Boston Terrier Afraid of Heights?

by Brenda
(Miami)

My Boston Terrier is afraid of heights. He starts shaking when we set him on the sofa or bed. He doesn't jump up onto furniture or go up or down stairs. Is this normal?

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Boston Terrier Afraid of Heights?

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Jul 16, 2010
 afraid
by: Linda Galway/TurnerME

We have one Boston who is timid about a lot of things, and even though he's three, he's never climbed a full flight of stairs in the house, which is fine with us, because he ends up staying on the same level we are and it's easier to keep track of his shenanigans. He's still shy of the vacuum cleaner, brooms and mops, etc., even though he's NEVER been chased by one... Our girl, however, is the brave one and nothing bothers her. If you want your Boston to climb stairs or not be afraid of being up high on a couch or chair, you'll have to introduce it slowly. Certainly, sit on the couch with your Boston in your lap; after that becomes ok, you might try moving him to the couch but right up next to you. The same idea with the stairs, you sitting on one, then another, and going up one at a time with him in your lap. You might put something enticing on the 3rd step up where he might try to reach it by going up onto a step, or you might try single or porch steps to see if he can master those first. Hope you reach your goals!
Jul 15, 2010
 Scared Pup
by: Mary

It's pretty normal if your pup is young. Later they get "brave". But some dogs stay scared of a lot of things. You just have to get them to trust you and then slowly introduce them to "high places".

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