Pandemic Puppy Tales with Bodhi The Super Hyper Pup

Are all Boston Terrier’s this hyper?

I love Boston Terriers. I had one as a kid and he was super chill and just the smartest thing! So, when my husband and I decided to get a puppy last year, we were on the hunt for a Boston Terrier.

We were thrilled when we found a litter of pups with several boys to choose from. My husband and I drove a few towns over to select which pup would go home with us. While playing with four of the puppies, one caught my eye. He just curled up in my arms and seemed super sweet. With our new puppy chosen, we were so excited to have finally found the next member of our family.

The puppy we chose was the runt of the littler of NINE (yes, I said nine) puppies. This may explain why he is not chill and has terrible separation anxiety. He is aggressive at times and hyper nearly every waking hour. All my friends kept telling me, “Girl, he is a PUPPY.” Yes, I know, but he is beyond hyper.

Thankfully, our vet commented on his hyperactivity and convinced us to try Zhen Xin San, a daily supplement for calming. Validation at last!

Our vet also recommended a local trainer and we immediately set up a consultation. I filled out a questionnaire, answered a ton of questions, and explained his biting and hyperactive history. We communicated several times to discuss how stubborn and hardheaded our puppy could be. Forewarned is forearmed, right?

The trainer arrived and Bodhi was on his best behavior! He acted like the smartest dog on the planet. I kept getting side-eye, and tons of questions about his “problems.” Inferring that there may not be problems. For the next half hour, the trainer kindly lectured that puppies his age are still growing and learning and we just needed to be patient.

I was mortified. Suddenly I was that mom that complains about how hard everything is. The solution was to pile more patience on top of my already overextended patience.

Bodhi loved our trainer, Jerry. He obeyed every command and played every game we introduced. Until… the trainer tried to get him to lay down. I watched as Jerry spent 15 minutes unsuccessfully trying three different methods to teach the dog to “lay.” None of them worked. Our dog was frustratingly stubborn and unapologetic about his overexuberant behavior.

Bodhi ignored commands. He escalated until he was completely out of control. Finally! This is the pup I am familiar with. The trainer eventually gave up, shrugged, and explained the exercises to use that should work with him over time.

My new mantra… be patient (serenity now).

Fast forward six months later, Bodhi will sort of “lay.” Only if I tap my foot repeatedly and if I have a treat in my hand. He is not that smart. He doesn’t obey unless he wants to, but he sure is cute.

The moral of the story. I’m not so quick to jump in with platitudes to my friends who may be expressing difficulty in a situation. Maybe they are not exaggerating. Their whiny tone of voice may be sheer exasperation. Because sometimes the damn puppy is just super hyper. Period.