We just rescued a male rat about 6 years old.  I am the hunt and fish type and we have greyhounds and labs.  This little boy thinks he is a 70lbs pointer.  I know large dogs, had them my whole life around the farm.  This little boys is a mistery.    Do I need a martingale collor like my greys? He looks like he would.  Also how much food?  My other dogs get 1/2in the AM and1/2 at night.  I like good dry food,  lamb and rice for the greys, nice clean teeth. He is running the greys ragged!

Hello and welcome to rt.com.... and thank you for adopting a rattie~

I usually feed my dogs in the mornings...with a few treats in the afternoon and evenings.... and when it is time to go into the crate. 

and how much to feed..... i usually just look at the dog and see if he's well fed, then he's got plenty, or if he's a bit heavy, then i know he got too much.....  but never underfed of course... Indy is a good eater, just loves to eat however much you leave him, so i can't free feed him, and Kasey is a picky eater, and is very limited to how much he eats....  i could free feed him but can't since Indy will eat all of his food. 

Oh, and I use the harness on my dogs.....  because i'm afraid that they will pull on the leash and will cause problems for their throat/trachia, (sp).  One of my temp. fosters had that problem so i just use the harness for putting the leash on them, but they do have collars on for their tags... 

and to learn more about the ratties, check out the forums, "You might be a rat terrier if...."  and read thru it, and it'll explain their natural traits, and how they are. 

They are like big dogs in little bodies....  but they are terriers....  but great dogs!

I had to start over, I did something and had to redo my login.  I'm no computer person.  This is Lucky.  He is 6 and his family moved out of state.    I think we will be the last ones in Michigan.  I have no records or history no him.  He will be going to the vet soon,  he needs a little nip,  he is not neutored.  I went and got him food and a collar and he loved the car ride and pet shop.  He has been by my side all day.  We are going for a walk after lunch.  Later I need to introduce him to his crate.

Marine City.  Well not in the city but no one knows Cottrellville Twp.

that is so awesome you rescued an older dog. He is just the cutest too!! I hope he does well out in the field with you too. Ratties are spitfires, he will run you and your other dogs raggid LOL.

I can't wait to see more pics too!

My rattie weighs 11 pound and we give her a 1/3 cup in the am and 1/3 cup at night with some treats.

My JRT is 20lbs and he gets about the same LOL, he is lazy and my rattie is spazzoloa!!

am I that far here in Cleveland? I dont' think Detroit is far from us??

Hi, welcome.  can't wait to see pictures.

He is hell on wheels!  I need a nap.  He is SMART and doing well for his first day.  I put the pic in my avitar but I need my sons help for pics in the posts.  I do need to crate train him,  it will work.

Big problem.... I have had him a day.  This morrning I left for work and my wife said he was throwing himself at the door.  Just a little upset. I hope he learns my schedule.

He is adorable and smart!  He will get down the routine in now time.

CongRats on the new addition!