Activities For Boston Terriers

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Introduction

The Boston Terrier is a special kind of dog! Ask any Boston pet parent,  and they will agree. Boston Terriers seem to have two activity modes: hyper, energetic and playful episodes peppered with lazy, deeply sleeping rest periods. The Boston Terrier loves - and desperately craves - a moderate amount of activity; however, because the Boston Terrier is a brachycephalic dog (meaning their snout is shortened and they may experience breathing difficulties) these spurts of activity must be taken throughout the day rather than packing all exercise into one lengthy playtime. The Boston Terrier is a very playful dog, and they love games of fetch and tug of war. However, you will want to plan for activities when the Boston is inside due to weather (heat and humidity can have a negative impact on the Boston's breathing). You can plan for a number of brief activities that are beneficial to the health of your Boston as well as providing a chuckle for yourself.

Find the Treat

Most Popular
1 Vote
Any Day
Cheap
Normal
15 min
Items needed
Dog Treats
Activity description
This game is fun for the Boston. It provides him with mental stimulation as well as satisfies the Boston's ever-present desire to snack! This game should be played inside. It is a great idea for very hot or cold days, or during rainy weather (most Boston Terriers prefer NOT to play outside during a rain shower). First, show your pup the treat. Allow them to see where you hide the treat. This should be in an obvious place. The first few times that you play this game, you might need to guide a puppy or young Boston. Increase the level of difficulty as you feel your dog is getting the hang of the game. Always put the treat in a relatively accessible area, but do not always make it obvious where the treat is. After a time, your dog will learn to rely on their sense of smell to find the treat, rather than working with your directions. 

Step
1
Teach the game
Show your pup the treat, and then allow them to see where you have placed the treat. This may be in a corner of the room, inside their crate if they have one, or beside their water dish - a location they know well. When your dog locates the treat, be sure to give them plenty of praise for a job well done.
Step
2
Increase the challenge
As the pup successfully finds the treat, repeat this step, increasing the difficulty in finding the treat. The goal is to get the dog to depend upon their nose to find the treat rather than simply following your cues. The Boston is a highly intelligent dog, and they will learn quickly what is expected of them. They will especially appreciate the reward of a treat!
Step
3
Vary the task
The fun thing for dogs about finding a treat is that this activity never gets old. A treat is a favorite reward, after all! Upping the challenge and varying the task is a must though, as your very clever Boston Terrier will be finding treats in no time. Choose locations with a bit more difficulty, such as within an empty shoe box or in the very far corner of a closet. On a nice day, your pup will have a blast digging in his favorite spot in the yard once he catches the scent of the treat.
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Tug of War

Popular
1 Vote
Any Day
Cheap
Easy
15 - 30 min
Items needed
Durable Rope-style Toy
Activity description
Tug of War is a game that taps into those innate instincts of your dog. Tug of War also helps your dog to work the muscles in their neck, but you must exercise a small bit of caution when playing. You must remain in control at all times, and you must also be cautious so that your dog does not damage their teeth (this is especially true in puppies). The object of Tug of War is getting your pup to release the object periodically. This involves just a little training on your part. You may need to teach your dog to release the object by offering a treat when they relinquish the toy. In addition, experts recommend using this time to teach a little self-discipline as well. Working with your dog on commands such as "sit" or "stand" in the midst of a good game of Tug of War is beneficial to both of you. Finally, teaching your pup that it is okay to relinquish a toy will help to build manners and social skills in your dog. They learn that they can live without the toy if it is taken from them. Tug of War can be played inside or outside regardless of the weather.
Step
1
Offer the toy
When offering the toy, say "take it." Generally, those innate pulling skills will kick in without your prompting. After a few minutes, stop tugging the toy and offer your pup a treat. Always maintain control of play. They will drop the toy for the treat. Reward your pup by giving praise and more play time. For safety, make sure you are playing with a durable toy made for tugging, preferably nylon.
Step
2
Reward and reinforce
Next, command the dog to sit. Once the pup has completed sitting calmly to your satisfaction, prompt him to take the toy again. Repeat as necessary. Soon, you will be able to get the dog to release the object without a treat. Always reward your pup after this step with praise and play.
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Go Fetch

Least Popular
1 Vote
Any Day
Cheap
Easy
15 min
Items needed
Rubber Ball
Rubber Chew Toy
Short Rope-style Chew Toy
Activity description
Playing fetch with a dog is perhaps one of the oldest and most traditional games a pup enjoys. You will be rewarded in the bond you build with your dog by taking time out to play with them. Your pup will enjoy the interaction with you, and they will also receive the health benefit of exercise. Furthermore, many dog breeds have an innate need to fetch. Allowing your dog to tap into this instinct will make them happy, and it may prevent some behavioral problems. In addition, Go Fetch can be played anywhere, particularly with a Boston Terrier. The small size of the Boston Terrier allows you to throw a small toy in a space no larger than your hallway, and your Boston will happily retrieve the item and return it to you hoping for another round of play. Certainly, you can play outdoors as well, but use caution when it is very hot or cold. The Boston's brachycephalic nose may find it difficult to take in proper oxygen under those weather conditions. You may play fetch with a rubber chew toy, such as a toy bone, or you may choose to use a rope-style toy. Many pups enjoy playing fetch with a tennis ball, and this is a great idea for Boston Terriers, as the ball is easily retrievable.
Step
1
Attention
You will need to get your dog's attention. Often this merely involves calling the dog's name and showing them the proffered toy. You may have to initially teach them to chase the ball or toy before they will fetch it. Using treats to reward them for going after the treat is a great way to teach them what you expect of them. Offer the treat when the dog takes the toy in their mouth.
Step
2
Repetition
Now, take the toy back, and toss the item just a few feet away. Repeat the treat reward when the pup goes to the object and picks it up. Soon, your Boston will understand that you want to play a game with them. You may need to repeat this two or three times in the first days you practice Go Fetch with a younger dog, but, the Boston is an apt learner. Soon, they will be bringing the ball to you in order to play fetch.
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More Fun Ideas...

Sprinkler Fun

This game is quite easy! Simply place your sprinkler in the middle of your lawn, turn it on, and watch your Boston Terrier attempt to bite and catch the water. This game is most appropriate for hot weather, but do use caution. Even if their little body is cool, excessive running can cause the Boston to have issues with their brachycephalic nose.

Laser Light Show

You can use a laser light pen, or you can use a laser cat toy for this game. Help your Boston to find the "spot" made by the laser. Then, move the spot and encourage your pup to "chase" the spot. Some Boston Terriers love this game so much that they will attempt to hunt for the laser when you don't even have it on.

Conclusion

The Boston Terrier is always a source of energy and excitement. They provide fun moments of entertainment for their family by simply performing a great deal of silly antics. The Boston Terrier needs several short bursts of activity daily. Owners should always be cautious about encouraging energetic play lasting long than a half hour at a time. In addition, Boston Terriers, when exercising outdoors, should only exercise during cooler times of the day. Those living in very humid areas should take caution any time of the day. The great thing about Boston Terriers is the idea that they are small enough to exercise properly indoors as well as outdoors! Your Boston baby will bond with you as you spend time engaging him in activities, then they will plop down on the couch right beside you and take a well-deserved nap!