How To Teach Your Boston Terrier To Give Hugs!


Dogs can be some of our most loyal and affectionate companions. One way to show your Boston Terrier how much you love them is to train them to give hugs!

It’s a fun, rewarding activity that will bring you closer together and help your pup learn commands.

Here’s a step-by-step guide with detailed instructions on how to teach your Boston Terrier to hug.

Teaching You Boston Terrier How To Give Hugs

Why teach your Boston Terrier to give hugs?

Teaching your Boston Terrier how to give hugs is a great way to strengthen the bondOpens in a new tab. between you and your pup. Not only does it show that you love and care for them, but it also teaches them commands and gives them an activity to look forward to. Hugs can be an expression of joy when reuniting with someone they love!

Step by Step – How To Teach Your Boston To Hug

Step 1: Get the Necessary Supplies

Before you start teaching your Boston Terrier to hug, make sure you have all the necessary supplies, such as treats and toys. A clicker can also be helpful if you want to use positive reinforcement during training. Having everything on hand makes the process easier and allows you to focus on teaching without having to stop for supplies in the middle of a session.

Step 2: Start with Basic Commands

It’s important that your Boston Terrier knows basic commandsOpens in a new tab. before attempting any advanced training activities, such as hugging. Make sure they know how to sitOpens in a new tab., stayOpens in a new tab., comeOpens in a new tab., and lay downOpens in a new tab. before progressing further.

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This will ensure they understand what is expected of them when they begin learning more complex behaviors like hugging. Once they have mastered these basics, move on to step three!

Step 3: Teach Them How To Hug

Now that your pup understands basic commands it’s time to start teaching them how to hug! Start by getting into position as if you are about to give a real hug, then offer verbal praise or a treat every time they mimic this behavior correctly.

Over time they will begin recognizing this behavior as something desirable and become more comfortable with it. Once they are able to give hugs on command consistently, move onto step four!

Video – How To Teach Your Dog To Hug

In this video, Timothy Flanagan walks dog lovers through how to teach their dog to give hugs.

How long will it take to teach my Boston Terrier to hug?

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 44+ 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 🙂

Final Thoughts

Training your Boston Terrier to give hugs is a great way show them how much you care while strengthening the bond between the two of you. With patience and practice, your pup will be giving hugs in no time!

📖 By the way — if you want all of this in one place, I wrote The Complete Boston Terrier GuideOpens in a new tab.. 14 years of real-world advice on health, training, and care. Grab it on Amazon →Opens in a new tab.

If you want to learn more commands and tricks you can teach your Boston Terrier, be sure to visit our article, Opens in a new tab.49 Commands And Tricks You Can Teach Your Boston!Opens in a new tab.

Donnie Gardner

Donnie Gardner is the founder of Boston Terrier Society and author of The Complete Boston Terrier Guide. He has been raising Bella his Boston Terrier since 2010 and resides in Kansas with his wife, daughter, two sons. He created Boston Terrier Society to help owners make informed decisions about their dog's health, training, and care. 📖 Get his book on Amazon: https://a.co/d/06k3klcb

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