Bullying Bostons

I have two BTs a 2 year old male and 1.5 year old female. Both are spayed/neutered. They are great dogs, loving with people and play well with each other. They are very excitable, particularly the female. Our big problem is when it comes to other dogs. When we run into other dogs on leash or at the dog park, they get overexcited and want to rush up to them. The hair on the back of the male's neck stands up. Soon my normally sweet dogs are jumping at and bullying around the other dog, regardless of size. They circle, bark and try to nip at them. They do not listen when in this state and because I can't seem to get good control over them, I don't take them to dog parks anymore. Is there anything I can do at this point in their lives to help them learn to have good interactions with other dogs or get them to listen to me when in an over-excited state? I don't know anyone close enough who has a dog to practice socializing with, and strangers don't seem to appreciate their rude behavior. Any suggestions would be appreciated!

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Bullying Bostons

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Jul 29, 2009
 Boston Bullies
by: Anonymous

I would start working on the excitement problem at home first. Do not let your dogs get to this state if they get excited correct them right away, make them sit and be quiet before any activity or affection is given. when you do this it teaches them that you are in control not them, that being in that hyper excited state in unacceptable, good thing happen when they are calm and submissive.

Once you master this at home start with neighborhood walks, maybe just one dog at a time until they get it then walk them both. Never let your dogs walk in front of you they should be beside you or behind you. Only the leader walks in front and that should be you.

When your dog gets too excited use a sound not their names or talking to them just a sharp firm sound like (HEY) or if they do not respond use a firm touch to the ribs........... I find with my girl who can get hyper that she responds quickly to this correction and wants to please me so she will sit. Do not give any attention, do not look at them until they are calm then it is ok to talk to them calmly or to give them a quick pat.

MY girl was very hyper 6 month old when I got her and she had no manners at all but within a week she had it figured out that if she wanted my attention she had to sit calmly and wait then I would pat her and talk to her. It also helps if you can get your friends to ignore them until they are calm as well. Another very important thing to remember when working with your dogs you must remain calm and assertive.......... a frustrated owner brings out the aggressiveness of the dog. If you do not know what you are doing they will take over as leader.

Bostons are naturally happy go lucky love everything dogs so they should pick this stuff up quickly.

A good show to watch for training techniques is the Dog Whisper on the natural geographic channel it is on daily. This show will teach you how to correct your dogs behavior in a way they understand.

Good Luck I hope this helps
Jul 29, 2009
 Bully Breeds
by: Mary

It is a little odd that your "fixed" bostons do not love other dogs, but I have seen some like that. Maybe you could take one of yours (the one that thinks they are in charge) to the doggie park for just a few minutes at a time. I don't know where you live, but I live in a neighborhood and just a walk around the block with "socialize" them pretty good.

Then you can try the other one. When mine go on the "Pack walk" they definitely act different than when they go alone.

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