Wendy Bedwell-Wilson

Cheat Sheet / Updated 03-27-2016

If you decide to adopt a Boston Terrier, make sure you do some research to find a respected breeder. If you plan to travel and need a dependable pet sitter or boarding facility for your Boston Terrier, make sure you interview each candidate or facility first. Follow some basic tips for living with your Boston Terrier, and keep emergency numbers on hand, to keep you both happy and healthy.

Article / Updated 03-26-2016

With a nickname like "American Gentleman," you can expect your Boston Terrier to be good-natured, intelligent, and polite with a sense of humor. But like many American gentlemen, they embody a little bit of spunk and spirit that makes them unique. Breeders and fanciers describe Boston Terriers as gentle, alert, and well-mannered. The dogs can be rambunctious, harkening back to their terrier ancestors. But that same energy can be redirected into rousing games of fetch, flyball, or agility. Not known to be barkers, Boston Terriers don't make the best guard dogs — especially because they're too friendly to strangers! They adore children and senior citizens, making a properly socialized Boston an ideal pet for a young family or an empty-nester. Bostons get along splendidly with other canine and feline pets. They enjoy having one another for companionship. If you've ever seen a pack of Bostons playing together, you know how much fun they can have! Despite the Boston's charming characteristics, you should consider these challenges that come with this canine "gentleman": Unstable temperament: Bostons bred by unethical and inexperienced breeders may not exhibit stable demeanors. Obedience instructors and veterinary behaviorists counsel many clients whose Bostons display neurotic behavior, such as ceaseless barking, hyperactivity, and aggression. Purchase your dog from a reputable breeder who knows how to select for stable temperaments. Housetraining difficulties: Drawing on that terrier stubbornness, Bostons can be difficult to housetrain. Plan to spend at least six months training your dog before you see results. Snorts and snores: Because of their shortened muzzles, Bostons tend to snort, wheeze, grunt, and snore loudly. Some Boston owners find these little noises endearing, but they drive others crazy! In some cases, the noises can indicate breathing difficulties, and your veterinarian can diagnose and treat any problem or potential problems.

Article / Updated 03-26-2016

With their short, broad heads and flat faces, Boston Terriers don't have a lot of space for their jaws and teeth. As a result, their jaws may develop abnormally and their mouths tend to be crowded, causing misaligned teeth and jaw problems. The technical terms for these conditions are prognathia and teeth crowding: Prognathia: This condition occurs when the dog's mandible, or lower part of the jaw, is longer than his maxilla, or the upper jaw. This malocclusion, or abnormal bite, is considered normal in dogs with flattened faces. Teeth crowding: Crowding occurs when there is inadequate space for the teeth in the lower or upper jaw, resulting in tooth contact or overlap. Because your Boston must fit 42 teeth in his shortened mouth, it's likely that his teeth will be misaligned. A Boston with prognathia or crowded teeth requires you to be diligent about his oral hygiene. A secondary effect of teeth crowding is increased plaque with resulting gingivitis, or inflammation of the gums, and a predisposition to periodontal disease, the most common cause of tooth loss in dogs (and humans). Brush your Boston's teeth regularly to rid his mouth of plaque buildup and bacteria that can lead to halitosis (bad breath), behavior changes linked to oral pain, and gum infection. If your Boston develops halitosis, chews his toys less frequently, paws at his mouth, changes his eating habits, stops grooming himself, or shows any other signs of oral pain, contact your veterinarian. She won't recommend braces to straighten his teeth, but she may inspect his mouth, give it a thorough cleaning, and treat any localized infections.

Article / Updated 03-26-2016

Finding someone reliable who is willing to stay with your dog or drop in on him several times during the day while you're away can be a better alternative than boarding your dog in a kennel. He'll get to stay home with familiar smells and sounds. He'll have access to all his favorite toys and bedding. He won't be exposed to kennel cough or fleas. Plus, he may get some extra attention — and treats — from one of his favorite humans! Your neighbor or friend makes an excellent dog sitter during short trips, but if you're going to be away for an extended period, you can hire a professional dog sitter to care for your pet. They typically charge between $10 and $30 per day, depending on the services they provide and how many pets you have. Ask your veterinarian or fellow dog club members for pet sitter recommendations. Often, word of mouth is a good reference. You can also visit the National Association of Professional Pet Sitters or Pet Sitters International to search for a pet sitter in your area. When you have a list of potential dog sitters, schedule an appointment with each one to visit your home and meet your pet. You'll know right away if you — and your dog — like her! A good dog sitter will develop a rapport with your dog right away. Use this list of questions to interview potential dog sitters. Do you belong to a professional pet-sitting organization, such as the National Association of Professional Pet Sitters? Your candidate doesn't necessarily have to belong, but members of groups like these have met basic handling standards set by the organization. Do you have references? Confident pet sitters will happily provide you a list of satisfied clients. Call the references and ask if they would hire the pet sitter again. Are you insured and bonded? Ask to see proof of commercial liability insurance and ask exactly what coverage it provides. How long have you been working as a pet sitter? Have you ever dog-sat for a breed like yours? A top candidate should have some experience caring for breeds similar to or the same as your dog — or at least for dogs of similar size. What experience do you have with medical care? Do you know canine CPR? First aid? If your dog has an emergency, this person should be able to provide or obtain emergency care and treatment. When will you come to my home? How long will you stay? Your candidate should come at least twice a day to feed and check on your dog. She should also spend some time with him playing fetch, taking a walk, or just hanging out and watching television. When you find a quality pet sitter, hold on to her! Notify her well in advance of trips so she can block off the time. Invite her to your home while you're there so she can bond with your dog before you leave. She will be caring for your baby during your trip, so prepare everything she'll need to make her job easy — and fun!

Article / Updated 03-26-2016

For you and your Boston Terrier to have a happy and healthy life together, follow these tips for preparing to bring your dog home, grooming, basic training, and healthcare: No matter how adorable he is, do not buy a Boston on a whim. Research the breed first, talk to other Boston owners, and search out a reputable breeder. Choose a dog whose age and personality fits with yours. Prepare your home by puppy proofing his living area and gathering all the necessary supplies. When your pup comes home, delegate appropriate care responsibilities to every member of the household — including the children! Growing puppies need nutritious food. Feed your dog a healthy diet in the right amounts, and even if he’s a good boy, don’t overdo the treats! Growing puppies also need regular health checks and vaccinations. Meet with your veterinarian regularly during your dog’s developing years. Educate yourself about common illnesses and breed-specific ailments. Knowing what signs to look for can save your dog’s life. Keep your Boston looking his best by grooming him regularly. Grooming not only helps him looking good, but it’s an opportunity to inspect your dog’s body and find problems before they turn into emergencies. Begin to crate and housetrain your Boston early. Your pup will grow to love his den as his safe place, and you will help him develop good elimination habits as soon as possible. Socialize your pup early by introducing him to as many sights, sounds, and smells as possible. The more people and dogs he meets, the better! Teach your Boston how to settle, sit, stay, leave it, and heel when he is a puppy. Attend puppy kindergarten and basic training when he is old enough. Senior dogs have special needs. Be aware of your aging dog’s feeding, exercise, and health requirements when he reaches his golden years.

Article / Updated 03-26-2016

If you’ve decided to adopt a Boston Terrier from a breeder, ask potential breeders a lot of questions. Start with these queries when you interview a breeder to find the right Boston Terrier for you: How long have you been breeding Boston Terriers? Do you breed other dogs? What dog organizations do you belong to? What health problems do you screen for? What congenital defects are present in this breed, and what steps are you taking to decrease those defects? What kind of health guarantee do you offer with your dogs? Can I visit your facility and meet the dam? What are the parents’ good and bad points? Where were the puppies raised? How have you socialized them? How many litters do you have a year? When can I take the puppy home?

Article / Updated 03-26-2016

When the time comes for you to travel, you want a comfortable and safe place to board your Boston Terrier. Before your drop off your dog, call or visit potential boarding facilities and ask these questions: What hours are you open? When can I drop off my dog and pick her up? Is the kennel supervised 24 hours a day in case of emergency? What vaccinations do you require the dogs to have? Are incoming dogs screened for fleas, ticks, and other parasites? Is a veterinarian on call in case of emergency? What experience do you require your staff to have? Do they know dog first aid? How large are the kennels? How often are they cleaned? How often are the dogs fed? Watered? Can I bring my own food, treats, and toys? Is bedding provided, or can I bring my own? Will someone walk my dog every day? Is there a fee for this service? Do you offer any grooming services?