Do you want a well-behaved Boston Terrier? Of course you do!

Training your Boston Terrier is one of the most important things you can do as a pet owner. In this guide, we will teach you all the best commands and tricks to train your Boston Terrier.

We’ll cover everything from basic obedience commands to more advanced tricks. So whether your Boston Terrier is just a pup or has been around for a while, this guide has something for everyone!

Ultimate Guide To Training Your Boston Terrier Commands And Tricks!

We are going to break down this guide into three parts. First, we are going to start by sharing the training commands followed by the training tricks. Then we are going to follow it up by answering all your Boston Terrier-related training questions.

Enjoy!

19 Commands To Teach Your Boston Terrier

Training your Boston Terrier to obey commands is essential for a well-behaved pup. Here are some of the most popular Boston Terrier commands you can teach your dog:

2. Stay

The “stay” command is another important command to teach your Boston Terrier. Start by telling your Boston to sit. Once they are sitting, tell them to stay and hold out your hand to block them from getting up. If your dog tries to get up, say “no” and put them back in the sit position. Once they stay in the sit position for a few seconds, give them a treat and release them. Practice this command regularly until your dog stays in the stay position until you release them.

3. Come

The “come” command is one of the most important commands you can teach your Boston Terrier. It can help keep them safe in dangerous situations. To teach this command, start by calling your Boston’s name while they are playing or eating. As soon as they come to you, say “come” and give them a treat. Repeat this process until they come to you every time you call their name.

4. Down

The “down” command is another essential obedience command for your Boston Terrier. Start by telling your pup to sit. Once they are sitting, slowly move the treat towards the floor so their head goes down followed by their body. As soon as their body is on the ground, say “down” and give them the treat. Practice this command regularly until your dog automatically goes into the down position when you say “down.”

5 . Heel

The “heel” command is used to have your Boston Terrier walk next to you while on a leash. It can be tricky to teach, but with patience and practice it can be done! Start by having your pup walk in front of you while on a leash. When they reach the end of the leash, pull slightly backwards so they are forced to come closer to you. As soon as they are next to you, say “heel.” Reward them with a treat and lots of praise when they obey correctly.

6. Leave it

The “leave it” command is used to stop your Boston Terrier from picking up or eating something they shouldn’t. Start by placing an object in front of your pup. When they go to pick it up, say “leave it” and give them a treat for not touching the object. Repeat this process until your pup automatically stops when you tell them to “leave it.”

7. Drop it

The “drop it” command is used to get your Boston Terrier to release something from their mouth. Start by placing an object in front of your pup. When they go to pick it up, say “drop it” and give them a treat for releasing the object. Repeat this process until your pup automatically releases the object when you tell them to “drop it.”

8. No

The “no” command is a simple command you can use to stop your Boston Terrier from doing something wrong. Start by telling your pup “no” when they do something wrong. Give them a treat when they stop, and repeat this process until your pup automatically stops when you say “no.”

9. Go to bed

The “go to bed” command is used to tell your Boston Terrier it’s time for them to go to their bed. Start by placing your pup’s bed in a designated spot. When you want them to go to bed, say “go to bed” and use treats to guide them to the bed. Reward them with a treat and lots of praise when they obey correctly.

10. Go To Kennel

The “go to kennel” command is used to tell your Boston Terrier it’s time for them to go into their kennel. Start by placing your pup’s kennel in a designated spot. When you want them to go into the kennel, say “go to kennel” and use treats to guide them into the kennel. Reward them with a treat and lots of praise when they obey correctly. With enough practice and repetition, your Boston Terrier will be able to obey all of these commands in no time.

11. Wait

The “wait” command is used to tell your Boston Terrier to stop and wait for further instructions. Start by telling your pup to stay. Once they are in the stay position, tell them to “wait” and hold out your hand to block them from moving. If your dog tries to move, say “no” and put them back in the stay position. Once they stay in the wait position for a few seconds, give them a treat and release them. Practice this command regularly until your dog stays in the wait position until you release them.

12. Watch Me

The “watch me” command is used to tell your Boston Terrier to focus their attention on you. Start by placing a treat in front of your pup’s nose and then slowly move it up towards your eyes. As soon as they make eye contact, say “watch me” and give them the treat. Repeat this process until your pup automatically makes eye contact when you say “watch me.”

13. Off

The “off” command is used to tell your Boston Terrier to get off of something. Start by telling your pup to “get off,” and then use treats to guide them off the object. Reward them with a treat and lots of praise when they obey correctly. Practice this command regularly until your pup automatically gets off when you say “off.”

14. Go Potty

The “go potty” command is used to tell your Boston Terrier it’s time to go outside and do their business. Start by taking your pup outside to an area they are familiar with. When you arrive, say “go potty” and wait for them to finish their business. Reward them with a treat and lots of praise when they obey correctly. Practice this command regularly until your pup automatically goes to the designated area when you say “go potty.”

15. Lap

The “lap” command is used to tell your Boston Terrier to jump on your lap. Start by sitting on the floor and holding a treat in your hand. Tell your pup to come, and then when they are next to you say “lap.” Give them the treat when they obey correctly. Practice this command regularly until your pup automatically jumps onto your lap when you say “lap.”

16. Quite

The “quite” command is used to tell your Boston Terrier to stop barking. Start by telling your pup to be quiet when they start barking. Give them a treat when they stop and repeat this process until your pup automatically stops barking when you say “quite.”

17. Car

The “car” command is used to tell your Boston Terrier that it’s time to get in the car. Start by having your pup next to the car and telling them to “get in.” Use treats to guide them into the vehicle. Reward them with a treat and lots of praise when they obey correctly. Practice this command regularly until your pup automatically gets into the car when you say “car.”

18. Wipe Paws

The “wipe paws” command is used to tell your Boston Terrier to wipe their feet before entering the house. Start by having your pup stand near the door and telling them to “wipe paws.” Use treats to guide them into wiping their feet. Reward them with a treat and lots of praise when they obey correctly. Practice this command regularly until your pup automatically wipes their feet before entering the house when you say “wipe paws.”

19. Bring Leash

The “bring leash” command is used to tell your Boston Terrier to bring you the leash. Start by placing the leash in an area that your pup can access and telling them to “bring leash.” Use treats to guide them into bringing the leash. Reward them with a treat and lots of praise when they obey correctly. Practice this command regularly until your pup automatically brings the leash when you say “bring leash.”

30 Tricks To Teach Your Boston Terrier

Here are some awesome tricks to teach your Boston Terrier!

2. Paw

The “paw” command is used to tell your Boston Terrier to hold their paw up. Start by holding your hand out and saying “paw.” When your pup responds, give them a treat and repeat this process until they automatically hold their paw up when you say “paw.”

3. Learn the Names Of Everything

The “learn the names of everything” trick is used to teach your Boston Terrier the names of all their toys. Start by showing your pup one of their toys, saying the name of it (i.e. “ball”), and then giving them a treat. Repeat this process with all their toys until your pup automatically knows the names of all their toys.

4. Bring It

The “bring it” trick is used to tell your Boston Terrier to bring you one of their toys. Start by showing your pup a toy and telling them to “bring it.” Give them a treat when they bring you the toy and repeat this process until your pup automatically brings you one of their toys when you say “bring it.”

5. Kiss

The “kiss” command is used to tell your Boston Terrier to give you a kiss. Start by saying “kiss,” and then leaning forward with your face close to your pup’s. Give them a treat when they give you a kiss and repeat this process until your pup automatically gives you a kiss when you say “kiss.”

6. Pick Up Toys

The “pick up toys” command is used to tell your Boston Terrier to pick up their toys and put them away. Start by showing your pup one of their toys and telling them to “pick it up.” Give them a treat when they do so and repeat this process until your pup automatically picks up their toys and puts them away when you say “pick up toys.”

7. Fetch

The “fetch” command is used to tell your Boston Terrier to bring you an object. Start by showing your pup an object, saying “fetch,” and then throwing the object. Give them a treat when they bring you the object and repeat this process until your pup automatically brings you an object when you say “fetch.”

8. Spin

The “spin” command is used to tell your Boston Terrier to spin around in a circle. Start by standing in front of your pup and saying “spin.” Give them a treat when they spin around and repeat this process until your pup automatically spins around in a circle when you say “spin.”

9. Speak

The “speak” command is used to tell your Boston Terrier to bark on cue. Start by saying “speak” and then giving them a treat when they bark. Repeat this process until your pup automatically barks when you say “speak.”

10. Jump

The “jump” command is used to tell your Boston Terrier to jump over an object. Start by placing an object in front of your pup and saying “jump.” Give them a treat when they jump over the object and repeat this process until your pup automatically jumps over an object when you say “jump.”

11. Sit Pretty or Beg

The “sit pretty” or “beg” command is used to tell your Boston Terrier to sit up on their hind legs and hold the position. Start by having your pup sit down and then gently pressing their back legs toward the sky. When they reach the desired position, say “sit pretty” or “beg,” and give them a treat. Repeat this process until your pup automatically sits up on their hind legs when you say either “sit pretty” or “beg.”

12. Crawl

The “crawl” command is used to tell your Boston Terrier to crawl forward. Start by putting a treat in front of your pup and saying “crawl.” Give them a treat when they crawl forward and repeat this process until your pup automatically crawls forward when you say “crawl.”

13. Roll Over

The “roll over” command is used to tell your Boston Terrier to roll onto their back. Start by placing a treat on your pup’s chest and saying “roll over.” Give them a treat when they roll over onto their back and repeat this process until your pup automatically rolls onto their back when you say “roll over.”

14. High Five

The “high five” command is used to tell your Boston Terrier to place one of their paws against your hand. Start by holding out your hand and saying “high five.” Give them a treat when they place their paw against your hand and repeat this process until your pup automatically places their paw against your hand when you say “high five.”

15. Stand Up

The “stand up” command is used to tell your Boston Terrier to stand up on all fours. Start by having your pup sit down and then gently pushing their back legs up until they are standing on all fours. When they reach the desired position, say “stand up,” and give them a treat. Repeat this process until your pup automatically stands up on all fours when you say “stand up.”

16. Play Dead

The “play dead” command is used to tell your Boston Terrier to lay down on their side and stay still. Start by having your pup sit down and then gently pushing one of their legs out to the side. When they reach the desired position, say “play dead,” and give them a treat. Repeat this process until your pup automatically lays down on their side and stays still when you say “play dead.”

17. Sniff

The “sniff” command is used to tell your Boston Terrier to sniff something. Start by placing an object in front of your pup and saying “sniff.” Give them a treat when they sniff the object and repeat this process until your pup automatically sniffs an object when you say “sniff.”

18. Take A Bow

The “take a bow” command is used to tell your Boston Terrier to lower their front legs and bow. Start by having your pup sit and then gently pushing their chest down towards the ground. When they reach the desired position, say “take a bow,” and give them a treat. Repeat this process until your pup automatically takes a bow when you say “take a bow.”

19. Take An Object

The “take an object” command is used to tell your Boston Terrier to pick up an object and hold it in their mouth. Start by placing an object in front of your pup and saying “take an object.” Give them a treat when they pick up the object and repeat this process until your pup automatically picks up an object when you say “take an object.”

20. Balance On Nose

The “balance on nose” command is used to tell your Boston Terrier to balance an object on their nose. Start by placing an object on your pup’s nose and saying “balance on nose.” Give them a treat when they balance the object and repeat this process until your pup automatically balances an object on their nose when you say “balance on nose.”

21. Ring A Bell To Go Out

The “ring a bell to go out” command is used to tell your Boston Terrier to ring a bell in order to be let outside. Start by attaching a bell to the door handle and putting treats in front of your pup. When they ring the bell, say “ring a bell to go out,” and give them a treat. Repeat this process until your pup automatically rings the bell when you say “ring a bell to go out.”

22. Find Object

The “find object” command is used to tell your Boston Terrier to find and bring an object to you. First, show them the object you want them to find. Next, hide the object in the room and say, “find object.” Give them a treat when they find the object and bring it to you. Repeat this process until your pup has mastered it.

23. Bring Keys

The “bring keys” command is used to tell your Boston Terrier to bring you your car keys. Start by showing them the keys and saying “bring keys.” Give them a treat when they bring you the keys and repeat this process until your pup automatically brings you the keys when you say “bring keys.”

24. Jump Through Hoop

The “jump through hoop” command is used to tell your Boston Terrier to jump through a hoop. Start by holding the hoop about two feet off the ground in front of your Boston and saying “jump through hoop.” Give them a treat when they jump through the hoop and repeat this process until your pup automatically jumps through the hoop when you say “jump through hoop.”

25. Close Door

The “close door” command is used to tell your Boston Terrier to close a door. Start by opening the door and saying “close door.” Give them a treat when they push the door closed and repeat this process until your pup automatically closes the door when you say “close door.”

26. Circle Me

The “circle me” command is used to tell your Boston Terrier to circle around you. Start by standing in the center of a room and saying “circle me.” Give them a treat when they make a complete circle around you and repeat this process until your pup automatically circles around you when you say “circle me.”

27. Dance

The “dance” command is used to tell your Boston Terrier to dance. Start by having them stand on their hind legs and say “dance.” Give them a treat when they move in circles or sway from side to side and repeat this process until your pup automatically dances when you say “dance.”

28. Jump Into Arms

The “jump into arms” command is used to tell your Boston Terrier to jump up into your arms. Start by kneeling in front of them and saying “jump into arms.” Give them a treat when they jump up and repeat this process until your pup automatically jumps into your arms when you say “jump into arms.”

29. Soccer

The “soccer” command is used to tell your Boston Terrier to play soccer. Start by placing a small ball in front of them and saying “soccer.” Give them a treat when they kick the ball with their paws and repeat this process until your pup automatically kicks the ball when you say “soccer.”

30. Tunnel Of Hands

The “tunnel of hands” command is used to tell your Boston Terrier to go through a tunnel made with your arms. Start by kneeling on the ground and making a tunnel out of your arms and saying, “tunnel of hands.” Give them a treat when they go through the tunnel and repeat this process until your pup automatically.

With practice and patience, you can teach your Boston Terrier lots of tricks and commands. By using positive reinforcement and repetition, you’ll soon be the proud owner of a well-trained pup who loves to show off their new skills! Good luck!

Boston Terrier Training Questions

Here is a list of questions you may have when training your Boston Terrier.

When can you start training a Boston Terrier commands?

Ideally, you will begin training your pup as soon as they come home with you. At this young age, they are highly impressionable and learn quickly. However, if you have adopted an older dog, it’s never too late to start training. The most important thing is to be consistent with your commands and rewards. With a little patience and perseverance, you’ll soon have a well-behaved Boston Terrier by your side.

What is positive reinforcement training?

Positive reinforcement is a type of dog training that uses rewards to encourage desired behavior. Common rewards include treats, praise, and petting.

The key to successful positive reinforcement is to provide the reward immediately after the desired behavior is displayed. This helps your dog to understand what he is being rewarded for. With patience and consistency, you can use positive reinforcement to teach your dog a wide variety of commands and tricks.

While it may take some time to get started, the results are worth it when you see your dog happily responding to your commands.

What is the key to training your Boston Terrier commands?

The most important thing to remember is to be consistent. Dogs learn best when they receive the same message repeatedly. That means that everyone in the family needs to use the same words and stick to the same rules. Once you have established a consistent routine, you will find that your Boston Terrier picks up commands quickly. Be patient and keep up the good work, and soon you will have a well-trained furry friend.

What should I absolutely avoid when training my Boston Terrier?

Don’t use physical punishment as a way to discipline your Boston. This will only teach them to be afraid of you and could make them more aggressive.

Instead, focus on positive reinforcement techniques like rewards-based training. It’s also important to be consistent with your commands and expectations. If you ignore bad behavior one day and then scold your dog for it the next, they’ll only get confused. Lastly, make sure you’re not overtraining your pup.

Boston Terriers are intelligent dogs, but they can only take so much at one time. So keep training sessions short and sweet, and finish on a good note so your dog always associates training with something positive.

How long should a training session be with my Boston Terrier?

A good rule of thumb is to start with 5-minute sessions and work up to 20-minute sessions. Remember to end each session on a positive note, with plenty of praise and treats.

The length of a training session will depend on your Boston’s attention span and energy level. For puppies and younger dogs, shorter, more frequent sessions are usually best. As your dog gets older, you can slowly increase the duration of the sessions.

Where is the best place to train a Boston Terrier?

Training a Boston Terrier is best done in a home environment with few distractions.

When is the best time of day to train a Boston Terrier?

The best time of day to train your Boston Terrier will depend on both your schedule and your Boston’s energy levels. If you have a busy lifestyle, you may find it easiest to train your dog in the morning when you have more time and energy.

However, if your Boston is full of energy, the evening may be a better time for training, as they will be more likely to pay attention and less likely to get distracted.

Ultimately, the best time to train your Boston Terrier is whenever you have the time and energy to do so.

Should I use a clicker or treat when training my Boston Terrier?

The two most common methods of reinforcement are treats and clickers. So, which one should you use when training your Boston Terrier? Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference. The nice thing about using a clicker is you’re not going to be giving so many treats to your Boston.

Whichever method you choose, the important thing is to be consistent and reward your dog for good behavior. With patience and perseverance, you’ll soon have a well-trained Boston Terrier who will be the envy of all your friends.

How long will it take to train my Boston Terrier a new command?

Length of time is less irrelevant here, but the number of attempts may better help determine when a Boston Terrier will pick up a new command or trick.

We did a poll on the Boston Terrier Society’s Twitter community, and in general, a Boston will pick up a new command after 12+ attempts. I might have spelled trys wrong, but the information is all the same. Sorry about that 🙂

Final Thoughts…

We hope you enjoyed this training article. While this article covered the training of commands and tricks there is an amazing resource created by Dr. Dunbar that can help with behavioral issues in your Boston Terrier.

If you are wanting to learn how you can help correct behavioral issues like biting, peeing, and begging, plus many more, visit Dr. Dunbars Top Dog Academy.