Why is my Boston terrier so shy?

Question

My male BT is 4 and 1/2 months old and is super shy. Whenever there is another dog or person around he'll just run and hide behind me. Are all boston's like this?

Answer 1

Needs socialization

Answer 2

Dogs are just like people in the way that every dog has a different personality, and yours just happens to be shy. I have known very out going and friendly Bostons, so it is not a breed thing.
Just really work on socializing him and getting him used to all situations. Don't let him hide behind you as that just reinforces the fear. Make him get out there and be social. Give a lot of praise when he does decide to be brave or when he is friendly. The other thing that can give shy dogs more confidence, is have guests ignore him until he decides to come to them. This will jump start the instinct to explore the new comer if he feels he has to get out of his comfort zone to get to know the new person. Dogs naturally want to "sniff out" guests, so if he has to be the aggressor in a sense and doesn't feel cornered, it will encourage more social behavior.
Good Luck!

Answer 3

Well I have a 6 month old Boston & he's totally different. He runs to greet strangers all the time. Maybe he just needs to be introduced more to strangers so he will get used to them. But some dogs just have that type of personality, every dog is different just like people. Just try and work with him on introducing to more people & dogs out walking. And that should help with it alot. Good Luck !

Answer 4

That's adorable how your dog goes and runs behind you! That means that (s)he trusts you and loves you. What you do is be completely comfortable around her/him and at one point you should leave your puppy with another human being or dog, alone for a long time. Like a sitter with many other dogs he's sitting.
Just be glad, at least he's not aggressive!!