lively, noted for its excellent disposition and high intelligence, low maintenance and family friendly, and enjoying activity without being hyper, needing minimal exercise.

Training an excitable charmer

Bostons pick things up quickly when training is fun. Keep sessions to a few minutes, use small treats and play, and finish on a success. The American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior recommends reward-based methods for all dogs.

For jumping and over-the-top greetings, reward four paws on the floor and greet only a calm dog. Teach a settle on a mat for when visitors arrive.

House-training

Like many small dogs, Bostons can be slow to house-train, especially in cold or wet weather. Take the dog out on a schedule (after sleep, meals and play), reward immediately after it goes, and clean accidents with an enzyme cleaner.

Exercise for a short-nosed dog

Daily walks and play keep a Boston fit and settled. Because the breed is short-nosed, avoid hard exercise in heat, watch for heavy panting, and keep walks shorter in deep cold. A harness puts less pressure on the throat than a collar. See our Boston Terrier health guide for breathing and eye care.

Apartments and alone-time

Bostons usually adapt well to apartment life. Build alone-time gradually, give a chew or food puzzle when you leave, and reward quiet if hallway noise sets off barking.