Compulsive Gnawing by Boston Terrier

by Jenn
(Illinois)

I just adopted an 8-10yr old female boston from a shelter. When I got her home she immediatly found a stuffed animal, cuddled it close, and started gnawing it (simple up and down motion of the jaw). She is not aggressive when I take the toy away, but will frantically look about the house for it. I imagine this to be a compulsive behavior that makes her feel good (endorphine release?). I am curious if this is typical behavior for a boston?

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Compulsive Gnawing by Boston Terrier

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Sep 21, 2010
 gnawing
by: Naizzers

Mine does that as well with the blanket we gave him when he first arrived. I know with most animals it's a possible sign that they may have been taken too early from their mums but I know that's not the case with mine as he was definitely old enough. I agree it's just an emotional thing, like a comfort the way a baby might suck it's thumb. I don't see anything wrong with it as long as they keep it to one thing and not the rest of your blankets or clothes.
One a side note I find it hilarious that the captcha to submit this comment is "EATERY" lol
Sep 14, 2010
 My Boston Experience
by: Anonymous

I adopted a Boston also and he does the same thing. He holds the stuffed animal between his paws and just lays there quietly gnawing on it. When I go to bed he comes with me but if he forgets the toy he runs and gets it and does the same thing until he goes to sleep. UNDER the covers.
Sep 14, 2010
 behavior
by: Linda Galway/TurnerME

Tearing apart any stuffie toy, even those designed for the worst chewers, is a typical behavior for many, many Bostons. The particular chomping yours is doing may be, as you suggest, emotionally motivated, but it also may be a precursor to the ultimate shredding party. I've just stopped buying stuffed toys; it's a waste of money.
Sep 14, 2010
 Gnawing
by: Mary

We have 3 bostons and 2 of them Gnaw. I get the stuffed animals from garage sales so that they are only 25 cents and I don't have to waste a lot of money. I just have to be sure that they are not the kind with beanie beads or eyes/noses that come off easily. My bostons are 4 yrs old, 3 yrs old, and 2 yrs old.

Gnawing seems to be pretty common in Bostons.

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