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Are you ready to embark on how to train a Rat Terrier journey?
These pint-sized bundles of energy are adorable, highly intelligent, and eager to please. In this article, we will guide you through the essential skills you need to know to train your Rat Terrier effectively.
We'll cover everything from mastering basic dog commands to potty training. And the best part? We'll use a positive reinforcement method to make the training process enjoyable for you and your furry friend.
So grab some treats, and start this incredible adventure of shaping a well-behaved Rat Terrier!
Rat Terrier Origin
They were first developed in England in 1820 when the Smooth Fox Terrier crossed with the Manchester Terrier. In 1890, dog breeders introduced the Terrier breed as we know it now to the United States. Breeders again crossed it with the Whippet and Beagle by American breeders.
Beagles provided more bulk with better tracking and hunting abilities, and Whippets provided agility and speed.
Chihuahuas and Smooth Fox Terriers were the basis for breeding one of the most miniature varieties of the American Rat Terrier. However, the majority of dogs evolved to hunt prey - primarily rats!
As well as hunting squirrels, coons, wild boars, and deer.
Excellent Rat Hunter
The name of this dog breed comes from its efficiency in hunting rats. Many species of dogs are known for their hunting skills, and Rat Terriers are among those breeds. The Rat Terrier is an excellent hunter and has a natural prayer instinct.
Breeders bred the Rat Terriers are the ideal farm dog. The name came from Teddy Roosevelt after his pet terrier eradicated rats from the White House.
In the 1910s and 1920s, Rat Terriers were common farm dogs. Primarily they were bred to control farm pests, particularly rats and rabbits. However, since the 1950s, farmers have switched to using poison to eliminate rodents.
Even in New York City, there is an organization called the Ryders Alley Trencher Fed Society - the acronym "R.A.T.S.." This group uses Rat Terriers to hunt rats daily, eradicating the unwanted vermin from the city streets.
Rat Terriers are in high demand as family companions and working dogs in various fields. In addition, due to their affectionate temperament and calmness, they are highly sought after as service pets for hospice, depression therapy, assisted living, and other human-care jobs.
How To Train A Rat Terrier Characteristics
Although the American Kennel Club ranks the rat terrier as number 83 on its popularity list, my research tells me this breed is brilliant and is still adored by many.
The Rat Terrier is a fearless hunter in the outdoors. Nonetheless, it is also a loyal family companion at home.
The Rat Terrier is known for being athletic, and quick and loves to play and fetch balls.
If you have a Rat Terrier, he must be restricted to a fenced yard or kept on a leash, for he is an active explorer who will chase anything that runs. Make sure your fences are high and secure. Otherwise, he will figure out how to escape.
How To Train A Rat Terrier Pros and Cons
Pros
- Small size pet, intelligent, loyal, and funny
- Smooth, low-maintenance coat
- A playful and energetic personality
- An excellent watchdog
- It is generally good with other family dogs and cats.
Cons
- A temperament prone to barking, chasing, assertiveness, fierceness, roughness, independence, persistence, determination, impatience, and intense
- Need lots of exercise and entertainment to stay occupied and calm
- Aggressive behavior toward other animals
- Stubbornness
- Digging holes
How To Train A Rat Terrier Basic Dog Commands
How to train a Rat Terrier in basic obedience commands can be a fun and rewarding experience for you and your furry friend.
Positive reinforcement is an effective method to teach these commands, as it helps build trust and strengthens the bond between you and your dog.
Sit Command
One important command to start with is to sit.
- Start by asking your Rat Terrier to sit.
- Hold a treat close to your dog's nose, then move it slowly upward.
- As their head follows the treat, their bottom will naturally lower into a sitting position.
- Once they sit, reward them with praise and the treat.
Stay Command
Teaching the stay command is especially crucial for safety when crossing roads or having guests over.
- Use a long dog training leash for added control.
- Hold your hand flat in front of their face like a stop sign while saying stay firmly but calmly.
- Take one step back, pause briefly, then return to them and give them a treat if they stay put.
- Gradually increase the distance as they become more comfortable following the stay command.
Come Command
Lastly, we'll tackle come, vital for calling your dog back to you in any situation.
- Begin by placing your Rat Terrier in a down position and excitedly saying come! While gently pulling on their long dog training leash towards you or using another motivator like treats or toys if needed.
- When they come to you successfully, reward them immediately with lots of praise, affectionate petting, and treats if desired.
How To Train A Rat Terrier Training Equipment
Enhanced Control and Safety: The NTR 15FT Training Leash for Rat Terrier dogs will provide you with excellent control during training sessions or outdoor walks. The swivel lockable hook ensures your furry friend remains securely attached to the leash, reducing the risk of accidental escapes.
Ultimate Comfort: The Gooby Comfort X Head in Harness is specially designed for maximum comfort, with its patented choke-free X frame that distributes the pressure evenly across your Rat Terrier's chest, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable walking experience for both you and your furry friend.
Nutritious and Delicious: The Blue Buffalo Baby BLUE Training Treats are made with real chicken, giving your Rat Terrier puppy a tasty and healthy reward during training sessions. These soft dog treats are specially crafted for puppies, ensuring they get the proper nutrients to support their growth and development.
Enhance Your Rat Terrier's Training Experience: The Weewooday Dog Clicker Training Kit will make training your furry friend a breeze! The included clickers and treat pouch are perfect for teaching your Rat Terrier new tricks and commands.
How To Train A Rat Terrier Do's and Don'ts Dog Training
Do's
- Praise and Reward - Immediately after your Rat Terrier demonstrates the correct behavior, reward him with a small treat and praise.
- Training Areas Should Be Quiet - A dog trainer must minimize distractions during training sessions.
- Training sessions should be short - Sessions of repetitive training should not last more than 15 minutes.
- Consistently - Use quick, calm verbal commands and ensure that all family members use specific command words for the desired behavior.
- Gradually remove the training treats - You can replace progressively treats with affectionate praises when your Rat Terrier understands and performs direct commands.
Don’ts
- Stop correcting bad behavior - Many pet parents confuse the positive reinforcement training method, believing they cannot stop unwanted behavior by telling their Rat Terrier "NO." Stopping unwanted behavior at an early age is crucial to the success of the training.
- Punish - You should never scold or show a disgusting attitude when training your Rat Terrier because your dog will become nervous, upset, and confused.
- Reward lousy behavior - Example: Your Rat Terrier barks whenever he hears children playing outside. Your response is to open the door and allow your dog to run out into the yard.
Your response is incorrect.
To be successful in stopping the barking. First, you must ignore the barking and stop letting your Rat Terrier run outside. The barking will eventually stop.
Potty Training A Rat Terrier Puppy
How to train a Rat Terrier to go potty outside can seem daunting, but with patience and consistency, you can have your pup potty trained quickly.
The key to success is to start early and ensure your pup knows that outside is the place to do their business. Here are some tips to help you get started.
Have Ready A Special Outside Potty Spot
- The first step in potty training your Rat Terrier puppy is to create a designated spot outside that can be quickly reached and free of distractions.
- Ensure your pup has a clear path to the location and is away from other areas of your yard.
- Not changing the potty area will help your puppy recognize the spot as the place to do business.
Establish a Routine
- Once you have a designated potty spot, establish a routine.
- Take your pup out to the location at regular intervals throughout the day.
- Frequent visits will help your puppy learn when to go potty.
- Make sure to take your dog out first thing in the morning, after meals, and before bed.
Reward Good Behavior
- When your pup goes potty in the designated speedy rewards will help your puppy understand they are doing the right thing.
Set Up a Crate
- Crating is an essential part of potty training your Rat Terrier puppy.
- Ensure you get a crate that is the right size for your pup and is comfortable.
- A crate will be a safe place for your dog to stay when you can’t supervise them.
Easy Cleanup and Maintenance: We understand the importance of keeping your pet's space clean, so our iCrate comes with a leak-proof pan that prevents any mess from seeping through.
Clean Up Accidents
- Accidents are bound to happen, so cleaning up any messes your pup makes is essential.
- Use an enzymatic cleaner to strip the smell of urine and feces. Thoroughly cleaning accident spots will help prevent your puppy from returning to the same area to do their business.
Socialize Training For Rat Terriers
- Walk your Rat Terrier every day - When you encounter new people or dogs, you stay calm
- Allow your Rat Terrier to meet new people, dogs, and experiences as often as possible during your regular exercise walks
- Train your Rat Terrier to ignore noisy or crowded areas that do not pose a safety hazard
How To Care For A Rat Terrier
HEALTH
The Rat Terrier breed is generally considered relatively healthy. However, my research indicates that good breeders screen their stock for hip dysplasia, patellar luxation (loose kneecaps), Legg-Calve-Perthes disease, and cardiac and eye problems.
All breeding stock is genetically tested by conscientious breeders so that health problems are minimized and eventually eliminated.
According to the National Breed Club, breeders should conduct the following health tests:
- Evaluation of Patella
- Evaluation of the hip
- A cardiac examination
- The Legg-Calve-Perthes radiograph
- DNA test for the PLL
GROOMING
The short, dense coat of the Rat Terrier requires little maintenance to remain in excellent condition. If you brush his coat once a week or use a hound glove, it will stay healthy and glossy.
A monthly bath may be sufficient if your dog has a very active lifestyle.
A shedding tool or rubber curry brush can help remove loose hair when a Rat Terrier sheds.
Your dog's claws should always be kept short and neat. Otherwise, long nails can cause pain when you attempt to trim them. I also recommend a weekly check of your dog's ears for excess wax and debris that may cause an ear infection
EXERCISE
Some Rat Terriers can get adequate exercise from indoor play, but most benefit from daily walks and tennis-ball chasing in a fenced yard.
You can improve your health by walking or running with your Rat Terrier daily.
NUTRITION
Based on your veterinarian's approval, Rat Terriers should do well on high-quality dog food. It would help if you established a dog's diet for their age (puppies, adults, or seniors).
Watch your dog's calorie intake and weight level since some Rat Terriers are prone to becoming overweight.
K9 Training Institute Free Workshop
The K9 Training Institute offers a free workshop where you can learn firsthand their effective training methods.
The Free Workshop emphasizes building a solid bond between you and your pup. They explain how to apply positive reinforcement techniques that make learning enjoyable for dogs and their owners.
Does your dog tug on its leash, bark constantly, and won't come when called? Sign Up and get the FREE Obedience Training Workshop Now!
Conclusion How To Train A Rat Terrier
Would the Rat Terrier be a good choice for you?
How to train a Rat Terrier can be a lot of fun. However, a suitable environment, patience, and love will all be the necessary skills you need to develop.
Most families already have the necessary skills to become a Rat Terrier parent.
Due to the Rat Terriers' easygoing personalities, they are a good choice for most families with children. Furthermore, these pets are also a good choice for seniors. They adapt to most environments with no problems.
Whether you are old or young, Rat Terriers make great pets.
