Boston terrier lovers always ask are Boston terriers aggressive which is exactly what we will be discussing in this post.
In this post, we will be discussing all the common reasons your Boston terrier can become aggressive, how to resolve aggressive issues.
We will also point out some early signs of aggression you should look out for and much more, so read through.
Let me answer your question are Boston terriers aggressive before we proceed to other things.
Are Boston terriers aggressive
Boston terriers are not known to be aggressive dogs because they were developed specifically to be human companions and stay around their owners, Bosties are calm and affectionate dogs in general and are not aggressive by nature.
Boston terriers can become aggressive due to poor socialization, frustration, fear, anxiety, and, most importantly, a lack of sufficient socialization or behavioral training by the owner.
Why Boston terriers become aggressive
Here are some reasons why your Boston terrier could be aggressive toward other dogs or humans, as well as possible solutions to the problem:
1. Boston terriers become aggressive due to fear
Fear is a common factor that triggers aggression in small breeds of dogs like Boston terriers, this is because they were not bred to be guard dogs.
Due to the size of the Boston terrier, they are usually afraid or frightened of objects or animals that are bigger than their size.
Being afraid of bigger objects triggers lots of aggression in Boston terriers, this element of fear can lead to unnecessary behaviors like biting.
Large sounds like fireworks or gunshots could also trigger fear in Boston terriers, and the end product most times is aggression.
Let’s look at how to resolve fear in Boston terriers.
The solution to fear in Boston terriers
Whether it’s other dogs or people in your house or resident that trigger fear in your Boston terrier, try to eliminate any forms of fear that can trigger aggression in Boston terriers which could lead to barks and bite.
Fear can be reduced by immediately socializing your dog with other dogs or humans, letting your Boston terrier associate other dogs or humans as positive not negative vibes can eliminate fear.
This will teach your Boston terrier that other dogs, humans, or bigger objects are not a threat while they are around.
Socializing your Boston terrier will also teach your dog to be calm around other dogs, animals, or humans and not to attack them unnecessarily.
The greatest way to help your Boston terrier overcome its fear is to introduce it to the object of its fear.
The greatest way to help your Boston terrier overcome its fear is to introduce it to the object of its fear. For example…
If your Boston terrier is terrified of the mailman, call the mailman and introduce your Boston terrier to the mailman to alleviate any fears.
Teach your Boston terrier that objects they are afraid of that trigger fear should not be associated with negative vibes.
2. Boston terriers become aggressive due to poor socialization
One of the most common causes of aggression in Boston terriers is a lack of sufficient socialization.
A Boston terrier that has been kept in your backyard and trained without being taken on walks or mingling with other dogs, pets, or even humans is known as an unsocialized Boston terrier.
Poor socialization leads to lots of behavior issues associated with Boston terriers.
Lack of proper socialization or poor socialization is one of the most common reasons why Boston terriers may bark a lot.
Let’s look at some common ways of socializing Boston terriers.
Ways to socialize Boston terriers
- Getting your Boston terrier registered and attending puppy classes.
- Once a week, visit and take your Boston terrier to the dog park.
- Going camping with your Boston terrier and friends.
- With your Boston terrier, go visit other dog owners on a regular basis.
- Your Boston terrier is going on vacation with you.
- Invite other dog owners to your home and introduce them to your Boston terrier.
- Once in a while, take your Boston terrier to a dog show.
- Going on a walk with your Boston terrier in the evening.
- Your Boston terrier will pay a visit to your relatives with you.
- From the time your Boston terrier is a puppy, play video of dog movies or dog shows for him.
3. Anxiety
Boston terriers are small dog breeds that are prone to anxiety, which can lead to aggressive behavior.
Separation anxiety is one of the most common forms of anxiety found in Boston terriers, therefore Boston terriers are prone to separation anxiety.
There are lots of ways that Boston terriers display anxiety or frustration, which includes; barking, biting, digging, whining, freezing, destructive chewing, etc.
Ways to fix anxiety in Boston terriers
- Make an appointment with a dog behaviorist or a veterinarian.
- Desensitization and counter conditioning are two techniques for reducing anxiety.
- Spend time with your Boston terrier.
- Create a stress-free environment for your Boston terrier.
- Make a daily routine and stick to a working daily routine.
- Invest in antianxiety products or medication through the help of your veterinarian.
- Get a companion pet for your Boston terrier if you are always away.
The best way of fixing anxiety in Boston terriers is to find out what is causing anxiety for your Bosties and eliminate it.
4. Illness, pains or injury
A sickness or stage of a disease that affects a dog’s body or mind is known as a canine ailment.
This can be caused by ingesting tainted food or germs, as well as injuries, insect bites, and parasite infestations.
When your Boston terrier is sick and you neglect him for a long period, he becomes aggressive towards you, your family, and other pets.
As a result of its condition, a sick Boston terrier is always angry and will attack other dogs of any size.
Anxiety in Boston terriers is induced by pain, which can be caused by sickness or injury, so if your Boston terrier is acting aggressively, check to see if it is injured or unwell.
A Boston terrier suffering from pain may exhibit odd behaviors such as barking, biting, whining, snarling, and so forth.
Discomfort may reduce their tolerance in a variety of situations, resulting in aggression in some cases.
Pain is not only uncomfortable, but it may also be stressful for a Boston terrier.
Solution
Disease in dogs can be caused by parasites, fungus, bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens, to name a few. All these can be avoided by good hygienic practices.
This can be brought on by the environment or by eating certain foods, both of which can be prevented by maintaining excellent hygiene.
While grooming your Boston terrier, take your time to monitor his skin to see if there are injuries that need your attention.
From time to time, examine your Boston terrier to check for injuries or major changes that need your attention.
So keep an eye out for symptoms of disease in your Boston terrier and take him to the vet for treatment or routine exams.
Some health issues associated with Boston terrier aggression include the following:
- Metabolic disorders
- Hip Dysplasia
- Patellar Luxation
- Allergies
- Seizures
- Head trauma
- Side effects of medication
- Ear Infections
- Brain tumors
Always keep in touch with your veterinarian for medical check-ups with your Boston terrier.
5. Boston terriers become aggressive due to frustration and depression
A frustrated or depressed Boston terrier can attack anyone, even the dog’s owner. There are several elements that contribute to a Boston terrier’s high degree of aggressiveness when he is upset.
Paying less attention than normal, neglecting the dog, disrupting the dog’s food habits, and so on, all of these can cause depression and frustration in Boston terriers.
Boston terriers are companion dogs who are often scared and agitated by loud noises and frequent changes in routine, these are also frustration and depression to Boston terriers.
Ways to resolve frustration and depression in Boston terriers
If your Boston terrier is frustrated or unhappy, he or she is more prone to do unexpected things, so make sure he or she is constantly joyful.
To solve the problem of Boston terrier dissatisfaction, you must first identify the source of the problem and eradicate it as quickly as possible.
When the Boston terrier wants your attention, don’t ignore him or her. Make sure your Boston terrier does not become frustrated.
If your Boston terrier is not properly socialized, other dogs or animals should not be allowed access to his or her eating area. Paying less attention than usual is not a good idea.
To keep your Boston terrier from becoming frustrated and depressed, follow these steps:
- Stop making alterations to your Boston terrier everyday routine.
- Stop switching out your Boston terrier’s food on a regular basis, this lead to depression and frustration.
- Avoid exposing your Boston terrier to loud noises if you didn’t socialize them with loud sounds.
- Heat exhaustion should be avoided at all costs for your Boston terrier since they are prone to it.
- Groom your Boston terrier on a regular basis, using grooming time as a bonding time.
- Keep your Boston terrier warm throughout the winter.
- Never let your Boston terrier alone for an extended period of time.
- Provide high-quality food for your Boston terrier.
- Provide lots of interesting and interactive toys for your Boston terrier.
- Take your Boston terrier for walks or to dog park.
6. Boston terriers become aggressive due to poor care or neglect
Aggression in Boston terriers can be caused by a lack of attention, care, or neglect from the owner. To properly care for your Boston terrier, there are a few things you should do.
Here are a few tips to look after your Boston terrier:
- Brushing once a week is recommended.
- Food of excellent quality.
- The appropriate amount of food at the proper moment.
- Make interactive toys available.
- Make sure there are plenty of chewing toys available.
- Bathe your Boston terrier every now and again.
- Have some fun with your Boston terrier.
- Take your Boston terrier for a stroll in the evening.
- Provide clean water for your Boston terrier.
- Avoid parasite infestations.
- Provide lots of mental stimulation activities for your Boston terrier, etc.
The more you drift away from your responsibilities, the more you invite Boston terrier aggressive behaviors.
General ways of resolving Boston terriers aggression
Some ways for coping with Boston terrier aggressiveness are as follows:
1. Keep your Boston terrier occupied with toys
Your Boston terrier’s aggression will be influenced by the toys you provide them.
Dog play toys are available in a range of forms and sizes, and you can purchase up to five different ones and let your dog choose.
Keep an eye on your Boston terrier to see what toys he likes to play with.
Boston terriers like playing with toys, as seen by their jumping up and down. Especially balls.
Remember that a happy dog is less likely to be aggressive. This is something most Boston terrier owners tried and found to work.
2. Constant attention and vet visits
When Boston terriers are properly cared for, they grow calmer and become less aggressive to both humans and other animals.
The care of a Boston terrier includes feeding, exercise, socializing, washing, attention, training, and frequent veterinarian visits.
Examine the whole list above and make any necessary changes to lessen the likelihood of your Boston terrier becoming aggressive.
Also, most problems with your Boston terrier may be resolved by seeing a veterinarian on a regular basis.
3. Desensitization
Desensitization includes training in a calm, controlled setting with a very weak version of the issue stimulus.
To reduce the impact of reactivity to other dogs, increase the distance between the dogs.
You’re also lowering our dog’s alertness, allowing him to study and listen more calmly.
This is required in order to create circumstances in which you may educate your Boston terrier on how to be calm and relaxed in the presence of other dogs.
Teach your Boston terrier that other dogs are not a threat to him or her.
4. Make a daily working schedule and stick to it
This may sound counterintuitive, but it works; all you need is a healthy food plan.
Do you think your Boston terrier would be nice if you started feeding him at 11 a.m. after training him to eat between 7 and 8 a.m. every day?
Don’t disrupt your Boston terrier’s meal routine if you want to help him to become less aggressive.
Make a plan for your Boston terrier and stick to it.
If you adjust your feeding schedule, stick to it till it’s no longer working for you and your Boston terrier.
Changing the feeding routine of your Boston terrier will make him feel abandoned and neglected. Dogs, like us, have emotions.
5. Talk to an experience dog trainer
It’s critical to consult with someone, whether a dog trainer or a seasoned dog owner while attempting to find out how to protect your Boston terrier from becoming aggressive.
If your Boston terrier becomes violent for no apparent cause, please call an experienced owner or trainer.
They will provide you with suggestions to help you get your Boston terrier to stop being aggressive.
Long-term dog training will provide you with a lot of information as a dog owner.
Because you can’t compare yourself to a professional dog owner, seek the advice of a competent dog owner if your Boston terrier becomes violent.
Types of aggression in Boston terriers
Here are the common types of aggression found in Boston terriers:
- Possessive Aggression
- Territorial Aggression
- Sexual Aggression
- Predatory Aggression
- Redirected Aggression
- Social Aggression
- Protective Aggression
Signs of aggression in Boston terriers
Here are some common signs of aggression found in Boston terriers:
- Always barking for no apparent reason.
- Body posture that is stiff.
- Less receptive to the supplied command.
- Constantly nipping.
- Teeth bared.
- Snarling.
- Growling constantly.
- Constant biting and freezing, etc.
I hope your question are Boston terriers aggressive was answered!
Read more: Do Boston Terriers Bite: 10 Bite Triggers & Controls.
