Teaching your Boston Terrier the “take it” command can be a great way to help build trust and strengthen the bond between you and your pup.
This command is especially helpful if you want to give your pup something, such as a toy or treat, without them jumping up or grabbing it out of your hand. With the right approach, this command can be taught in just a few easy steps.
Read on for our step-by-step guide with detailed instructions on how to teach your Boston Terrier to take it.
How to Teach Your Boston Terrier The “Take It” Command
What is the purpose of teaching your Boston Terrier the “take it” command?
The “take it” command is helpful in teaching your Boston Terrier to be more obedient and build trust between you and your pup. It can also be useful in preventing your pup from jumping up or grabbing items out of your hand.
How long will it take to teach my Boston Terrier the take-it command?
It is going to take, on average, 12+ tries before your Boston is going to pick up on this new command.
These findings come from a poll conducted on the Boston Terrier Society’s Twitter community. With over 40+ Boston Parents responding, the majority state it takes their Boston 12+ attempts before they learn a new command.
See the poll here…I may have spelled try funny, but the information is all the same 🙂
What not to do when teaching your Boston Terrier the take-it command?
Do not use force to get your Boston to obey this command. This can create a negative association with the command and may make it difficult for your Boston Terrier to learn it.
Be patient and consistent when teaching your Boston Terrier the take-it command. Repetition is key, and with enough patience, your pup will eventually learn this new behavior.
Teaching Your Boston Terrier The Take It Command Step By Step
Step One: Preparing Your Boston
The first step in teaching your Boston Terrier the “take it” command is preparing them for success. To do this, make sure that any distractions are removed from the area where you’ll be working with your Boston so they can focus entirely on learning the new command.
Additionally, make sure that you have plenty of treats and toys ready so that you can reward your pup when they get it right.
Step Two: Introducing The Command
Once your Boston is ready, start by showing them an object (either a toy or treat) and say “take it.” Make sure that they understand what “take it” means by holding the object close enough for them to grab but not so close that they grab it before you give them the command.
If they grab it before you give them the command, simply put it back in front of them and try again until they wait for the cue before taking it. Once they understand what “take it” means, move on to step three.
Step Three: Adding Hand Gestures
Now that your Boston has learned what “take it” means, add in some hand gestures to help strengthen their understanding of the command even further. When giving them the cue for taking an item, use both verbal commands (i.e., saying “take it”) as well as physical cues (i.e., pointing at or gesturing towards whatever item you want them to take).
Doing this will help ensure that your pup understands exactly what you expect from them each time you give this command.
Final Thoughts…
Teaching your Boston terrier the “take it” command is a great way to help build trust and strengthen the bond between you and your pup!
While this may seem intimidating at first, with patience and consistency, anyone can master this skill in just a few simple steps! Don’t forget to reward good behavior with treats or toys—your pup will love getting praise for their hard work!
If you want to learn more commands and tricks you can teach your Boston Terrier, be sure to visit our article, 49 Commands And Tricks You Can Teach Your Boston!