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How To Conquer Your Boston Terrier’s Separation Anxiety, Sound Anxiety or Travel Anxiety
If your Boston terrier is experiencing anxiety, life can be miserable both for you and your pup. I myself spent 2 years battling extreme separation anxiety with my dog, and we successfully came out on the other side. In this article I’ll share some of the resources and strategies that worked for us.
There are many forms of anxiety that your Boston terrier may be suffering from. Typical causes of anxiety in Boston terrier’s might be:
- Separation anxiety – Fear of being separated from their owner. This often manifests itself by your Boston terrier pacing, drooling, biting, or being destructive while you’re away.
- Sound anxiety – Fear of loud noises like thunder, fireworks, or a vacuum cleaner
- Travel anxiety – Fear of traveling in a moving vehicle, or fear of intimidating places like your vet’s office or a boarding kennel
1. Experiment with Hemp Oil for Your Boston Terrier’s Anxiety
One of the tools I successfully used in treating my dog’s anxiety was hemp. While your results may vary, approximately 67% of the dog owners polled here claimed that hemp was ‘extremely effective’ or ‘somewhat effective’ in helping their dog’s anxiety.
In my experience, hemp helped my dog calm down enough to respond positively to the other training methods I was using to treat her anxiety. When choosing a hemp oil, always look for a certificate of analysis showing a pure and safe product. I’d also recommend a product with 0% THC.
If you’d rather not give an hemp oil tincture to your dog, there are also great full spectrum hemp treat options available for dogs on Amazon.
2. Desensitize Your Boston Terrier to The Cause of Their Anxiety
A key strategy for treating your Boston terrier’s anxiety is desensitizing them to the trigger of their fear. For example, my dog’s anxiety was triggered anytime I walked out the door to leave the house. For other dogs, the trigger might be you grabbing your keys or putting on your coat.
Begin by doing the trigger activity, but then immediately reversing it. For example, I would grab my keys and walk out the door. Then I’d come back 5 seconds later. I did this literally hundreds of times over a period of a week. Eventually, my dog was desensitized and bored by the behavior.
Related: Best Calming Treat for Dogs
3. For Sound Anxiety, Trying Isolating Your Boston Terrier and Playing Loud Music
Many Boston terrier’s that suffer from thunderstorm or fireworks anxiety experience relief in a smaller, more isolated room of the house where music can be played at a loud volume. A word of caution though, if your dog is also experiences separation anxiety leaving them alone in a room during may be counterproductive.
4. Try Using a Compression Wrap (Available in Many Sizes and Will Fit Your Boston Terrier)
Many dogs are comforted by the feeling of compression across their body. One popular product many have found success with is the Thundershirt (available on Amazon and Chewy). The product applies gentle, calming pressure that is very reassuring to many pups. The company claims the product to be helpful for about 80% of the dogs who tried it. It can be used to help calm your Boston Terrier during fireworks, thunder, separation, travel, or vet visits, with no training and no medication required.
5. Try an Herbal Supplement for Your Boston Terrier with Calming Herbs Like Chamomile, Passion Flower, Ginger Root or Valerian Root
Many calming supplements exist for dogs that are palatable for dogs, easy-to-feed, and can help quickly relieve your Boston Terrier’s stress and give a sense of safety and calm. Some supplements contain calming herbs like chamomile, passion flower, ginger root, and valerian root are a great option.
6. Experiment with a Pheromone Diffuser for Your Boston Terrier
Canine pheromone diffusers mimic the calming pheromone that a mother dog emits while nursing her puppies. The diffuser can help many dogs feel calmer and more comfortable in stressful situations. The same company that makes the Thundershirt above also makes a product called ThunderEase diffuser, which is also available on Amazon and Chewy.
7. Try an Anti-Anxiety Supplement Containing L-Tryptophan, L-Theanine or Melatonin
Other popular ingredients in anti-anxiety supplements include the amino acids L-Tryptophan and L-Theanine, both of which offer calming properties and increase the release of “feel good” serotonin in your dog’s body. In addition, some calming products for dogs contain a small amount of melatonin, which can help regulate and improve their sleep.
8. Experiment with Using Your Own Scent & Sound to Calm Your Boston Terrier
In my experience, using your own scent and sound to help calm your dog is a powerful strategy in beating anxiety. I stumbled upon this one day with my own dog by accident.
Typically, if I left the home my dog would instantly enter a panic. But one day I needed to take a long phone call, and left my dog outside my bedroom door where I took the call. During the call, she calmly lied next to the door, where she could obviously smell and hear me. It occurred to me that I could possibly mimic this tactic while I wasn’t at home.
I recorded my voice on a CD player and then put it on loop. Then I placed a used t-shirt on the inside of the door where she could easily smell it underneath. To my surprise, I was able to leave the house for a short time. (I monitored her on a video camera). I slowly increased the length of time I left, and always found her calm and sincerely believing that I was just behind the door!
If you’d like to read the full story of how I cured my dog’s extreme separation anxiety, go here.
Another popular calming product is the heartbeat puppy toy. Traditionally, these have been used to help calm puppies who have recently left their litter. The plush toys come with a warming features as well as a simulated heartbeat. While originally intended for puppies, many dog owners have found they can effectively calm dogs of all ages. This popular model is available on Amazon.
Defeating your Boston Terrier’s anxiety is absolutely possible—though every dog’s path to calm will be unique. The tools and strategies above can help you get started, but sometimes our pups need an extra layer of support. That’s why at iHeartDogs, we trust gentle, vet-formulated supplements designed to ease stress without harsh medications.
For best results, you can pair the Cannanine Ultra-Premium Broad Spectrum hemp Oil with our Cannanine Bacon-Flavored hemp Calming Chews. Together, these two supplements deliver 10 active, naturally calming ingredients—including hemp, melatonin, and valerian root—to promote relaxation and support emotional balance. Whether it’s fireworks, separation stress, or everyday anxiety, this powerful duo can help your dog feel safe, secure, and comforted.
Related: Top Pet Insurance Plans for Boston Terriers
Frequently Asked Questions About Boston Terriers Anxiety
1. Why are Boston Terriers prone to anxiety?
Boston Terriers are affectionate, people-oriented dogs that form strong bonds with their owners. This close attachment can make them prone to separation anxiety, especially when left alone for long periods. Their sensitivity also makes them more responsive to changes in routine and environment.
2. What are common signs of anxiety in Boston Terriers?
Signs of anxiety in Boston Terriers include excessive barking or whining, destructive behavior, pacing, trembling, panting, and attempts to escape. Some may also show aggression, hide, or refuse to eat when stressed.
3. Can separation anxiety affect Boston Terriers more than other breeds?
Yes, Boston Terriers are especially prone to separation anxiety because of their loyal and companion-focused nature. They thrive on companionship and may become stressed when left alone for extended periods.
4. How does exercise help calm an anxious Boston Terrier?
Exercise helps release pent-up energy and reduces stress hormones. A daily routine of walks, playtime, and mental enrichment activities can significantly lower anxiety levels in Boston Terriers.
5. Can training reduce anxiety in Boston Terriers?
Yes, training plays a major role in managing anxiety. Commands such as “stay” or “settle” provide structure, while positive reinforcement builds confidence and helps your Boston Terrier feel secure.
6. Are calming supplements safe for Boston Terriers?
Most calming supplements made for dogs are safe when used as directed. Ingredients like chamomile, L-theanine, and CBD oil may help reduce anxiety, but always consult your veterinarian before starting any supplement.
7. What role does routine play in reducing Boston Terrier anxiety?
Boston Terriers feel more secure with a predictable daily routine. Feeding, walks, playtime, and bedtime at consistent times help reduce uncertainty and stress-related behaviors.
8. Can music or sound therapy help anxious Boston Terriers?
Yes, playing soft music, white noise, or calming dog-specific tracks can help relax Boston Terriers. These sounds can mask environmental noises that might otherwise trigger anxiety.
9. How can crate training help with Boston Terrier anxiety?
When introduced properly, crate training provides a safe and comfortable space for your Boston Terrier. It can become their den where they feel secure during stressful situations like thunderstorms or when left alone.
10. Do Boston Terriers develop anxiety from lack of socialization?
Yes, insufficient socialization can cause anxiety around unfamiliar people, dogs, or environments. Gradual exposure to different experiences in a positive way helps build confidence and reduces stress.
11. What triggers anxiety in Boston Terriers?
Common triggers include being left alone, loud noises like fireworks, changes in environment or routine, lack of exercise, unfamiliar people or pets, and the emotions of their owners. Boston Terriers often mirror human stress.
12. Can Boston Terriers outgrow anxiety?
Some Boston Terriers may show reduced anxiety as they mature, but many need consistent training, exercise, and support throughout their lives. Without intervention, anxiety may persist or worsen.
13. Are professional trainers or behaviorists helpful for anxious Boston Terriers?
Yes, professional trainers and canine behaviorists can design tailored plans to manage anxiety. They can teach desensitization and counter-conditioning techniques to help your Boston Terrier cope better with triggers.
14. Can diet affect Boston Terrier anxiety?
Yes, a poor diet lacking essential nutrients can contribute to stress and behavioral issues. A balanced diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and vitamins can support brain health and reduce anxiety symptoms.
15. How can I comfort my Boston Terrier during an anxiety episode?
Stay calm and reassuring without over-coddling. Redirect their focus with toys, training commands, or calming activities. Gentle petting, soothing music, and providing a safe space can help them settle during anxious moments.
Helping Your Boston Terrier Find Calm
Anxiety can feel overwhelming, for both you and your Boston Terrier, but it doesn’t have to define your dog’s life. With patience, consistency, and the right tools, most Boston Terriers can overcome separation stress, noise phobias, or travel worries and return to their naturally happy, confident selves. Remember, every dog’s journey to calm will look different, so don’t be discouraged if progress feels slow. Even small steps forward are signs of healing. When combined with training and a loving routine, these solutions can make a world of difference in helping your Boston Terrier feel secure, relaxed, and ready to enjoy life by your side.
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