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Do Boston Terriers make great pets?

A Boston Terrier makes an excellent pet, but like other excellent breeds, they aren’t for everyone. As they say, it all depends on your lifestyle. Here are some info and pictures of boston terriers to help you decide.

It is said that the Boston Terrier originated in Boston, Massachusetts around 1865. It is thought that Bostons were bred from the English Bulldog and the White Terrier, with possibly some Boxer, French Bulldog and Bull Terrier thrown in. Apparently they were trying to create a new fighting dog. Back then, Bostons were more like a Bull Terrier. The aspect of becoming a fighting dog never caught on and instead they became popular as a companion dog.

This lively, highly intelligent, smooth coated, short-headed, compactly built, short-tailed, well balanced dog, brindle, seal or black in color and evenly marked with white called Boston Terrier and some called Boston Bull has an excellent disposition and a high degree of intellegence, which makes them an incomparable companion. This breed likes to learn and therefore is not difficult to train. Their intelligence ensures they pick things up quickly. At times they can be somewhat willful. There are some owners who have reported that their dogs are good watchdogs - barking only when necessary, while other owners reported that their female Boston Terriers do not bark at the door at all.

Not much grooming is required for Boston Terriers. The boston terrier is an average shedder and is one of those breed that are easy to groom. A pair of comb and brush with a firm bristle brush is needed when grooming this breed. The face needs to be wiped with a damp cloth too everyday as well as the prominent eyes carefully. And like other breeds, their nails needs to be clipped from time to time. Owners should check both the ears and eyes too for possible grass seeds. And because boston terriers are short-faced dogs, they have tendency to snore and drool. The Boston Terrier originally weighed up to 44 pounds (20 kg.). They are also good for apartment as well as country living, but owners should keep in mind that this breed is sensitive to weather extremes. They can live for about 15 or more years.

They are good with children, most especially with elderly people. They are normally sociable pet dogs; they are amiable, playful, very easy to get along with and very friendly with strangers. They are also very affectionate and likes to be part of the family. This breed not only get along with their masters and the people around them; they also can be harmoniously side by side with other canine pets and non-canine pets. But still, they much prefer human companionship and seemingly require lots of attention from their owners. This breed became very popular in the United States, because of its excellent character. Indeed, boston terriers are very loving dogs and will always want to be on their masters’ side, following them around.

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Teaching Your Dog the “Wait” Command

The term “Wait” is a practical command that you can teach your dog. Teaching your pet to wait is imperative if you want to work him completely through a dependable off-leash capacity. This is known as one of the many safety commands that can be used to monitor your dog and help him to avoid potential danger.

There will be many times when you will need for your dog to wait for you but not to be still. If you want your dog to be still, the “Stay” command may not be the best command to use. When your dog is anxious to do something “Wait” is the right command to tell him -he can have what he desires, but not at the moment.

Being that dogs live in the present moment, teaching them to “Wait” will not only add a useful word to their vocabulary, it will add a concept that is hard for them to comprehend. Your dog will understand the meaning of the term “Wait” on a temporary basis. The best way to train your dog to “Wait” is by the tone of your voice. Be aware that the voice tone of is one of the most valuable tools in dog training. Your dog has to be capable of understanding your voice tone in order to respond to it.

In order to comprehend how this kind of training works, make sure your dog is a pack animal. And make sure that you are his pack leader since he looks to you for direction and approval. So, when your pet is doing something and you talk in a mildly disapproving tone, he will immediately stop whatever he is doing because of your disapproval. For instance, when you want him to wait at the at the end of the side walk leading out of your driveway and you say “Wait” in a serious tone, a well trained dog stop what he’s doing and turn to look at you. Then say “Good dog” in a nice tone while he waits. If he disobeys and continues up the sidewalk, simply say “NO, WAIT!” in a more stern tone.

Now, the difference between the dog training command “Enough” and “Wait” is simply “Enough” means ending the activity. “Wait” means a temporarily pause. So, in my example of the dog waiting to walk up the driveway, the command “Wai” will actually give him the pleasure of anticipation. It’s basically letting your dog know that if he waits momentarily, then he may continue walking up the sidewalk and that he has gained your approval.

When it is meal time for your dog, don’t forget to use the command “Wait”. Let him wait for a few seconds …at least long enough for you to move out of the way before he begins to eat. Since he can wait at the edge of the sidewalk, he can wait for you to go walk through the doorways first and even up and down a flight of stairs. Remember, “Wait” should always be followed by the word “Okay”. This will let him know it is okay for him to proceed with the activity he is engaged in.

Article by Kim Irvin of Oh My Dog Supplies, check for current specials on upscale dog beds online.

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