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Do Boston Terriers Bark? If, So How Much?

Boston Terriers are one of the more popular terrier breeds. They’re energetic, playful, and have big, adorable eyes. Who couldn’t fall in love with one of these dogs? With great personalities, the breed is popular among families, as well as those living alone.

If you’re wanting to adopt a Boston Terrier and are wondering about their barking behavior, or possibly worried about their barking behavior, then you’ve come to the right place!

Boston Terrier, much like other terrier breeds tend to bark more than most breeds. They have great hearing and will bark to alert their owners when they hear something unusual outside. They can also bark at strangers and other dogs when they first meet, however, this behavior is completely normal.

boston terrier barking

Do Boston Terriers Grow Out Of Barking?

As Boston Terriers age they will eventually slow down on their barking because their energy levels will be lower and they will have become more mature and not bark at every little thing. My Boston Terrier did not stop barking at everything until she was at least 3-4 years old.

Now if barking is an issue read below to see why they bark and how you can correct your Boston Terriers barking.

Why Would Your Boston Terrier Bark?

Before we get into how to correct your dogs barking let’s take a look into why your pet would bark. This will help determine the root cause of your Boston Terriers barking in return can lead you down the right path to correct it.

Dogs tend to bark for several different reasons, from alerting their owners to playing. When there is excessive barking this is usually due to separation anxiety.

For the most part, a Boston Terrier will show its feeling through body language like wagging its tail or giving plenty of kisses when they’re happy. But they’ll still bark from time-to-time and we can split this behavior into four categories.

Types of Bark

  • Playing Bark – A shorter high-pitch bark
  • Anxiety/Stress Bark – Repetitive, monotone barking
  • Defense Bark – Loud forceful barks, they may show their teeth more as well.
  • Boredom Bark – A lot of times dogs tend to bark because they are too bored.

As mentioned above, most of the time the main cause of excessive barking is anxiety/stress.

correct excessive barking

How To Correct Excessive Barking?

If you live somewhere like an apartment or just don’t like to hear barking all the time, there are remedies you can use to reduce the excessive barking without reaching for the bark collar.

Correct Anxious Barking

The first thing to do is to find the source of what they may be anxious about. Example – something outside such as the mailman or other animals.

You can try blocking the view of your dog or maybe dimming the environment making it harder for your dog to see.

Try using positive enforcement training by rewarding your dog when they correct their bad behavior. Expose them to the stressor and then reward them when they stop barking.

Using some natural calming remedies such as relaxing and stress-reducing chews and sprays.

Correct Playful Barking

Although to me playful barking is something that is temporary and most dogs will grow out of it, there are some dogs who may go over the top with their barking.

To correct playful barking, try tiring your dog out throughout the day by taking them on walks or maybe going to a dog park. This will lower their energy levels and help with excessive barking.

Correct Boredom

Sometimes the cause of the barking is boredom, you can help reduce the barking by providing things to keep your dog busy. This can be done in several ways.

Try freezing dog treats and then letting them lick and chew on it until it thaws out. This will keep your dog busy and very happy.

You can also give your dog adequate toys to chew on.

How To Train Your Boston Terrier Puppy To Not Bark?

The best time to train your Boston Terrier no to bark is when they are a puppy. Training your dog as a puppy will provide the structure they need young which makes it easier for them since they have not developed bad habits.

First, determine what is the cause of the barking and to make sure it is not from something such as being ill or injured. Most of the time puppies bark due to playing or anxiety/fear.

Once you have determined your puppy is not barking from being ill or injured it is time to train your Boston terrier puppy.

The main thing you younger pups is to provide consistent responses to your puppy’s behavior. You do not want to confuse your puppy and makes thing harder. It is best to do positive reinforcement training on a consistent basis.

Here Are Some Simple Tips To Help With Puppy Barking

  • Remove any triggers for barking such as other animals, vacuum, or outside distractions.
  • Provide plenty of toys and chew bones to prevent your puppy from getting bored.
  • Maintain consistent engagement and playing with your new puppy. Take them for walks.
  • Teach them simple commands such as “sit” and “come”. This will help your puppy to learn how to listen to you and provide a foundation of respect from your dog.

Final Words

Boston Terriers are wonderful dogs, and with enough love and attention, barking is rarely an issue. However, if there is excessive barking, rest assured it’s a behavior that’s easy to fix.

Remember, never scream or hit your dog if they’re barking too much and instead learn why they’re barking and work on positive behaviors to replace the negative one.

It only takes a little bit of work for your Boston Terrier to become a beloved member of the family.

 

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