How to Crate Train a Boston Terrier

Boston terriers are lively, energetic dogs with very good dispositions. These dogs are also highly intelligent, which makes them easily trainable as pets. They are known for being gentle, so Boston terriers are good for families. Boston terriers have short coats, so they require very little grooming. They do, however, require some training. Their intelligence makes this fairly easy. One way to do so is by providing Boston terriers with crates. This will satisfy the puppy's need for a den, and personal space. It is also a very valuable house-training tool, when the time comes.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Crate
• Dog treats/toys
• Screwdriver/wrench
• Water dispenser
• Bedding

1. If you've purchased a vari-kennel type crate, where the top can come off, remove the screws from the crate, and remove the top. Allow your Boston terrier puppy to climb in and out of the crate to get used to it. If you've purchased a wire mess crate, tie the door back so the puppy can come and go.

2. Place toys and treats at the back of the crate for the puppy. Also attach a water dispenser (like you'd give a hamster), so the puppy can get a drink in its crate. Put a towel or blanket on the floor of the crate for the puppy to lay on. If the puppy dirties the towel, replace it with a clean one.

3. When you're at home, place the crate near you. Boston terriers are very smart, and will learn to draw associations with their crate. Having the crate near you will teach them a positive association between you and the crate. The puppy will have no complaints about going into the crate if it thinks you will still be there.

4. Get your Boston terrier used to the crate. During the day, consistently drop treats into the crate for your puppy to walk in and find. Discovering edible treats in the crate will create another positive association for your smart Boston terrier. For the first couple of weeks, pet and praise your Boston terrier puppy when it goes into the crate. Use treats to encourage your puppy to enter its crate voluntarily, to find "the prize."

5. Start crating your Boston terrier for short times while you are still at home. This keeps the puppy from associating the crate with you leaving. After a week or so, practice leaving the room while your puppy is crated, and coming back. After this, it will be an easy step to leaving the house for short periods.

Tips & Warnings

• Always take your Boston terrier outside (to the bathroom) before crating. Boston terriers who have been crate-trained will prefer their personal kennel to a borrowed one. Always take it with you when you travel with your dog.
• Never leave your puppy in its crate for longer than your vet recommends, or when it becomes too hot. This is especially true for short-nosed dogs such as Boston terriers, who have more difficulty breathing in hot environments. Never use the crate as a place of punishment. That will undermine crate training.

References

• American Kennel Club
• American Dog Trainers Network