Common Questions – Page 9 – Boston Terrier Nation

If you are interested in learning every minute detail about Boston Terriers, you may want to know about their chewing habits. Boston Terriers love to chew. However, trained ones are rather tame and only look for chew toys or bones. However, when frustrated, bored, or anxious, there is a good chance that they might chew up furniture, soft objects (such as your carpet, cushions, shoes, and more), or even your clothes! Of course, there are a lot of moving parts to consider here. Keep reading to learn more about the chewing behavior of your Boston Terriers, the safety concerns therein, and other elements to keep in mind. Are Boston Terriers Chewers? Boston Terriers are definitely known as a breed that loves to chew. In fact, it’s one of the things that make them so adorable – their playful nature. But when it comes to your furniture, shoes, or anything else you don’t want them to destroy, it can be a problem. While this doesn't mean that they will hurt you or your children in the process, it does mean that you may someday come home to a rather ghastly sight. Your shoes, sofas, carpets, curtains, and other reachable objects may be at risk if you aren't taking good care of your Boston Terriers. As adorable as they are, they also require extensive care and attention. If you are too busy or find that you aren’t taking them out for a walk as often, Boston Terriers may start chewing on more than their favorite toy! So, it is safe to say that you need to be careful if you have a Boston Terrier. But with a little training and some basic rules, you can help your Boston Terrier learn what is and isn’t off-limits when it comes to chewing. In this post, we’ll cover the basics of how to train your Boston Terrier not to chew on things he shouldn't and how to keep him entertained and amused, so he doesn’t feel the need to chew on everything in sight. Understanding The Dynamics of Boston Terrier’s Chewing All dogs are different, and some breeds are more prone to chewing than others. Boston Terriers are known to chew softly – not just on their favorite toys, but also on you – when playful. While other dogs often try to lick you, Boston Terriers often try to chew softly. Of course, your Terrier knows how much force to apply, but it is generally a good idea not to encourage this behavior. This is especially the case for pups. While older dogs know what your pain threshold is (via training or simply experience), pups may think that your skin is as tough as their parents or siblings. Of course, human skin is thicker than that of a dog (10-18 cells thick vs. 3-8 cells thick, respectively). However, dogs have fur on top that makes them more resilient to punctures. Even if you have a particularly hairy arm, a Terrier’s sharp teeth may dig into the skin and puncture it. If you have a new Boston Terrier, there is a very good chance that their chews may feel uncomfortable at first. Remember, a playful dog is not trying to hurt you – it is simply showing affection and ownership by chewing on you. If you have sensitive skin, you should especially be careful not to let pups or dogs chew on your skin. Boredom & Boston Terrier Chewing Dogs, especially Boston Terriers, like to chew on things because it helps them relieve boredom or stress and because it’s a natural way for them to clean their teeth. Chewing can also help them get rid of any excess energy they may have. Boston Terriers typically like to chew on things like bones, rawhide, and toys that are specifically made for chewing. But sometimes, they’ll also chew on furniture, shoes, or other household items. Under playful circumstances, you may even see them trying to reach you with chewing intent! Do Boston Terriers Have a Strong Jaw? Yes, Boston Terriers do have a relatively similar jaw strength compared to humans. However, their jaw is strong enough that they can break bones, leave deep marks on furniture wood, tear up leather, and damage items they chew on. Unfortunately, this medium-strength jaw also means that they may end up hurting themselves when trying to chew on something that is harder than bone – such as metal, stainless steel, or rocks. That’s why it’s important to be careful when giving your Boston Terrier a bone to chew on—you don’t want him to break a tooth. When chewing you or their siblings, though, dogs naturally know how much force to apply. This means that they won’t puncture your skin or hurt you on purpose. However, when it is an inanimate object, it may not relent. An average Boston Terrier is aged 2-5 years has a jaw strength of over 100 to 200 PSI compared to humans’ jaw strength of 120 to 180 PSI. However, as the terriers grow older (5-10 years), their jaw strength may get slightly higher, up to 250-300 PSI as well, depending on the type of training you give your dog. This jaw strength is considered to be a relatively weaker option, but that is not to say that it can’t damage your belongings with this strength. Boston Terriers can tear up almost everything. They are usually friendly dogs unless threatened and therefore try not to damage things. Try giving him some softer toys to chew on instead of hard bones to train their bite and behavior. You can also brush his your dog’s teeth regularly to help keep them healthy and avoid breaking them on harder objects. How Can I Tell if My Boston Terrier Is Chewing Excessively? If your dog is constantly chewing on things—whether it’s your furniture, your carpets, or his own toys—that’s a pretty good indication that he’s a chewer. But don’t all dogs do that? Yes, but only if they are neglected. If you find that you are giving them enough attention, taking them out for a walk, and allowing them to spend their energy considerably, but the dog is still chewing, it may be an issue. Boston Terriers normally have a less-than-average inclination to bite hard, chew, or even herd children/people. While this habit is natural when they are puppies, the habit wears off if you don’t respond to their bites or chews positively. While the dog isn’t exactly aggressive, it is important to note that you need to teach them the appropriate behavior. Another sign of excessive chewing is if he’s always gnawing on his paws or his tail. How Can I Stop My Boston Terrier From Chewing Excessively? First, it’s important to understand why they might be chewing in the first place. As mentioned previously, Boston Terriers are natural chewers from their puppyhood and learn that they need to chew to relieve stress and boredom. If you’re not providing them with enough things to chew on or enough activity, they’ll turn to your furniture, shoes, or anything else they can get their mouths on. If you think your dog might be a chewer, it’s important to take steps to correct the behavior. You can start by providing him with plenty of appropriate chew toys and teaching him how to chew them correctly. Furthermore, you will also need to ensure that you are training the biting habit properly. This may require you to be a bit strict as well. If that doesn’t work, you might need to talk to your veterinarian about getting some help. The easiest way to stop this is by providing your Boston Terrier with plenty of appropriate chew toys and being slightly strict about excessive chewing (just like children). Kongs are a great option, as are dental chews and bones. You can also try training your Boston Terrier not to chew on things they’re not supposed to by using a deterrent like bitter apple or chili pepper sauce. Are Boston Terriers Safe for My Children? Boston Terriers usually adapt very well to the type of training you give them and the environment they are in. This also means that they are more social dogs and prefer being with you, your family members, or other dogs. If left alone, they may get anxious or bored quite easily. All dogs have the potential to be chewers, but some breeds are more prone to it than others. Boston Terriers are certainly not immune to this behavior, but with proper training and supervision, they can be perfectly safe around children. It’s important to remember that any dog can become dangerous if they’re left alone with children unsupervised. So, if you’re not going to be able to keep an eye on your Boston Terrier at all times, it might be best to find a home for them where there are no small kids. Terrier Dogs As Chewers Some Boston Terriers tend to chew a lot, and some don’t. It really just depends on the dog’s personality. Some dogs like to chew on things as a way of exploring their environment, and others do it because they’re bored or anxious. Boston Terriers may also try to be friendly by chewing. You can try to train them by telling them that there is a better way to express affection or anxiety. It is important to note that Boston Terriers are average defenders as well. If you have a large or an “alpha” Boston Terrier, there is a very good chance that it will be relatively protective of its territory. It may not always pounce on a stranger, but there are chances that it might. If you recently had a new neighbor or roommate move in (or if they got a new dog), your dog may get protective of its territory. If you try to suppress it and the stranger or new dog continues to roam around, the dog may start getting anxious. To relieve stress, they may start chewing or scratching surfaces as well. Conclusion No breed of dog is 100% guaranteed not to chew, and Boston Terriers are certainly no exception. However, there are a few things you can do to minimize the chances of your Boston Terrier chewing on everything they come across. Make sure they have plenty of toys and bones to chew on. This will satisfy their natural need to chew and help prevent them from chewing on furniture, shoes, and other objects they shouldn’t. Be consistent with your discipline. If you catch your Boston Terrier chewing on something they shouldn’t, correct them immediately and put them in time-out. This will help them learn that chewing is not allowed in your home. Keep an eye on them at all times. This may seem like overkill, but it’s the best way to make sure they don’t get into trouble when you’re not looking. Boston Terriers can be chewers, but with a little bit of preparation, you can minimize the chances of them damaging your belongings. Follow these tips, and you’ll be able to relax knowing your Boston is safe and sound.