i AM THINKING OF CRATE TRAINING OUR NEW RESCUE RATTIE.  The past owner did say she had ridden in a crate once she knew.  I dont know how much crate training she has had.  if any.

She has always slept in the Bed with someone.  She has slept in the bed for 2 nights with my husband.  But he thinks maybe she should be sleeping in her own bed.  Our other Rattie  goes to bed every night at 9:00. Gets up at 8:00 or sooner.  He doesnt make a sound unless he gets a stomach upset.     How long should I let her adjust before I start with the crate?  Also how long should I wait to not have her on the leash when in the yard with me.  She is not spayed.   We live in the woods not near a hwy. Tobey runs loose with me but with a short leash.  He stays with me only going short distances.  I have taught him the come command this way.  Thanks for any advice?  Sylvia

Thank You Nora!  She is a little over 2 yrs old. We do not sleep with Tobey, our male. I had rather both sleep in crates because of my allergies.  She did sleep with me last night , for when I went to bed she parked outside the door.  My husbnd felt sorry for her and opened the door and that was all it took. She jumped right up in the bed with me.She slept all night. I just dont want to do anything to upset her adjusting with us.  This morning I learned my lesson.  I thought she was pretty attached to me so I let her walk outside the garage with Tobey and myself. BAD MISTAKE.  She started walking and wound up at our maibox which is about 1/2mile from the house.  I jumped in the car in my gown tail and bedroom shoes.  She was watching me. When I got close and stopped, she came running and I helped her in the car.  She loves to ride.  This taught me a lesson.  I put a harness on her until I can get her a good collar that fits.  Have several but too big or something.  Plan to take her to Vet tomorrow

Too Old to be catching a dog thru the Woods!! Just knew she was gone.

Yes I know they were trained for hunters.  they are good at that.  I can tell when deer has been in the rose garden.  This might have been the little females first time smelling these smells. We feed the squrriels on the deck.  Our male has gotten very good on the come  and or stay command.  I work with him every day.  I am going to start working with her to.  I have started with the stay command, for every time i went in the garage she would beat me out.  sometime I dont want her to go out with me.  We have had Rat terriers for  30 yrs. off and on.  I love them so much.  I enjoy the site and have enjoyed reading the post from everyone.   We have a son that works with greyhound rescue in Richmond, Va.

By the way, I hope you have a knig size bed with 4 Ratties with you.  We had 2 at one time that slept with us in a double bed.  That was tight.  Then we had one to sleep with us for 7 yrs. and he had cancer.We had to have him put to sleep.  That was terrible.  Then we got Tobey which has been a nightmare.  Hopefully Miss MooMoo will help some.  We hope so.