Anyone who shares their life with a Boston Terrier knows the scene: you settle down on the couch, unfold a cozy blanket, and within seconds, your furry friend vanishes. Poof! Gone. Except for a suspicious little bulge that seems to be wiggling its way deeper into the blanket folds. Yep, your Boston Terrier has burrowed again!

But why? What compels these little tuxedoed charmers to become blanket-dwelling earthworms? The answer, as with most things Boston Terrier related, is a delightful mix of instinct, comfort, and a touch of goofiness.

Why Do Boston Terriers Burrow Under Blankets?

There are a few key reasons why burrowing is practically a Boston Terrier national pastime:

• Warmth Seekers: Boston Terriers, despite their adorable smooshed faces, have short coats. This means they can feel the chill a bit more than some other breeds. Burrowing under blankets is a natural way for them to seek warmth and create a cozy little nest.
• Security Snugglers: Remember their ancestors? Those little guys weren’t lounging on velvet cushions. They were hunting dogs, and hunting often involved finding safe dens to rest and feel secure. This instinct carries over, making a blanket fort the perfect place for your Boston to feel safe and protected.
• Comfort Critters: Let’s face it, blankets are soft. They smell like you (which is comforting to them). They provide a sense of enclosure. Basically, burrowing under a blanket is the canine equivalent of curling up with a good book on a rainy day – pure comfort.

What Triggers Burrowing in Boston Terriers?

While burrowing is a natural behavior, there can be other triggers at play:

• Separation Anxiety: If your Boston Terrier suffers from separation anxiety, they might burrow for comfort when you leave.
• Stressful Situations: Thunderstorms, fireworks, or new people in the house – all these things can trigger a burrowing response in your pup.
• Just Because: Sometimes, there’s no deep meaning. Your Boston might just burrow because they like the feeling!

How to Encourage Healthy Burrowing Behavior in Boston Terriers

Burrowing isn’t a bad thing (unless they’re digging holes in your yard!), but it’s important to encourage safe and healthy burrowing habits:

• Den Time: Provide your Boston with a designated “den” – a crate with a comfy bed or a special burrowing blanket. This gives them a safe space to retreat to when they feel the need. Printies even has fun crate mats you can personalize with your Boston’s name or a cute saying!
• Overall Well-being: A happy, well-exercised Boston Terrier is less likely to burrow out of anxiety. Make sure your pup gets plenty of playtime (a bandana from Printies in their favorite color can add a touch of fun!), walks, and mental stimulation.

Common Health Risks Associated with Burrowing in Boston Terriers

While burrowing is generally harmless, there are a few things to keep an eye on:

• Overheating: Those snuggly blankets can trap heat. Make sure your Boston can easily burrow out and adjust their body temperature.
• Respiratory Issues: Very heavy blankets or enclosed spaces can restrict airflow. Opt for lightweight, breathable fabrics for burrowing.
• Entanglement: Long, thick fringes or loose threads on blankets can be a choking hazard. Choose blankets with secure seams and avoid anything that could fray.

Managing Burrowing Behavior in Boston Terriers: Tips and Strategies

Here are some tips for managing your Boston Terrier’s burrowing:

• Monitor Their Behavior: Watch for signs of anxiety or stress that might be triggering excessive burrowing.
• Provide a Safe Exit: Make sure your Boston can easily get out from under the covers whenever they want.
• Address Underlying Issues: If you suspect your Boston’s burrowing is due to anxiety or stress, consult a veterinarian or animal behaviorist.

Why Boston Terriers Love to Burrow: A Look into Their Instincts

Remember those hunting ancestors we mentioned? Well, Boston Terriers also have a bit of terrier in them, which means they have a natural inclination to dig and burrow. Burrowing under blankets taps into this instinct, allowing them to feel like they’re creating a safe haven.

Addressing Burrowing in Boston Terriers: When to Seek Professional Help

If your Boston Terrier’s burrowing becomes excessive or destructive, or if they seem overly anxious while burrowing, it’s time to consult a professional. If your Boston Terrier’s burrowing becomes excessive or destructive, or if they seem overly anxious while burrowing, it’s time to consult a professional.

There could be an underlying medical or behavioral issue at play. A veterinarian or animal behaviorist can help you identify the cause and develop a plan to address it. Remember, a happy Boston Terrier is a burrowing Boston Terrier, but in a healthy and manageable way.

Living with a Boston Terrier is all about embracing their quirks. Their love of burrowing is just one of the many things that make these little guys so special. By understanding their instincts and providing them with safe and appropriate burrowing outlets (think cozy Printies pet beds!), you can ensure your Boston Terrier continues to burrow their way into your heart.

Sources and References

• Zulueta, Hannah . “Why Does My Boston Terrier like to Sleep under Blankets?” Maggielovesorbit.com, 19 Nov. 2021, maggielovesorbit.com/why-does-my-boston-terrier-like-to-sleep-under-blankets/. Accessed 28 May 2024.
• Kubicek, Joan . “Why Do Dogs Burrow under the Covers?” Www.thewildest.com, 1 Sept. 2023, www.thewildest.com/dog-behavior/why-do-dogs-burrow-under-covers. Accessed 28 May 2024.