How to Housebreak Your Boston Terrier in 5 Easy Steps

Housebreaking a dog takes time and patience, but in the case of a Boston Terrier, it’s a well-known fact that they are particularly difficult to housebreak. While there is no magic bullet to make the process easier, the one tried and true method is consistency.

Aiming to Housebreaking your Boston Terrier can be a tough job, but consistently follow these 5 simple steps and you’ll be sure to get results much faster:

Step 1. Crate train your Boston Terrier from the time you get them. This can be really crucial since dogs, even puppies, do not like to have accidents where they sleep. Even if the occasional accident does happen in the crate, you can be assured it will only happen in one localized, easy-to-clean space.. Unless you really do this step, your puppy will have full range of the house while you’re gone, and will have accidents wherever they feel the urge. Since puppies need to relieve themselves about six times a day, this can and will include that expensive Persian rug.

Step 2. Take your Boston Terrier outside (or to his or her designated restroom) immediately after eating. This can be a really important step which will need your full attention and concentration. You’ll need to be there to monitor eating at first. The reason you’ll need to do this is that your puppy will generally need to relieve itself immediately and if you’re not there to make sure they’re in the right spot, you may get back just that one second too late.

Step 3. Clean up all accidents immediately and thoroughly. The principal reason why, is simply because we want to remove evidence that the accident ever happened, particularly the scent. If there is a lingering odor, this can cause the puppy to think this is the correct place to go and cause a repeat offense in the same location. Another essential reason could be to keep your home.

Step 4. Take frequent and random trips outside, or to the restroom location and use encouraging words. To elaborate on that a bit, my 4-year-old Boston Terrier pees on command, simply because I trained her to go when I said “pee pee.” This isn’t just beneficial during training, but also later on when you’re in a rush and need them to go quickly.

Step 5. Do not punish “accidents.” Especially when they are puppies, they won’t understand what you’re upset about anyway. This is part difficult for some dog owners, but the fact of the matter is that dogs respond better to positive stimulus than negative. Additionally, while you want your puppy to respect you, you do not want them to fear you. Boston Terriers, more so than other breeds, are particularly sensitive to the tone of your voice, so even yelling and harsh tones can send them shaking and cowering into the corner. And worse case, it can cause them to urinate in fear, further compounding the problem.

In the end, if you have stuck with the above mentioned tips all the way, you’ll have succeeded and now can relax and relish the benefits of that success. Housebreaking a Boston Terrier is no easy task, so you can be a little bit pleased with yourself and self-satisfied! You set out to “Climb this mountain”, and today you have done it! Revel a little bit in your accomplishment. Now have fun with your newly trained best friend!

If you do not stick to the above tips, your Boston should eventually figure it out, but you may end up with a very soiled home in the process! Good luck!