h3hl33t
Newbie
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| 09/26/2008 9:52 AM |
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Hello, I am new to this board and am seeking some advice. I have a 5-6 year old Rat Terrier (male) that I rescued when I was in college about 2-3 years ago. His history before meeting me is unknown, but when I found him he appeared to be abandoned/abused. He has problems with one of his back legs sometimes, which leads me to believe that he may have been kicked prior to me finding him. He is a very nervous dog. We have had problems with him attacking people’s knee caps when company comes over or he is outside on a leash and someone approaches. I do believe that he is trying to protect me, but I do not approve of this behavior. He is also terrible around other dogs that he is not familiar with. He also has a problem of stealing my wife’s underwear and taking them under the bed and eating them. What would be the best way to curb this bad behavior? Should I take him to training? Is he too old for training? We have been working with him lately to teach him some new tricks, and he seems to be picking them up fast. Any advice would help. |
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swatson6
Attention Starved
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| 09/26/2008 9:55 AM |
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| Welcome to the site and bless you for rescuing! I am sure others will have solutions for you but just wanted to say it is never too late to train your dog! Taking him to a training class would do nothing but help him, so if you have the time, I would definately say that is a great first step. |
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Sarah
Mom to Jack, Jeter and foster mom to Teagan
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h3hl33t
Newbie
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| 09/26/2008 9:57 AM |
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I will look into training, but I am worried he will make a complete a$$ out of himself in the class and try to lash out at other dogs or the trainer. I guess I should but this worry behind me and try it. |
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Mitzy's Mom
PAWesome
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| 09/26/2008 10:06 AM |
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Personally, I wouldn't take him to a training class but get one-on-one help with a trainer.
When you say "attacking knee caps" is he actually biting people? You've had 2-3 years....has this behavior started recently or has he always done this?
As far as the chewing of underwear, many ratties will do this. Put the underwear (and anything else you value) where he can't get it. Close the bedroom door, etc.
Good luck! |
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Mary Beth, mom to the Lollipop Kids
Georgia Foster Mom, www.newrattitude.org
Pics of my current fosters:
http://imageevent.com/newrattitude/caradoc
http://imageevent.com/newrattitude/fiona
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DaisysMom
Moderator
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| 09/26/2008 10:09 AM |
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I don't think any dog is ever too old to be trained. Perhaps though, it might be best to start with one-on-one training sessions, maybe in your home/yard with a professional that really knows what they are doing and then gradually work up to bringing in strangers and new dogs with the trainer so he/she can see exactly what's going on and his triggers.
As for the underwear....he is definitely NOT the only rattie to do this, many of them do. The only solution we've found is to keep them where they can't get to them 
Welcome to the site and bless you for taking this guy in and wanting to help him learn to be the best dog he can be. I'm sure with some time and work, he can be taught that you and your wife are Alphas and do not require his protection  |
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Tracey - Darlin' Daisy's Mom
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h3hl33t
Newbie
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| 09/26/2008 10:12 AM |
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| It is not like he attacks everyone, it is hard to determine who he will run up to and do this, and I don't even know if you could classify it as an attack. He will run up to a person and pull on their pant leg with his teeth. Sometimes he hits the skin under the fabric. I just think he is warning them to back off. I make sure to keep him away from children as they are unpredictable and could evoke him. |
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h3hl33t
Newbie
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| 09/26/2008 10:13 AM |
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| What would be the best way to find a one on one trainer in my area? I am in Kansas City. |
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rattagan's mom
Rat-A-Tat-Tat
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| 09/26/2008 10:17 AM |
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| THANK YOU for rescuing this boy and WELCOME to RattieLand. Definately keep things you don't want him to mess with out of his reach. A personal trainer is going to best for the circumstances you describe. I'm sure our training moderator Nora, will see this and have some excellent advice for you. A big welcome from the Palm Bay Rat Pack. |
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Janie,
Ratty,Cameo,Cutter and Nala Belle's Mom
Show your furbaby how much you love them brush their teeth today! It saves them pain "tomorrow." Janie L. |
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swatson6
Attention Starved
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| 09/26/2008 10:17 AM |
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These guys look good. Are they by you? http://www.gentledogtraining.com/
You can just do a search for trainers in your area. |
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Sarah
Mom to Jack, Jeter and foster mom to Teagan
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rattytatty
Training Moderator
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| 09/26/2008 10:21 AM |
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I think based on the issues you have described.... I would seek out a professional trainer who can work with the dog (and you) one-on-one. Obedience classes are great for basic obedience, but most classes have various breeds, various sizes, various types of personalities and temperments... mixed together. These are great for puppies who need socialization, and puppies are what you will find in most of these classes such as those that are offered at Petsmart.
But you have an older dog (and yes... he's not too old for this behavior to be corrected) who has more serious issues than basic obedience classes can address. A good trainer will come and evaluate the dog (and most don't charge for this initial evaluation/consultation) and develop a training program that is geared toward your individual dog and the dog's specific issues. Yes... it's more expensive. Yes... it's worth the extra money if you can afford it. Check out Bark Busters... they may have someone in your area, and they have a fine reputatation.
Sorry.... I couldn't help but laugh when I read about the dog getting your wife's panties, BUT in all honesty? How is the dog getting them? As with anything... we humans have to take some of the blame/responsibility in situations such as this. If your wife would put the panties where the dog can't get to them, then it would be non-issue, right? Try it....
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It my personal opinion (and there are those who may disagree), that when you take in a dog |
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~Nora~
Mom to Hoss, Lil'Bit, Buster & Bailey, CGC, OA, OAJ |
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DaisysMom
Moderator
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| 09/26/2008 10:25 AM |
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http://training.godsy.com/index.html (Lenexa, KS) not sure if she's near you.
I agree do a google search for some in your area (I typed in animal behaviorist, rather than trainer). Research, get references, and try to get the overall feel before hiring someone.
Good luck. Keep us posted, and please share some pics  |
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Tracey - Darlin' Daisy's Mom
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h3hl33t
Newbie
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| 09/26/2008 10:25 AM |
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Here is a couple pictures of Sir Charles. |
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swatson6
Attention Starved
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| 09/26/2008 10:31 AM |
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| He is handsome!! |
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Sarah
Mom to Jack, Jeter and foster mom to Teagan
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DaisysMom
Moderator
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| 09/26/2008 10:31 AM |
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| OH!!! He is just handsome as can be How could someone ever just abuse and abandon a dog, I'll never, ever understand. But, obviously he was meant to find you. Can't wait to hear how the trainer search goes and how he does with it. Keep us posted. It'll be interesting and good information maybe for others on what he/she recommends |
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Tracey - Darlin' Daisy's Mom
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rattagan's mom
Rat-A-Tat-Tat
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| 09/26/2008 10:51 AM |
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Posted By DaisysMom on 09/26/2008 10:28 AM
http://training.godsy.com/index.html (Lenexa, KS) not sure if she's near you.
I agree do a google search for some in your area (I typed in animal behaviorist, rather than trainer). Research, get references, and try to get the overall feel before hiring someone.
Good luck. Keep us posted, and please share some pics
This got posted in a welcome to AlliMac, I think Tracey meant it for you since Zip's family is in Florida. |
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Janie,
Ratty,Cameo,Cutter and Nala Belle's Mom
Show your furbaby how much you love them brush their teeth today! It saves them pain "tomorrow." Janie L. |
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DaisysMom
Moderator
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| 09/26/2008 11:00 AM |
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| Oh, der!!!! Thanks, Janie. I copy/paste a lot so I don't lose a post when I hit the quick reply the same time as someone else. |
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Tracey - Darlin' Daisy's Mom
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h3hl33t
Newbie
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| 09/26/2008 11:01 AM |
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I just called a few trainers and am awaiting a call back. I will keep everyone posted. |
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DaisysMom
Moderator
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| 09/26/2008 11:05 AM |
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| Good luck!!!! |
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Tracey - Darlin' Daisy's Mom
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rattagan's mom
Rat-A-Tat-Tat
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| 09/26/2008 11:20 AM |
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Posted By DaisysMom on 09/26/2008 11:00 AM
Oh, der!!!! Thanks, Janie. I copy/paste a lot so I don't lose a post when I hit the quick reply the same time as someone else.
No worries Tracey, glad I could help. I do the same thing so I can see how that happens so easily.
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Janie,
Ratty,Cameo,Cutter and Nala Belle's Mom
Show your furbaby how much you love them brush their teeth today! It saves them pain "tomorrow." Janie L. |
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Mitzy's Mom
PAWesome
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| 09/26/2008 11:52 AM |
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| He's very handsome!! Hope you find a good trainer for him (and you). |
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Mary Beth, mom to the Lollipop Kids
Georgia Foster Mom, www.newrattitude.org
Pics of my current fosters:
http://imageevent.com/newrattitude/caradoc
http://imageevent.com/newrattitude/fiona
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rattytatty
Training Moderator
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DaisysMom
Moderator
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| 09/26/2008 12:30 PM |
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Hmmm...since I'm a mod and still have access to magic buttons I could "fix" everything and make you all look like nuts  |
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Tracey - Darlin' Daisy's Mom
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rattytatty
Training Moderator
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| 09/26/2008 12:33 PM |
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| But you won't... cuz then the rat terrier police patrol will come after you. And worse yet? We'll TALK ABOUT YOU !! |
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~Nora~
Mom to Hoss, Lil'Bit, Buster & Bailey, CGC, OA, OAJ |
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DaisysMom
Moderator
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| 09/26/2008 12:36 PM |
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| Heck, I ain't skeered! |
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Tracey - Darlin' Daisy's Mom
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rattytatty
Training Moderator
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| 09/26/2008 12:40 PM |
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Ya ain't right either! haha
Sorry, h3hl33t... we get a little crazy around here sometimes! haha
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~Nora~
Mom to Hoss, Lil'Bit, Buster & Bailey, CGC, OA, OAJ |
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h3hl33t
Newbie
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| 09/26/2008 2:32 PM |
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Well good news!!! Sir Charles Cromwell is going to a trainer tonight. We shall see what she has to say about the little guy. Does $60 an hour sound too expensive? |
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DaisysMom
Moderator
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| 09/26/2008 2:38 PM |
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I've never used one, so I'm not sure on price, but would guess that's reasonable. Is it for a one-on-one consult?
Good luck. I'll be gone for the weekend but look forward to hearing how it went when I get back |
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Tracey - Darlin' Daisy's Mom
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alice4512
Firehouse Big Dog
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| 09/26/2008 2:51 PM |
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Oh Good Luck, I do hope this is helpful, and fingers crossed it will be. I do think that is a very reasonable price. I work part time at a dog training facility and they charge up to 75 an hour so 60 is about average maybe below. Keep us updated!! |
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The great pleasure of a dog is that you may make a fool of yourself with him and not only will he not scold you, but he will make a fool of himself too
~Mom to my good boy Fred and my crazy girl Alice~
Proud applications coordinator for Ratbone Rescue |
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rattytatty
Training Moderator
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| 09/26/2008 3:14 PM |
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$60 an hour is less than what is charged in middle Tennessee area, for a professional trainer.
I charge $50 an hour.. but I'm not certified although I do have several years of experience. I have never held myself up to be a "professional" trainer, but I would put experience up against credentials most any time.
I applaud you for taking the bull by the horns and seeking professional assistance. Would you keep us posted please? |
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~Nora~
Mom to Hoss, Lil'Bit, Buster & Bailey, CGC, OA, OAJ |
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SuzieRedhead
Bratty Ratty
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| 09/26/2008 3:22 PM |
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I think it's reasonable. Here in NY, the trainer I used - you get 2 - 1 hour sessions for $150.00... |
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Sue Carello, Scotia, NY (near Albany)
Ratbone Rescues Fostermom, etc...
www.ratbonerescues.com
Fostermom to Oh Mickey (ADOPTED!), Prince and Spring Ratbone
Who do YOU GoodSearch/GoodShop for? Go to www.goodsearch.com and type in Ratbone Rescues! |
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