Boston Terrier Biting?

I have a beautiful, fun, spirited Boston Terrier. He trained for 16 weeks and does well with most of his commands. He just turned one and he is very aggressive towards other dogs and also he has bitten the vet's assistant (who approached him after I asked her not to) and also a workman who came to the house and insisted on patting him. He is not a vicious dog. We have been seeking help and are doing some training - behavioral training - introducing dogs into the room - not near him.
Is this normal? Is there anything else I can do?
He is wonderful with all our grandchildren and friends. They can't believe it when I tell them what happened.
Thank you

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Boston Terrier Biting?

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Apr 05, 2009
 Boston bit the vet's assistant
by: Anonymous

Our Boston is doing much better. Since we started behavioral training (like Cesar Milan) and he is getting the picture - we are the leaders - not him. It takes a lot of work, but so worth it. We would never give our dog away. He is the sweetest, full of life, fun pet we have ever had. We now have learned to take charge immediately when someone is at the door. He is still a puppy and several trainers have told me to crate him if any service people come or strangers. This is my responsibility. Family and friends are different - they all love him and help in his training.
The vet put us in touch with one trainer - he also told us lots of his doggies bite out of fear at the vet. Not acceptable, but definitely trainable.
Apr 05, 2009
 Frustrated
by: Anonymous

It sounds like you are at the end of your leash with him. He needs an experienced owner who is not scared of the show he is putting on and that will put him in his place in a calm and firm manner.
When you are scared and frustrated with your dog the dog takes that as a sign of weakness and feels they need to take charge.
I suggest you re-home him with an experienced dog owner. as it doesn't appear that you are experienced enough to deal with his behaviors that he has learned from his previous owner.
Bostons are typically very sweet dogs and I suggest getting a puppy that will grow with your family a nice submissive pup.
Another thing is this dog fixed? because if he is not that might be adding to his frustration as well.
Apr 03, 2009
 frustrated!
by: Anonymous

we adopted a B.T. from a guy my fiance works with. The B.T. was 1 year old when we got him. Duke is Cute and lovable and fun to be around but has a serious problem when I scold or disipline him. I remain in firm body stance and verbally address the issue BUT once I get close to him and scold or lift a hand/arm he growls snaps and nips! He nips at the other dog to play but it's too rough! I have no patience and time to train him on top of wedding planning/ business growing! ANd my fiance and his daughter are not helping the issue b/c they don't have time or know what to do. I can't take it anymore and i worried when I have children, Help me?
Mar 26, 2009
 Whos the Boss........
by: Laurel

Sounds to me you have a Boston that thinks he is the boss or the dominate one. You need to take charge and teach him that you are the leader and not him and you make the decisions. Do not be afraid to punish him for his behaviors. I recommend the Dog Whisper by Cesar Millan book or you can watch his shows on the National Geographic Channel. They are wonderful shows that will teach you how to approach these types of problems. It is not a dog training show that uses clickers and rewards - it deals more with how a dog sees their world and communicates with its pack and how the pack communicates back. I use many of his techniques with my three dogs and they are happier for it. He teaches you how to create a balanced happy dog.

Good Luck.
Mar 26, 2009
 The Vet/Hyde syndrome
by: Anonymous

Sounds like he was scared at the vets.
I have never even seen an aggressive Boston Terrier, but I guess their owner's don't take them out much. Our little Izzy gets kind of shaky in the car and especially at the vets, but she wouldn't bite anyone. I do think that with careful training, your puppy will overcome his biting. You may want to think about "fixing" him. Our male has calmed down so much after his 1st year. The older they are, the more mellow, at least that's my experience.
Good Luck!

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