Advice on Boston Terriers puppy or dog morph new puppy and Agility Training question

[Justa_Bob]

Original thread was about which to get first puppy or dog (and adding another later). Well we now have a exuberant, well built BT 7 month old male. He comes from a line of Agility and Performance dogs - one reason we were interested (breeder does health testing on all dogs before breeding).

We have never done much dog training - and who knows if we will ever make it to Agility. We are wondering how long does it take the humans to become proficient in the training basics? Any tips on finding a good dog trainer (starting with Obedience classes)? We live in Portland OR, a dog loving haven.

Thank you!

[SkipHiLad4me]

I sent you a PM

[Justa_Bob]

Thank you for the PMs! COTH is soooo awesome. New plans - look for older BTDT dog first and later the puppy (older dog helps to train the puppy). And we are definitely looking for health certifications and exams. So sad to see all the health issues raised on other COTH Boston Terrier threads (poor breeding and puppy mills) - great words of wisdom.

[Kryswyn]

See, now my advice would be the opposite. The puppy needs a few months alone with you to bond to people, and not to the other dog. This is why getting two puppies at the same time is frowned upon. In your case, the rescue dog will still be settling in and who knows if he has good skills to teach your puppy? Even if he is housebroken, it doesn’t mean you don’t have to train your puppy. Depending on the dog you rescue it can take a year for them to put their early/abusive years behind them. I know too many cases where the rescue ended up being returned because the new puppy was cuter and had fewer issues.

[IdahoRider]

Puppies take a lot of effort and even small breeds should have training, etc. I tell people that they need to spend a good amount of time making their puppy the best companion possible before bringing in another dog (even an older dog).

Training and socializing is an on-going process, which kind of shifts as dogs mature. So spending a few months on it when puppy is young might not be enough to see you through adolescent behavior. Get through a couple of developmental stages (puppyhood and adolescence) with focus on introducing and proofing obedience and other skills, and then add an older dog. I generally think two years is enough for most dogs.

Or add the older dog first, with plenty of time given to identifying and working through any holes in training and/or behavior before adding a puppy. A year focused on the older dog should be sufficient to get a feel for that dog, and work on any issues that pop up.
Sheilah

[Justa_Bob]

Does anyone have experience with adopting/buying an adult dog (possibly retired show dog) from a good breeder? Do show dogs have behavioral issues from showing?

We have always had rescues - adult dogs with issues. After so many years of ‘issues’ I am leaning toward getting both older and puppy from a reputable Boston Terrier breeder, with health testing and certs. And I am so worried about adopting a poorly bred BT with lots and lots of health problems. I feel a bit guilty, but we have had our turn in the rescue barrel!

[Kryswyn]

Most show dogs have excellent manners because they travel so often. They are used to being crated, and being put on a table and groomed. Many show dogs live with their handlers for months at a time and are pampered house pets when not showing. There are many retired show dogs available if you know which breeders you like. Serious breeders are always looking for qualified retirement homes for dogs that are done with the ring and are no longer in the breeding program. But you should know that most of those dogs are at least 6 years old.

[Kryswyn]

Let me go one step further. I am SO TIRED of “people” trying to guilt other people from buying from a breeder. It is not illegal to buy a puppy of your chosen breed. If you do your research, you should be able to buy a puppy from someone who loved the dam, sat by her while she whelped, loved the resulting puppies, took care of them, had them vet checked and dewormed and rigorously checked on the people who wanted a puppy. I tell you for a good breeder it’s like selling your child.

JustaBob, if you want a Boston Terrier puppy, do your research, find a reputable (not well known necessarily) breeder and get on a waiting list. Be prepared to ask as many questions as the breeder will ask YOU. If the 1st,2d or 3d thing the breeder says is “Cash only” walk away. (Though it’s okay if that gets mentioned at some point.) That same reputable breeder might well have a retiree they’d love to find a non-kennel home for.

[Griffyn]

One friend of mine has found a lifelong BT breeder, and always gets a dog from this same older couple. Retirees, dogs that arent show quality or finishable… My mom has gotten both min pins and an affenpincher from show folks, and they have all been MUCH better mannered because of it!. Highly recommend that approach if you dont want all the puppy nonsense. Believe me they are silly no matter the age.

[MsM]

On retired show dogs: You may be able to get a youngish dog if s/he either shows that it wont finish a championship, or finishes but isn’t considered good enough to “special”. (Some breeds develop and show well earlier than others - don’t know about Bostons) As others have said, they know about crates, leashes etc. But it depends upon the handler and owner how much it will know about home life. Unfortunately, some dogs are part of a large kennel and nobody takes the time to bring them into a house and teach them about house-stuff. So a kennel-raised dog might not be housebroken, understand about stairs, etc. Make sure you find out!

[Justa_Bob]

Your posts are really helpful. We knew nothing about breeders and show dog life - great food for thought. We have contacted several breeders about adult dogs available and also submitted an application to the local BT rescue network. It will be interesting to see if we are eligible for a rescue dog. Although we have a fenced yard and home, we both work full time. This seems to be a problem at many rescue organizations. Fingers crossed for a new dog coming into our lives in 2014!

We are going to a check out a Boston Terrier Agility competition. We are pretty active, so this seemed like a really fun hobby. And we can meet BT owners and some cool dogs.

[Sanely_Eccentric]

Regardless of whether you purchase from as breeder or get a dog from a shelter, I think the key is to be a responsible pet owner by teaching good manners, feeding properly, and giving good health care.

[Donella]

Fellow BT fanatic here. I have never taken in a retired show dog but a friend has. She got a retired breeding male and it worked out super. He wasn’t really well house trained but he figured it out pretty quickly. I think any dog coming from a really good breeder is likely going to work out well as they are well socialized and healthy.

[honeychile]

Late reading this… but wanted to add my comment.

I bought a retired show male/breeder BT in 2011. I have never regretted the decision for a second. He was well socialized, well behaved, crate and house trained, healthy (genetically tested for cataracts, hearing, and hips) and overall has been a good citizen. Only recommendation for a retired dog is to make sure he comes from a breeder that has the dogs in the home and are part of the family. I did have some trouble with him marking, as most do with unfixed males, but that was resolved within no time and he is neutered now, which helps.

I have a friend as well that bought a different retired male. Same comments. It’s a great idea to get a well-bred, socialized dog without the trouble of puppy training, if that’s your quest.

[Justa_Bob]

Edited the OP - we now have the 7 month old Boston Terrier - any guidance for how to learn to be a good trainer for our new dog? Does it take years and years for humans to become proficient? We are interested in Agility, but also live in the real world and are newbies.