anyone know about rat terriers

[MrsCasper]

Hi I just got a rat terrier two weeks ago and I was wondering does anyone know the best way to train and handle these dogs. He is a great dog and adjusting well just needs some training and he is a little hard headed but we really love him anyway. Anyway if someone has any advice about these dog I would be very greatful. Oh,yeah I guess I should have said he is two years old and not a puppy.:)

[TerrierMom]

I don't have rat terriers, but mine are close enough. One of mine is very food motivated and the other is attention motivated, so I think you just have to find what works best for your dog.

If you have a training class in your area I recommend you attend classes with him. It'll help forge the bond between you and give you both the skills for a long, happy life together. And if you find that he's willfull (imagine THAT in a terrier) try NILF (Nothing In Life is Free - google it and you'll find all the info you need) and you can probably get a handle on him pretty quickly with that. We still have to use that occasionally with one of ours.

Good luck!

[d'tails]

Training is training. What works on one dog may not work on another. Consistency and routine. Exercising is paramount, no matter how large or small the dog. They are much more apt to listen if there is a bond. No better bond than a walk. When I walk my dogs the walk must be a focused, purposed walk with me in control, not the dog. The dogs are beside me, not running on the end of a 16ft flexi lead. I personally want to walk my dogs and not be walked by them.
I Never reward a dog unless it is working for me. Example being I don't pet a nervous or excited pet as it feeds and rewards that behavior. I wait for the dog to settle, then I reward. Working is sitting, being still, quiet, or anything I want it to do. The dog is there to please me and therefore should work for me. Not to say that he needs to pull a cart or herd sheep. Building a routine is a good example. Sitting before he goes out. Sitting before she gets her dinner. Some people keep the dog on a leash at all times in the beginning. This taught my dog to be at my feet all the time. In the long run I did not like it and had to retrain him. A friend of mine taught her dogs to take food only from her hand. She had dog poisoned, so she opted to modify that behavior. A nice juicy steak will sit drooled on until it is given from her hand and her hand alone. I've known the dogs a long time and they will no longer take food from me.
Using food or affection is fine. Both work well. I just expect my dogs to do it because I have asked it of them. I do treat and reward, but not for every little thing. I use it as more of a trick training or bonding tool. Knowing what you want and having everyone in the household on board is where to start. Will the dog be allowed on the furniture? Will it be kennel trained? What will the commands be? Down can also be used as off, so be clear within the family what each command will be.
Good luck and have fun. It's always worth the extra effort in the end!
Oh and being a terrier they are a high energy dog, so all the more reason for exercising

[Dragon]

What kinds of problems are you having with him? A little more information would be helpful. One of my friends has a Rat Terrier, but I don't know too much about the breed. If you tell us some of the more specific problems that you are having with him, I could probably be more help to you.