How to Train Rat Terriers

Rat terriers are purebred dogs that are bred in three typical sizes. A standard rat terrier averages 14 to 23 inches in height and weighs between 12 and 35 pounds. Mid-sized rat terriers average 8 to 14 inches in height and weigh between 6 and 8 pounds. The smallest of the rat terriers, called toy rat terriers, average only 8 inches in height and weigh between 4 and 6 pounds. Loving, bright and lively dogs, rat terriers are fairly easy to train and respond well to their owners. With your consistent efforts and modest rewards, you'll soon have a loving dog the entire family will enjoy. You'll have no doubt trained a wonderful lifelong friend!

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Dog treats
• Dog crate
• Possible obedience class

1. 
    
   Rat terriers are typically very friendly and well behaved dogs.

   Training any dog is the first step taken in ensuring a good relationship between the dog and its owner. The rat terrier is no different. Training is useful in instilling proper behavior and avoiding uncontrollable situations. Since rat terriers are intelligent and love playing and exercising, this makes them even easier to train.

2. 
    
   Your rat terrier will likely enjoy running and playing, and voluntarily get plenty of exercise.

   Training begins with teaching your rat terrier to follow you (the owner). This can eventually be modified so the dog adheres to the commands of all family members, but must be initiated by one true owner.

3. 
    
   Training rat terriers takes patience and consistency.

   Repetition is key to training rat terriers. If the dog is crated, start by letting him out of the crate each morning and going directly outside. Once he has emptied his bladder, bowels, or both, praise him repeatedly and offer a small treat if you wish. It is best if this can be repeated at approximately the same time each morning. If your dog remains crated during the day, repeat this routine when you return home in the afternoon or evening.

4. 
    
   Small treats encourage the training process.

   Curb annoying jumping or constant whimpering by using a firm voice and moderate tone, and simply saying, "No!" You may point at the dog while speaking to him. It is never advisable to strike a rat terrier or any other dog. You may need to physically hold the dog down to indicate the cessation of jumping, and hold his mouth shut for a few seconds to indicate the cessation of barking or whimpering. Repeat these actions as needed.

5. 
    
   Remain firm in your training commands.

   Enroll your rat terrier in an obedience class. This boosts the training process you have already initiated, and provides excellent socialization, which is vital to the well being of this breed. Since they are typically very friendly and outgoing animals, the socializing in an obedience setting affords owners the opportunity to ascertain good behavior among other animals as well as people.

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[designingwoman]

on 3/28/2009 There is nothing in this article specific to rat terriers other than the pictures.