Choosing a Boston for your family
Once your family has decided upon a Boston terrier for a family pet, consider
the following:
Should it be a male or a female?
This is strictly a matter of choice. They are both loving and clean, providing
you do your job of training him young, with patience and love.
How will a Boston be with children?
Perhaps you should ask, "How will my children treat the Boston pup?" Constant
supervision during the early socialization period will help to educate children
in the family. Bostons are natural companions and all puppies love children. But
neither the kids nor the puppy should be allowed to "rough house". Children who
are kind and loving with their new puppy will learn a valuable life lesson.
Children and puppies are meant to be an unbeatable team.
However, if the kids haven't had dogs, or puppies before, be
prepared to closely supervise all play times. Never allow
your children to rough house with the puppy, and never allow
your children to tease a puppy. Bringing a new puppy into a
house also brings responsibility on your part. The bond that
develops between children and their family pet will last a
lifetime, and is an important character development for
children. The bottom line here is love, and kindness, and
more love.
Puppy or an older Boston?
Most families, especially children, prefer a puppy. But remember that
housebreaking can be a long process, as is the chewing and teething period. Are
you prepared to stick it out Older Bostons are hard to come by but can be the
ideal companion for any family. There are lots to be said for a housebroken,
well behaved adult.
Care of Your New Boston Puppy
The first few weeks. At 8-12 weeks of age, the average age
puppies are sold, they still require more sleep than play
time. Children should only be allowed short play periods,
then it's off to bed for the puppy. It's a good idea to keep
dry food available all the time, as well as fresh water.
Change uneaten food every day. In addition, twice a day a
small amount of dry food mixed with a little water and some
canned meat can be offered. After a few hours throw away
left over wet food. Discuss the type of food to use with
your breeder. And don't forget those booster shots. See your
vet soon after purchasing your new Boston puppy.
House breaking and crate training.
Be patient. Housebreaking takes time and requires bladder
control. Like human babies, there is no set time that this
will take. It's physical control. All puppies want to be
clean and to please you, but be patient. The rule of thumb
is: Take the puppy out to do his duty, or on a piece of
newspaper: first thing in the morning, after each meal,
after every nap, the last thing at night.
Please buy a crate!
Socializing your new Boston puppy. This is a very important
part of the puppy's development.
Hold and love your pup, let children play, gently, with him,
and take the pup for short walks. Protect it from larger
dogs but let passers by pat the puppy. To be a good family
member, your new puppy needs to be people oriented.
Exercise.
The ideal setup is a fenced in area so your Boston can run
loose. It doesn't have to be the whole yard, nor do you need
to use expensive fencing. Daily walks are another good way
to exercise your Boston, good for you and the dog. They love
it too.
Grooming.
Cut those nails every other week. In order to avoid
bleeding, trim only the tips, that part beyond the 'quick'.
It's helpful to have either the breeder or your veterinarian
give you a lesson in nail cutting. It is a lot easier than
you think. Bathing does not need to be done as often. If
your pet gets really dirty, then it's time for a bath. Towel
dry and don't put the dog outdoors until it is completely
dry.
Clean the portion of the ears that you can see very
carefully with a dampened Q-tip during bathing. And it's a
good idea to accustom him to having his teeth brushed. Your
vet has doggy toothpaste.
Manners and Training
Not every visitor wants to be jumped on, and Bostons have
springs on their feet! Do plan to get your pup under control
and obeying commands early on. Set the ground rules at the
beginning of your relationship.
You are the alpha, and that's not debatable.
Your family pet needs a leader and it must be you. Leaders
stick to the rules, but are kind and loving at the same
time. Don't be a pushover. don't let your Boston run the
house. They are good at trying to do just that!
Veterinarian Care
The breeder will let you know what shots the puppy has
already had, and will give you a schedule for further
vaccinations.
Visit your vet within days of purchasing your new Boston
puppy and he too will update you on all that is necessary to
raise a healthy pet.
Availability of puppies and expense
Boston Puppies are scarce and expensive. First of all, most
Boston mothers require Cesarean sections. Remember the
terrier type body and the bully head. The pelvic area of the
mother often can't pass the large head of the puppy.
Secondly, the average size litter is 2-4 puppies. Third, the
mortality rate in Boston pups is high, so a breeder can
start with a litter of four and end up with only two or
three. If people are only breeding to make a "buck" they are
going to choose some other more prolific, free whelping
breed. So, this leaves us with a small number of breeders,
and a small number of puppies. But if your family has it's
heart set on a Boston Terrier, be patient. One will turn up
sooner or later. It's worth the wait.
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