Hello everyone,

I am new here and just wanted to say hi.  I am adopting my sisters terrier because she lives in an apartment and can no longer care for him. His barking is getting out of control and her neighbors are complaining.  I felt bad for the dog because it isn't not his fault, he just needs attention and someone to properly train him.  I need all the advice I can get.  I just want to make my home a great home for him to live in.

Lindsey

Hello and welcome!! 

ratties are quick learners!! 

there are several helpful hints in the training forum.... and as for barking, if it gets out of control, sometimes some people use some kind of spray collar,i wanna say cint - something collar,  that everytime they bark, it would spray, and it would discourage them to bark.... i heard it helped several dogs.... 

and i'm sorry that it didn't work out with your sister with her situation, but I am glad that you are adopting him.....   instead of the shelter....  Bless your heart! 

Thank you for taking him in!  I believe some people have had success with citronella collars...many of our members live in apartments and have to overcome the barking thing. 

One thing to remember that along with affection your new rattie needs lots of exercise - "a tired terrier is a good terrier"! 

Rat Terriers are awesome dogs for the right person.  When I adopted Abby a month ago I could have never imagined how much energy she'd have...now (up until her spay last week) we run or bike atleast 5 miles a day and she is also running at the park or doggy park on top of that.  Even that doesn't tire her out but she is a happy girl at the end of the day.   Like the others have said, a tired Rattie is a good Rattie!  With enough exercise and attention these are the best dogs around.

Welcome to the forum.  You'll love it here.  Lots of good advice, as syou've already been given today.   My girls aren't barkers, for the most part, so I can't help you there.  But if the Citronella Collars have been used successfully by some, sounds like they'd be worth a try.