How to Stop a Boston Terrier Chewing
Chewing habits in puppies can quickly become “fetishes” in adult dogs, and none so prevalent as in the Boston Terrier. Stopping this behavior should be handled at a young age, but most frequently, it is not. Using chew toys as a puppy is the best way to stop the habit. However, as an adult, the contributing factors to the behavior is varied. There can be many different reasons for an adult Boston Terrier to chew. Stress, boredom, and even separation anxiety can lead to the chewing behavior, but they are all correctable.
As a puppy, a Boston Terrier will typically chew because they are teething. Also, like most dogs, the Boston terrier puppy explores the world with its mouth. This can lead to chewing on everything. The best way to handle this problem is with chew toys. Keeping chew toys nearby can help in training your pet not to chew. When they are puppies, Boston Terriers will go through a stage that they are teething. During this time, they will be looking for something to chew on to sooth their gums. At this point, you can freeze a softer chew toy and give it to you puppy. The cold will help with the pain and the chewing will occupy their time.
As adults, training a dog not to chew can be more difficult. It is good to be able to recognize the reasons. Boston Terriers will chew on whatever they can reach out of anxiety. Boston Terriers are also known to be very co-dependent pets. They need constant companionship and can panic if their people leave them alone. The separation anxiety is typically the first thing that has to be worked on. The best way to handle this is by getting the pet used to the idea of you leaving. At first, you should not leave for long periods of time. Then, begin leaving for longer time periods until the dog is comfortable with you being gone. Never make a fuss over the dog when you are leaving. This can set back the training, significantly. Do not allow your pet to follow you or the rest of the family around the house. This can encourage anxious behavior when they are left alone.
The most common reason for chewing in a dog is boredom, especially in a Boston Terrier. Keeping your pet well entertained while you are busy or away can help prevent them from chewing on unwanted things, like shoes. Also, keep anything you do not want destroyed out of reach of the dog. When you see them chewing on something that they are not supposed to have, reprimand them right away. If you reprimand them after they have already committed the offense, it will confuse the dog further. Play with your Boston Terrier vigorously and make sure that he is well worn out before you leave the house.
If you do not have time for a good hard play, take him for a long walk. This will tire your dog out and he will most likely sleep the majority of the time that you are gone. Keeping your dog entertained can mean a longer life expectancy for your personal belongings, in the end.