How Much Exercise Do Boston Terriers Need? Keep Your Dog Happy!
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Clam chowder, baseball, and history are only some of the things the city of Boston is famous for. Boston is also the ancestral home of the small-yet-spunky Boston Terrier, which is a cross between the English Bulldog and the English Terrier.
Boston Terriers are known for their lively and affectionate nature. They are intelligent and eager to please their owners. They make great family pets and are often used as therapy dogs because of their friendly and sociable personalities. However, like all dogs, Boston Terriers need regular exercise to stay happy, healthy, and free of destructive behaviors. In general, Boston Terriers should get at least 30–60 minutes of exercise per day.
In this article, we will take a closer look at the exercise needs of Boston Terriers and provide some tips on how to keep them active and engaged.
Why Exercise Is Important for Boston Terriers
Boston Terriers need regular exercise and engaging play to maintain good health. Exercise helps to keep their weight in a healthy range and reduces the risk of health problems, such as heart disease, diabetes, and joint problems.
Just like humans, exercise also helps to keep their muscles strong and their joints flexible, which is particularly important as Boston Terriers can be prone to certain health issues, such as hip dysplasia. Hip dysplasia causes loosening of the hip joints, which can lead to wearing down of the bone and cartilage, resulting in pain and limited mobility.
In addition to the physical benefits, exercise is also important for Boston Terriers’ mental health and wellbeing. Regular exercise can help to reduce stress, alleviate anxiety, and prevent boredom, all of which can lead to destructive behaviors, such as chewing and digging. Exercise also provides mental stimulation, which can help keep Boston Terriers’ minds sharp and prevent behavioral problems.
How Much Exercise Do Boston Terriers Need?
The amount of exercise that a Boston Terrier needs will depend on a variety of factors, including their age, weight, and overall health. In general, however, Boston Terriers require moderate exercise to stay healthy and happy.
As a rule of thumb, Boston Terriers should get at least 30–60 minutes of exercise per day. This can include activities like brisk walks, playtime in a fenced yard, or indoor games, such as fetch or tug-of-war. However, it’s important to keep in mind that every dog is different, and some Boston Terriers may need more or less exercise, depending on their individual needs.
Because of their short legs, long-distance runs are not recommended. Boston Terriers with brachycephalic syndrome (a smushed/scrunched nose) can have trouble breathing if they are overly-exerted; lower key activities are best for them.
When planning an exercise routine for your Boston Terrier, it’s important to take into account their age and any health issues they may have. Puppies, for example, should not be over-exercised as this can cause damage to their growing joints and bones. A general rule of thumb is that they only need five minutes of exercise per month of life. Older Boston Terriers may also have reduced mobility or other health issues that require modifications to their exercise routine.
Tips for Exercising Your Boston Terrier
Want to give your pup a wider range of exercise and play options, but aren’t sure where to start?
Here’s a list of some ideas to help you give your Boston Terrier some variety and keep them healthy and happy:
1. Take Your Boston Terrier for Walks.
Boston Terriers love going for walks, and it’s a great way to get them out of the house and explore their environment. Make sure to keep the walk at a brisk pace to provide enough exercise for your Boston Terrier. Ensure they have weather-appropriate clothing if you live somewhere cold, snowy, or rainy. And who doesn’t love seeing a small dog in a raincoat?
2. Play Fetch or Tug-o-War.
Boston Terriers are playful dogs that love to play games that allow them to interact with their favorite humans. These games provide great exercise and mental stimulation for your Boston Terrier. Small knotted rope toys are especially fun to use for tug-o-war.
3. Use Puzzle Toys.
Puzzle toys are a great way to provide mental stimulation for your Boston Terrier. These toys require your dog to use their brain to figure out how to get the treats inside, which can help to keep them mentally sharp.
4. Take Them Swimming.
If you have access to a pool or live near a lake or beach, swimming can be a great form of exercise for your Boston Terrier. Swimming is a low-impact exercise that is great for dogs with joint problems or other health issues. If you are going to let your dog swim, please be extra mindful of their safety.
5. Take Them to a Dog Park.
Dog parks are a great way to provide socialization and exercise for your Boston Terrier. Make sure to supervise your dog at all times, and only bring them to a dog park if they are comfortable around other dogs. It is best to find a dog park that has a specific area for smaller breeds so your Boston Terrier doesn’t become scared or possibly get injured by bigger dogs.
6. Give Them Agility Training.
Boston Terriers are quick learners and love to be challenged. Agility training is a great way to provide physical and mental stimulation for your pup. Hurdles, tunnels, and ramps are all going to make your dog extra happy by giving them new and interesting ways to move their little bodies and show off for their humans.
Conclusion
Boston terriers are full of energy and enthusiasm for all kinds of activities. Part of their charm is how eagerly they throw themselves into exercise and play. Owners of Boston terriers have to be mindful of making sure their pup gets plenty of movement each day, whether that’s with walks, time at dog parks, or agility training.
We hope this article gave you some help in creating a fun and rewarding activity routine for you and your Boston Terrier.
Featured Image Credit: JStaley401, Shutterstock
