| The Boston Terrier has been called the ultimate family | | | | Even if your Boston Terrier is well behaved; a dog |
| dog. Many owners say that your family is not | | | | trainer can reassure you all that your dog is aware of |
| complete until you have a Boston Terrier or two. And | | | | the boundaries in your family. |
| it's easy to see why owners give glowing reports of | | | | 4. The puppy may not bite the children - even playfully. |
| the interactions between their Boston Terriers and their | | | | Teething puppies are no problem; their gentle little bites |
| children. Not only will your children benefit from this | | | | don't hurt now - but they will when your dog gets |
| playful and cuddly furry playmate - they will have a | | | | teeth! Rather encourage a policy of "no bite". Offer |
| loyal friend for life. | | | | toys and other appropriate outlets for the play bites. |
| Boston Terriers are intelligent, friendly and outgoing. | | | | 5. Make the boundaries clear |
| They love to be around people and will benefit from a | | | | As with any dog - boundaries are the key. Your puppy |
| loving family "pack". Typically eager to please these | | | | should not be allowed to roam the house freely until he |
| dogs are so lovable you won't want to consider | | | | is properly housetrained. This is a fun process in which |
| another breed. If you have young children and intend | | | | you can involve the children. The puppy will need to be |
| on buying or already own a Boston Terrier, here are | | | | taken out every time he needs to go and the children |
| some rules about making the relationship between the | | | | will benefit from taking them outside and waiting until |
| children and the dog as trouble free as possible. | | | | they have done their business. |
| 1. Good socialization means a good family dog. | | | | Following these tips should assure you of a family |
| Boston Terriers are easy to socialize. Take your | | | | friendly Boston Terrier. |
| puppy with you in the car or out on errands whenever | | | | Having a dog in the house, particularly a Boston Terrier |
| you can. The puppy should get used to being around | | | | - can be a wonderful positive experience for your |
| people and other dogs. Although it is not | | | | children too. Your children will learn many valuable life |
| recommended that you take your puppy into public | | | | skills from their dog. They benefit by learning the value |
| places before they have received all their vaccines - | | | | of respect. They learn responsibility (children should be |
| you can take your puppy in the car with you when | | | | encouraged to take part in caring for the dog too). In |
| you fetch the children from school. | | | | addition they will learn patience, kindness and |
| 2. The dogs may not be treated aggressively | | | | compassion. Your dog will develop a special |
| Children need to be taught not to tease or bother the | | | | relationship with your children. Boston Terriers are |
| dog while eating. Any dog gets aggressive if disturbed | | | | generally content to be played with. If socialized |
| while eating and this has resulted in many tragic bites. | | | | correctly they are tolerant and will even allow the kids |
| Letting your children feed the dog is a great way to | | | | to play dress up with them. |
| get them involved in caring for your dog. If your dog | | | | The positive effect a dog can have on your family is |
| does growl you should discourage him by saying "No" | | | | amazing. Boston Terriers are intelligent and child |
| and making it clear that growling is unacceptable | | | | friendly. Proper training and teaching children to respect |
| behavior. | | | | and love the dog will ensure your Boston Terrier |
| 3. A few sessions with a dog trainer are a good idea | | | | becomes a valued part of your family. |