Breed guides
Are Boston Terriers easy to train?
Boston Terriers have a reputation as the comedian of the dog park, and many earn it. That sense of fun makes training enjoyable, right up until the comedian decides today's bit is ignoring you. Add a small bladder, a dislike of wet grass and a flat face that limits hard exercise, and the picture gets more interesting. Here is how training a Boston tends to go.
Last reviewed October 4, 2026
Clown with opinions
Smart, social and sometimes selectively deaf.
Many Bostons are quick to connect a marker with a reward and love being the centre of attention, which makes short training games easy to set up. They tend to be people-focused rather than independent, so a Boston will often follow you room to room and offer behaviours just to see what pays. That social streak is a real asset.
The stubborn moments usually show up when the reward is not worth the effort, or when a session drags on. House-training is the other common sticking point: some Bostons hold off going outside in rain or snow and then go behind the couch. A consistent schedule, supervision indoors and crate comfort often help more than any single command.
- Reliable toileting outside
- Short sessions that stay fun
- Calm greetings without jumping
- Gear checked with your vet
Pace and formats
Training around a short muzzle and a big personality.
Because Bostons are a short-muzzled breed, we keep sessions brief, watch for heavy breathing and avoid hard work in the heat. Equipment is chosen for the individual dog and taught to the owner, and whether a harness or collar suits your dog's airway is a question for your vet. Rewards stay high value and the tone stays light, because a bored Boston tends to clock out.
Puppy Fundamentals works on crate comfort, leash manners and structured socialization for young Bostons, and the welcome package includes a crate-training guide. Day Training, at $650 + GST a week, keeps an adult Boston working on weekdays and home every night. Private Training suits owners who want to do it themselves. The consultation recommends a fit, including something smaller if that will do.
Asked and answered
The questions people ask us.
Are Boston Terriers easy to train?
Often, yes. Many are clever, social and food motivated, so basic cues come quickly when sessions are short and fun.
Are Boston Terriers hard to train?
They can seem hard during their stubborn moments or when house-training stalls. Usually that points to a reward that is not worth it or a schedule that is not consistent yet.
What does Boston Terriers training involve?
House-training on a schedule, crate comfort, calm greetings and loose-leash walking, taught in brief, upbeat sessions. Exercise intensity and equipment are set with the dog's breathing in mind.
Why is my Boston Terrier hard to house-train?
Some Bostons dislike cold or wet ground, and small accidents indoors can go unnoticed. A fixed schedule, supervision and a comfortable crate often help, and sudden accidents in a trained dog are worth a vet visit.
Keep reading
Boston keeping you guessing?
Book a consultation and we will look at your Boston's house-training, manners and stamina, then suggest the program that fits.
From real owners
Rated 5.0 on Google.
Real Northline dogs