Hi all,

You were all so kind when I had questions a few weeks ago about adopting a rattie.  It seems that we are finally ready to commit and would really like to get a rescue dog.

As this is our first dog, we like the idea of getting a dog through a rescue (i.e. ratbones - look at Tommy Two-Tone on page 13 - he's in Indiana) where the dog has been in a foster situation where we can get some sense of their behavior before we commit, and hopefully the dog will have learned or be learning good house skills too.

Three questions:

1)  several people (not on this forum - people I know) have said not to get a male dog for our first dog.  Any advice from you experienced rattie moms & dads?

2)  everyone I tell about our potential new family member says, "Oh terriers are spastic - you won't like it"  Please reassure me - or give me a dose of reality.  What is "typical terrier"? 

3)  how do we know we will bond with a dog - especially if we rescue one that comes from several states away?  I want to give this dog a forever home and want all of us to like each other.  (there are no other pets, just me and my husband)

Thanks again for all the help and support.  We are incredibly excited about this and so looking forward to having another member of the family.  I can't wait to officially be a legitimate rat parent.

Amy

Amy,

I have adopted cats and dogs and the first thing to do is ask questions. If the answers are vague or not  there please be wary. Adoption places have better knowledge on their dogs than humane socities do but ask questions and visit with the dog if possible befoe bringing him home. My RT's are like 4 year old kids. They are go getters and run alot but love a warm blanket, lots of attention and a good belly rub...good luck 

Well, I would definitely go through RatBones Rescue or another terrier rescue group.  I adopted Skipper thru a Humane Society in a small town and they were not honest about him....but Ratbones really goes out of their way to make sure their ratties are placed in good homes and that means being honest with potential adoptive parents about the dog.

Yes, terriers can be spastic....but rattie also love to cuddle and will nap all day with you.  They DO need some good exercise or unspent energy can turn destructive.  Reading the "You know you're a Rat Terrier When" forum postings is a good idea.  If you can deal with all that- go for it!  Also, peruse the Training Forum and see what people have been posting about.  Some people are just not terrier people - and some people are!

As far as male or female - I really don't think that's an issue.  Personnally, Skipper is my first male dog in a long time and I find the constant marking of things on a walk slightly irritating (he has almost peed on my girls several times!)  but that's just me.

Amy,

I just adopted from Ratbone, and my best advice is to ask lots of questions.  Mocha's foster mom was very interactive and answered my millions of emails gladly.  They truly do have everyone's best interest in mind.  I have a male that was myy first dog, and honestly have had no problems what-so-ever.  I actually love his happy-go-lucky demeanor.  He hasn't exhibited any "bad boy behaviors".  I don't understand the comment about terriers being spastic...yes, they can be high energy, but your foster mom or dad will be able to tell you about energy level.  They are really fun dogs, hyper or not.  They bond very closely to their humans, which I think is really wonderful and sweet.  They are about as loyal as they come.  Mocha had some bonding issues with my husband at first, but with some great advice from this forum, she is coming around quite nicely.  She immediately bonded to me, though.  We have an extended family that is very involved in our lifestyle, and she is bonding more and more with them every day.  She's only been with us about 3 weeks, and she has absolutely stolen all of our hearts.  Ask your fostere mom or dad questions about how the dog socializes with males, females, and kids (if necessary) and I do not think bonding would be an issue at all.  Overall, I was very pleased with my adoption process with Ratbone...bless you for considering giving one of those babies a forever home.

I highly recommend rescue dogs. I got my first one in April of 2005 and it worked so well that I had to get another last February.  As for your questions:

1.  I've got two males and have had no problems.  They are both neutered and that usually cures the instinct to roam and the urge to mark  territory in the house, and most other male issues.  Both of my boys quickly learned that outside is the place to potty.  They do like to mark every mailbox on our walk, but that's because I allow it. I could shorten the leash and stop them but this is their time out of the yard so I let them.

2.  I don't believe that "terriers are spastic"  Speaking for my dogs only, they will get away with what you let them.  If you make your wishes known, and take the time to train them (and it doesn't take long if you're consistent), they are quick to learn and eager to please.  Mine can act crazy around the house while playing with each other and two minutes later be asleep on the bed. They pretty much take their cues from me though.  If I'm laying around in bed, so are they. 

3. As far as bonding with the dog,  that is totally up to you.  If you're the type of person that sees a pet as just something to have around the house,  like a piece of furniture, then you may not feel a bond.  Since you've taken the time and effort to ask questions here I'm assuming that you'll be more invested in the dog and you'll bond quickly. I can't tell you how many times I've heard people say here that they can't imagine life without their ratty/s.  I said the same thing about Lucky and then felt it all over again when I got Oscar.  I can't guarantee anything but I would bet anything you'll develop an incredible bond with Tommy. It's just the nature of these dogs.  Don't be surprised when you start thinking about adding another someday.  From personal experience I can tell you that two is even better than one. 

I wish you good luck and I don't think you'll be dissappointed, except that you waited so long.