Boston terrier training should start with the idea that you are the leader of your Boston's pack. Like all dogs, Boston terriers are pack animals. If you are not acting like the pack leader, your Boston will step into the vacuum and take over that position. Training is essential when you get your puppy from a Boston terrier breeder. You may also need to do some training for an older dog you get by going through Boston terrier adoption.

One important consideration is what kind of leash to use in Boston terrier training. The "choke" collar is not a good idea. A Boston terrier has a delicate trachea, or windpipe, and the choke collar can injure it. Prong collars are not advisable since the pinch relies on pinching the dog when you pull at the collar. It's better to use halters on Boston terriers.

If you decide to do the Boston terrier training yourself, you may want to get a book or video on dog training. Some outstanding training books have been written by Cesar Milan, the Dog Whisperer, whose methods are featured on a National Geographic television show.

Another approach is to give your Boston terrier training at a class with other dogs. It's great fun to learn training methods with other dog owners. In a class, your Boston gets experience socializing with other people and dogs. If you have children, be sure to bring them with you. Children are greatly amused by the concept of school for dogs. At class, your children will learn the training methods along with you and your Boston. That will help to make your Boston terrier training efforts consistent among all the family members.

Some people like to have professional trainers train their dogs. That's fine if you have the money, but Boston terrier training is easy enough that shouldn't really need a professional. If you decide to use a professional trainer, be sure to practice commands with your Boston so he or she knows you are the alpha dog.

One thing to be aware of with Bostons is that they are very smart and will get bored with too much repetition. Your Boston may do very well with a command at first and then play around instead of obeying. That's a sign that he's bored and you should practice more later. Boston terrier training will be a lot of fun if you are a wise leader of your Boston's pack.