At What Age Do Boston Terriers Calm Down?

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Boston Terriers are small yet energetic dogs. While zoomies or playfulness appear adorable, there comes the point when you would want to slow down. This begs the question: at what age do Boston Terriers calm down? what can I do to tire them or help them remain calm? 

At What Age Do Boston Terriers Calm Down?

Boston Terriers will start to mature around 1 to 2 years old, yet they can sustain their high energy levels through adulthood. They become senior dogs at about 7 to 8 years old, which may cause Boston Terriers to have weaker bodies, and therefore, a calmer demeanor.

Graphic image of a gray Boston Terrier with a text explaining what age Boston Terriers calm down

While dogs generally calm down as they age, this varies on a Boston Terrier’s upbringing and environment. With that said, let’s see what causes Boston Terriers to be active and how age influences their calm behavior.

Boston Terriers Slow As They Age

It’s normal for Boston Terrier puppies to be restless or too excited, as they are still discovering the world. You would notice that Boston Terriers would calm down and lay low as they age because they are starting to mature emotionally and physically. 

Boston Terrier puppies would sleep for most of the day. However, they tend to have bursts of energy once they wake up. It’s either they would want to play with themselves or seek your attention. 

Adult and senior Boston Terriers, on the other hand, can still be active, yet with a more laid back attitude. At these stages, they would form habits where they can exert energy and rest when needed. 

Reasons Why Boston Terriers Won’t Calm Down 

Regardless of age, a number of canine behaviors influence why a Boston Terrier won’t calm down. Watch out for these behaviors, so you would know how to respond and not encourage the excitement further.

  • Anxiety: Perhaps you’ve been gone a long time, and your Boston Terrier has separation anxiety. About 72% of dogs express anxiety-related behaviors, with some having the tendency to lick too much or even shiver as a response. 
  • Boredom: Boredom can result in two things, destructive behavior or disinterest in doing something. If your pet doesn’t calm down, it may bark excessively or even try to escape. 
  • Fear: Most breeds, including Boston Terriers, fear noises, especially those they don’t hear most of the time. It triggers them to become agitated and find it hard to settle down.   

Ways on Tiring Out a Boston Terrier

One way to calm Boston Terriers is to tire them out. Besides, these tips are crucial in disciplining and keeping them healthy. 

Dog with red clothing sitting in front of a white car

Lengthen Daily Walks

About 41% of owners do not walk their dogs regularly. In some cases, dogs that weigh less than 30 pounds, like Boston Terriers, experience fewer walks than larger dogs. Unfortunately, this could take a toll on your Boston Terrier’s behavior and overall health. 

It’s ideal for Boston Terriers to go on a walk for at least 45 minutes a day. If your adult dog still has the energy to spare, you can lengthen the time for up to 1 hour. You can also break it into two walking sessions per day. 

Prepare Purposeful Activities 

Adult Boston Terriers and puppies love to play, and they can rest or fall asleep after a challenging game. Spend time with them through these activities.

  • Fetch games: Squeaky ball, rubber frisbee, or a tennis ball thrower.
  • Tug games: Rope with a bone or a chewing toy. 
  • Agility: Set up an agility course using a long jump, pipe tunnel, hurdle, or wall.  

Do Mental Stimulation and Enrichment

If you want to take a break from physical activities, try some mental stimulations instead. 

  • Puzzle toys 
  • Scent games
  • Sound and digging toys 
  • Chewing toys 

Try Training Exercises

Instead of exerting your energy in shushing or shouting at your dog, you can calm an over-aroused dog through positive reward training.

Figure out how to communicate with your Boston Terrier, be consistent in teaching commands, and be patient as your pet learns. You can do this through potty training and leash pulling. 

Dog with harness stepping on grass

Ways on Calming a Boston Terrier

If the problem isn’t about tiring out, and you need a little help with calming your Boston Terrier, here are some tips to ease your pet. 

  • Do belly rubs and massage: Boston Terriers love belly rubs because it’s one way for them to bond with you. Aside from showing affection, calming them using massage can help them fall asleep.
  • Rub the muzzle area: Rubbing the area on the muzzle bridge between the eyes has a soothing effect on Boston Terriers. The area contains several nerve endings that release endorphins, giving them a feel-good effect.
  • Practice the calm hold technique: Put your hand on the side of your Boston Terrier’s shoulder and keep your pet still. Don’t say anything and don’t make eye contact.
  • Use music: Play dog relaxation music to help ease anxiety on your Boston Terrier. 
  • Calm your energy: You may think it’s only about your pet’s behavior when, in fact, your attitude can also influence your Boston Terrier’s actions. Try to speak in a calm, monotone pitch since a high-pitched voice may encourage excitement. 

Related Questions

Let’s understand Boston Terriers better by discovering more things about their behavior. 

Are Boston Terriers Needy? 

Boston Terriers are needy in terms of attention. They love spending time with their owners, whether it’s through playtime or sleeping. While they want constant affection, they are fairly independent as long as you give them food, water, and shelter. 

Are Boston Terriers Smart? 

One of the best things about Boston Terriers is that they are brilliant dogs, even cunning at times. While they may use clever tricks to get your attention or as a way to manifest stubbornness, Boston Terriers would normally use their intelligence to follow your commands.

How To Care For Elderly (Senior) Boston Terriers

Conclusion

While Boston Terriers may start to have a calmer state of mind at around 1 to 2 years old, there are many ways to help them become more behaved. In knowing at what age do Boston Terriers calm down, it’s important that I also consider health conditions and the environment.

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