Why Does My Boston Terrier Always Sit Right Next to Me?


Do you ever wonder why your Boston Terrier always seems to sit right next to you? It can be really cute, but sometimes it can be frustrating.

Boston Terriers are known for being loyal and protective of their owners, so it’s not unusual for them to want to be close by.

In this blog post, we will explore some of the reasons why Boston Terriers tend to sit close to their owners and offer some tips on how to stop them from doing so!

Boston Terrier Gift Ideas For Mom
Donnie, Emily, Sofia, & Bella (Bella up close and personal)

What Other Owners Report

Before we get into the reasons why your Boston Terrier is sitting close to you, I want you to understand you are not alone. In surveying over 200 Boston Terrier owners, over 80% of respondents say their Boston always has to sit right next to them.

Here are two polls taken from the Boston Terrier Society Twitter and YouTube communities. We asked the question: Does your Boston Terrier have to sit next to you no matter what?

Here are the results…

Twitter

So far, over 90% of Boston Terrier owners say on Twitter that their Boston has to sit next to them no matter what. 

Youtube

With 161 votes in on the Boston Terrier Society YouTube Community, over 80% of Boston Terrier parents say their dog must sit next to them at all times.

Reasons Why Your Boston Terrier Sits So Close To You

1. They’re Protective

One of the main reasons your Boston Terrier may be sitting next to you all the time is that they’re protective of you. This breed is known for being loyal and devoted to their family, and they’ll do whatever it takes to keep you safe.

If they sense that something is wrong, they’ll be right by your side to make sure you’re okay.

2. They Love Your Company

Another reason your Boston Terrier may be sitting next to you all the time is that they love your company.

This breed is known for being social and loving, and they enjoy being around the people they care about. If you’re their favorite person, they’ll want to be near you as much as possible.

3. They’re Seeking Attention

It’s also possible that your Boston Terrier is sitting next to you all the time because they’re seeking attention.

This breed loves being the center of attention, and they’ll do whatever it takes to get your attention. If you’re not paying enough attention to them, they may try to sit next to you in order to get some quality time with you.

4. They’re Feeling Anxious

If your Boston Terrier is normally a confident dog but suddenly starts sitting next to you all the time, it could be a sign that they’re feeling anxious. In a survey of 50 Boston owners 34 of the respondents, or 68%, said their Boston suffers from separation anxiety.

This breed can sometimes suffer from separation anxiety, which can cause them to feel stressed and anxious when they’re away from their favorite person. If this is the case, it’s important to work with a veterinarian or behaviorist to help them overcome their anxiety.

Learn more about Boston Separation Anxiety here with this article, Separation Anxiety.

Or check out Dr. Dunbar’s behavior training virtual classes here, Fix Your Boston’s Behavior Problems. This is a great way to get quality training at your own pace, and it covers separation anxiety.

5. They’re bored

Another possibility is that your Boston Terrier is sitting next to you all the time is because they’re bored.

Bostons need a lot of mental and physical stimulation, and if they’re not getting enough of it, they can become bored and restless.

If this is the case, you’ll need to make sure you’re providing them with plenty of toys, puzzles, and exercise opportunities.

Here are some other ways you can keep your Boston busy, 15 Ways To Keep Your Boston Busy While At Work.

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6. They’re in Pain

Unfortunately, sometimes the reason your Boston Terrier is sitting next to you all the time is because they’re in pain.

If your dog suddenly starts spending more time than usual curled up next to you, it could be a sign that something is wrong.

If this is the case, it’s important to take them to the vet for a check-up so that any underlying health problems can be ruled out or treated accordingly.

Here are other signs your Boston may be in pain, written by Dr. Reinhard: 10 Signs Your Boston Terrier Is In Pain.

7. They Just Want To Be Close To You

It’s also possible that your Boston Terrier is sitting next to you all the time simply because they want to be close to you.

This breed loves being close to their favorite people, and there’s nothing wrong with that! If this is the case, enjoy the extra snuggles and affection from your furry friend.

8. They Suffer From Separation Anxiety

As mentioned above with anxiousness, many Boston Terriers suffer from separation anxiety when their owners leave them alone.

This can lead them to follow their owner around constantly in order to stay close to them. If your Boston Terrier seems anxious or stressed when you leave them alone, it’s important to seek professional help in order to address this issue.

Separation anxiety can be a very serious problem for dogs and can lead to destructive behaviors such as chewing or barking.

Learn more about Boston Separation Anxiety here with this article, Separation Anxiety.

9. They Love Food

Boston Terriers are food motivated, which means they’re always on the lookout for their next meal.

If you’re sitting near the kitchen, your Boston Terrier is likely to sit next to you in case you drop something edible.

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10. They’ve Been Traumatized

Dogs that have been through traumatic experiences, such as abuse or neglect, often develop attachment disorders.

These disorders can cause them to be clingy and needy, which may explain why your Boston Terrier is always trying to stay close to you if you recently adopted them or if they have been away from you for an extended period of time.

Ways You Can Stop Your Boston Terrier From Sitting Right Next To You

1. Get them their own chair or bed.

If you want your Boston Terrier to stop sitting right next to you, one of the best things you can do is to get them their own chair or bed.

This way, they will have their own space to relax in, and they won’t feel the need to be right next to you all the time.

Click this Amazon link to check out pricing, and reviews, as well as purchase this pet bed we use. Emily and I bought the large one for Bella, who is 23 lbs. Or watch this video below where I show you Bella’s favorite dog bed.

2. Train them with positive reinforcement.

Another way to stop your Boston Terrier from sitting right next to you is to train them with positive reinforcement. This means rewarding them when they behave in the way you want them to, such as sitting in their own chair or bed.

3. Ignore them when they sit next to you.

If you find that your Boston Terrier is still sitting next to you even after you’ve tried training them with positive reinforcement, then the best thing you can do is to ignore them. This means not giving them any attention, even if it’s just a glance or a pat on the head.

4. Give them plenty of exercise.

Another way to stop your Boston Terrier from sitting right next to you is to make sure they are getting plenty of exercise. This will help to tire them out so that they are less likely to want to sit next to you all the time.

If you are looking for things you can do with your Boston exercise wise here are 20 Items you can do indoors which is perfect for winter: 20 Winter Exercises You Can Do With Your Boston Terrier.

5. Keep them busy with toys and puzzles.

If you find that your Boston Terrier is bored and is looking for something to do, then one of the best things you can do is to keep them busy with toys and puzzles. This will help to occupy their time, and they will be less likely to want to sit next to you all the time. See this article covering the Best Toys For Boston Terriers.

Here is a video I made on how you could make some easy homemade puzzles for your dog.

6. Avoid using punishment as a way to stop them from sitting next to you.

Punishing your Boston Terrier for sitting next to you will not be effective, and it will only make them scared of you. Instead, focus on using positive reinforcement to train them not to sit next to you.

Final Thoughts

Boston Terriers are loyal dogs who love their owners unconditionally. If you have a Boston Terrier, it’s likely that he or she is sitting next to you right now as you’re reading this!

While it’s generally considered good behavior for a dog to want to be close to its owner, there may be some reasons why your particular dog is exhibiting this behavior. It could be that he or she is sick, injured, anxious, or has been previously abused.

If you want to stop this behavior, it’s important to try and understand the reason behind it before taking action.

If you’re looking for ways to make your Boston Terrier even happier, check out this list of things they absolutely love. From belly rubs to treats, you’re sure to find something that will make your furry friend smile from ear to ear!

Training your Boston Terrier can be a commitment to an already busy schedule. If you want quality online training check out Dunbar Training Academy Online. There are several great training resources that can help your Boston Terrier thrive!

Donnie Gardner

Donnie Gardner is the owner of the Boston Terrier Society. He has been raising Bella the Boston since 2010. He resides in Kansas with his wife, daughter, and Bella. His favorite activities are hanging out with family, traveling, running (but has bad knees), and reading non-fiction books.

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