Obedience · Boston Terrier
How to Teach a Boston Terrier to Leave It
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Short answer
Teach your Boston Terrier to leave it by using the closed-hand method with high-value food rewards to build impulse control. Consistent, short positive-reinforcement sessions harness their natural food motivation and intelligence while patiently managing their enthusiasm and occasional stubborn streak.
Boston Terriers are intelligent, food-motivated companions with a bright, lively temperament—making them excellent candidates for impulse-control training. However, their natural enthusiasm and occasional stubborn streak can make the "Leave It" command essential for safety and household harmony. This guide teaches you to harness your Boston's trainability (4/5) and eagerness to please while managing their overexcitement around food, objects, and potential hazards. The "Leave It" command is particularly valuable for this breed, as it prevents dangerous situations like eating toxic foods or picking up hazards on walks. Using only positive-reinforcement methods, you'll build rock-solid impulse control while strengthening your bond. With consistent, short training sessions suited to their moderate energy level, your Boston Terrier will master this lifesaving skill.
How to do it
Step-by-step
Tick off each step as you practice it — your progress is saved on this device.
Step 1: Establish a Baseline and Choose Your Reward
Before starting, identify what your Boston Terrier values most—typically high-value treats (cheese, chicken) work best for this food-driven breed. Observe their natural impulse tendencies during meals and play to understand their excitement triggers. Having the right reward ensures faster learning and keeps your bright Boston engaged and motivated throughout training.
Step 2: Teach the Foundation with Closed-Hand Method
Hold a low-value treat in your closed fist at nose level. When your Boston sniffs, licks, or nudges your hand instead of grabbing, immediately mark with 'Yes!' and reward with a high-value treat from your other hand. Repeat 5–10 times per session, 2–3 sessions daily. This builds the core understanding that ignoring the temptation brings better rewards.
Step 3: Introduce the Verbal Cue and Hand Signal
Once your Boston reliably leaves the closed-hand treat, add the verbal cue 'Leave it' just before presenting your fist. Pair this with a clear hand signal—an open palm facing upward works well. Say the command, wait for them to pull back or look away, then immediately reward from your other hand. Boston Terriers respond well to multi-sensory cues, so the combined verbal and visual signal reinforces learning.
Step 4: Graduate to Open-Hand and Ground Treats
Place a low-value treat in your open palm, say 'Leave it,' and reward from your other hand when ignored. Next, place treats on the floor and cover them with your foot or hand until they respond to the cue. Increase difficulty gradually—Boston's stubbornness may emerge here, so remain patient and use extra-high-value rewards to reinforce compliance.
Step 5: Practice in Real-World Scenarios
Begin training in low-distraction environments (home), then progress to moderate distractions (yard, quiet walks). Drop treat pieces during walks and reward heavily when your Boston leaves them. Start with 45 minutes of daily exercise beforehand to manage their moderate energy and reduce overexcitement. Real-world practice is where impulse control truly matters.
Step 6: Maintain and Troubleshoot Stubborn Moments
Boston Terriers may test boundaries during the teenage phase or when overexcited—this is normal. If your dog grabs a treat despite the cue, don't punish; simply remove the reward opportunity and restart with easier difficulty. Keep sessions short (5–10 minutes), and maintain consistency across all household members. Your Boston's intelligence means they'll quickly learn what works in each context.
For the Boston Terrier
Pro tips
- Keep Boston Terrier training sessions short (5–10 minutes max) to match their moderate energy and prevent boredom-related stubbornness. Frequent short sessions work better than one long session for this breed.
- Boston Terriers are food-motivated but prone to overheating—train during cooler parts of the day, take breaks for water, and avoid lengthy outdoor practice in warm weather. Their flat faces make temperature regulation harder.
- Use 'Leave It' combined with 'Look at me' during walks to redirect their attention safely away from hazards, other dogs, or dropped food. This double cue leverages their intelligence and helps manage leash manners in exciting situations.
Owners ask
Frequently asked questions
My Boston Terrier ignores 'Leave It' when overexcited or outside. What should I do?
Overexcitement is common in Boston Terriers. Ensure they've had adequate exercise before training (they need ~45 minutes daily). Use higher-value rewards outdoors, and start practice in low-distraction areas before moving to busier environments. Consider training after play sessions when they're slightly calmer but still responsive.
How long does it typically take a Boston Terrier to master 'Leave It'?
With their solid trainability (4/5), most Boston Terriers show reliable foundation understanding within 2–3 weeks of consistent daily practice. Mastery in all real-world scenarios typically takes 6–8 weeks. Their bright nature means faster learning, but their stubborn streak may require extra patience during specific phases.
Can stubbornness undermine the 'Leave It' command?
Yes, Boston Terriers do have a stubborn streak, but positive reinforcement overcomes this better than correction. If they ignore the command, never resort to punishment—instead, use even higher-value rewards and simplify the exercise. Consistency and motivation work far better than discipline with this breed.
Should I practice 'Leave It' with their regular meals?
Yes, this is an excellent real-world application. Ask your Boston to wait with the food bowl present, say 'Leave it,' then immediately release them to eat ('Okay!'). This prevents the overexcitement around mealtimes while reinforcing impulse control in a context that matters for safety and household harmony.
Watch
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Spotted a mistake or something out of date? Email us — we review every report, fix the guide and update its date. Our guides are general education, not a substitute for a certified trainer or veterinary behaviorist.
