We've got a little Rat Terrier, named Milo, who is almost 7 months old. We got him when he was 13 weeks old so we've had him for the majority of his life and as the days go by, he's more and more active for later and later into the night. It started off that he would be active and want to play from when we got home and get tired at around 830 or 9pm which was fine by us, but now he's active and running and jumping over and on us all night from when we get home at night (we both work 8-5 M-F), every night until 1130 and later. Given, i know its an active breed and he's still young, but i was just curious if this is "normal".

We've tried everything from playing fetch to walking him and nothing seems to tire the dog out. i've literally thrown a toy for him for 4+ hours straight and he just keeps on bringing it back, nonstop.

On the weekends, we're usually both home all weekend and he seems to be less active during the weekends but still willing to play all day if we're available and not busy cleaning and whatnot.

I guess my questions are, is this normal for this age? and what are some suggestions to get this dog to "tire out". It was fun at first, but we need to do more stuff than play with him all night every night and its harder and harder to do it when he's jumping on us and barking at us all night because he wants to play.

Any suggestions would be great

When we got Toa in January...ALL THEY DID for the first 3 DAYS is WRESTLE...NON STOP it seemed...LOL...but they were jsut getting used to eachother! Now, they will wrestle or chase for 5-10 minutes and sleep for 30-45. they can get eachother going when one of them wants to play, but again, usually only for about 10 minutes. Currently for instance, mine are both sleeping. We got up at 7:45, they ate breakfast, we for a short leisurely walk (15-20 minutes) they played, layed on the balcony, played a little here and there and now theyre both passed out! happy ratties! They will sleep for a bit, I will take them for a longer walk, they will go in their crates while we run errands and then they will play a while before bed. IT is really working out GREAT having two...but thats JMO...I wouldnt want to pressure you into getting another just because they will "wear eachother out"  Its a big committment, more money, more vet trips, more patience...adding another personality tot he home isnt easy, but if its right for your family, its worth it in my opinion!

When Mitzy was a puppy getting her another rattie puppy to play with was a great decision.  They played and kept each other occupied.  We still played with them, walked them, etc.  But having 2 was great because they did get tired out easier.

However, I also really wanted another rattie.  I wouldn't have gotten one just to entertain Mitzy.  You have to consider the additional money that 2 will cost for food, vet, flea meds, etc. and also that you will need to walk and train two instead of just one.  If that is something you want - then getting another young rat terrier can be a great idea! JMO