Hello,
I adopted a 6 year old Rat Terrier from a shelter.  He only eats once a day so far and sleeps a lot.  I was wondering if this is normal behavior for a newly adopted Terrier?  Is it bad for him to be sleeping a lot and not eating much?  I realize he may have to settle in and get used to things before having a routine. He is friendly with us and our cats.  He hasn't had any issues going potty or playing a little bit.  I'm just curious as to what to expect while he is settling in to his new home!

Thanks,
Amy

Hi Amy, welcome to the site! It sounds a little similar to when we adopted our rattie in May. When he came home to us he only ate once a day and slept a lot too. This went on for a few days, and when I called our vet he said it was normal and once he felt comfortable he would get back to his old self! I would take him to the vet if you notice this continuing for a longer period, or stops eating, playing and pottying. Just my opinion

Welcome!    I am glad that you rescued a rattie.   I am not really answering your question but...Our Max was 5? yrs old or older? when we got him 3 years ago.  It took some time for him to settle in.

He loves walks ( can't do much now) with all of the snow but really doesn't run around & play like most of the ratties here.   He is pretty "mellow"I know other "older" rescue ratties/ other breeds of dogs who really don't "play" either.    So he does sleep a lot.  We had no history on him either so who knows what happened to him in his previous life.   He is happy now & that is what is important

Again.  Welcome.  !   There are a lot of rescues on here rattie & non rattie . 

I agree.. More pictures.      He looks adorable in your avatar.

Thank you for all of the replies!  I think Jack is settling in.  He just hangs out most of the day on his bed next to me on the couch while I'm doing homework.  He doesn't like to go out that much right now because the snow is taller than he is!  But he had a pretty rough life for a bit.  He was in a kill shelter that was really awful and lound and then a really nice foster home.  But he has only been with us for 3 days now.  I think he just needs to know that this is his home.  He hopped in bed with us last night and spent the whole night snuggling.  He also woke us up at 6:30 to go out and potty!  He is just a wonderful little dog!  He is so calm and docile.  I think he is just a little timid right now.  I've had rescue dogs before and realize how much personalities can change!  I just wanted to make sure nothing was too out of the ordinary!  I need to invest in some really good food for him ASAP!  He came with a little from the shelter but I know it's bad stuff!

Thank you!!!!

Amy

We actually live in Boulder, Colorado.  There's about a foot of snow right now!  I tried to get Jack to wear boots but he HATES them!  He just gets so cold!  I tried putting the boots on him and he went stiff and fell over.  It was pretty hilarious!

 Bwah!

I figured!  The lady at the store said dogs tend to hate them!

His poor little feet!

He wears about 4 layers when we go outside here!

and is still freezing!

He's precious!  Look at that wittle face! 

Like the others have said, he'll settle in and get more active.  Just be careful what you wish for - sometimes they get REALLY energetic!

Max & I live in Central WI.   We tried boots last year and he said "NO WAY"      His feet get so cold , he can't go far.   

I actually found him online, drove through a blizzard and up a mountian to meet him and then back down to the shelter to adopt him!  I just had to have him.  Jack is the sweetest thing on the planet!!!

        GOOD FOR YOU!  JACK  is a lucky boy.

Welcome and how awesome you adopted an older Rattie!! Alice was 2 when we adopted her and, ummm, well.....how do you guys get them all to sleep?? I wish she came with that function!! I can't get her to stop playing EVER!!

I was born and lived in Colorado Springs but now and in Ohio also. I see  Daisy's mom isn't far, might have to arrange a playdate!

Hi, Amy, welcome to you and your adorable little guy, Jack!  Hope to see a lot of posts and pics of him!