Hi there!

I am bringing my first Rat Terrier home in 2 days.  I am so stressed and nervous about providing a good home for him.  He will be 11 weeks when I get him and I have been reading this site CONSTANTLY.  I know how important it is to start off on a good foot and I want my little guy (Ben) to be happy and stimulated.  I live with my girlfriend and our 3-year old Pug.  I want all four of us to be happy, but I want Ben to be a very content, well-trained little guy.  I am looking for advice on how to begin our little adventure together as a family. 

Thank you in advance!

Shaun (New Contributor, Rattie Owner, Servant)

I have been so amazed by the support on this site.  I just made my first post and I already have a reply.  It is such a relief to know that help is just a quick post away. 

Also, I completely understand how important a picture is.  As soon as I get Baby Boy Ben (BBB) I will post a picture of him!

I am planning on crate training and potty training to start.  After that, we'll see.  I guess come, sit, and stay.  However, I don't want to rush it at all. 

I am a teacher and school is out next Friday so I hope to have all summer to work with BBB and make him as comfortable and stimulated as possible.

Hooray!  So excited!!!

Welcome to the site.Do you have any chew toys and treats ready for Ben ? Hope the puppy

training goes smooth.

Manny......Molly's Dad

Oh yeah!  I just went to Petco and stocked up on stuff for BBB.  Plus, I have all sorts of hand-me-downs from our other little darlin', Millie.  I just hope Millie will be willing to share with BBB! 

My biggest concern is the crate training and the housebreaking.  I have been studying the tips I found on this site.  If anyone has any other little tips or ideas I am very anxious to hear.

You guys are great!

Shaun

congrats, I have just had my pup for 2 months now--she is 16 weeks

The crate has saved my life--first night she wimpered but I did not let her out. Second night she did not make a peep till dawn and had been letting us wake her now!!

I walk her alot and she makes out side all the time, but if I look away for a second, she might just sneak one in!!!  I am off the puppy pads cause I really want her to go outside all the time--but it is a real challenge.

There are tons of great posts about  training and health here, it will be better than anything you can imagine.  Looking forward to pics.

Mel.

Welcome, Shaun!  We're retired teachers in central Texas.  What do you teach?  Summer is the absolute BEST time for teachers to bring a new pup home.  It gives you nearly three months to "get acquainted, get routines established, and to do the formative, crucial potty training. 

Be sure to stop in over on our Training Forum.  Two good pinned topics at the top on Housebreaking and Crate Training I highly encourage you to read.  Lots of other valuable topics on that forum, too. 

Oh, and we're picture addicts here, my motto on that issues is "more is better" . 

Welcome!  Can't wait to see pics.  I totally agree with Kim on the crate, be consistant, we put Dink in his crate everytime we leave the house and at night when we go to bed and he never lets out a peep, he knows it's his place.  If the pup does whine, don't leave as soon as you crate him, walk around the house for a couple minutes then leave and when you come home don't immediately take him out, ignore him for a couple minutes then take him out to pee.  Dink will be 1  (next Tuesday...Yay!)  and he has had maybe 2 accidents in his crate and they were mos ago.  Anyways, good luck and keep us posted. 

We want to see pics of your pug too!!

Welcome!!  This site is awesome isn't it !?!  I love it.!!!  You'll find so many helpful people on  here that have all kinds of great advise for you and your new little rattie!

I just read and heard of a tip on house training that I wish I'd known when I was house training Chloe, and will use on my  6 mo old rescue, Bonnie,  if I'm lucky enough to bring her home from RBR soon!

Connect your pup to you with a lightweight rope or leash when he's out of the crate so that you know where he is at all times.  Seeing him and watching for "I have to go" signs will help you get him outside when he needs to potty. Also helps you to correct him, if he starts to go in the house. When you take him outside to do his business use the same command each time- whatever they may be. You can have separate commands for each type of business too.  I found that really helpful with Chloe.  For her, "Potty"  means pee,  "finish potty"  means pooh - and she knows the difference! (They're smart these ratties!!)  Always praise them for doing their business!!  Positive reinforcement and praise is key to a good, happy and confident dog (I think).  Chloe pretty much potties on command now.  Just be patient, praise him for doing good.  Don't punish the mistakes (because he'll make lots), just remember to work on correcting the mistakes or bad behavior into good and you guys will do great!! Good luck! Can't wait to see pics!

Welcome!  Congrats on getting your new rattie.  This sight is the best!  Everyone is friendly and helpful.  Post some pics as soon as you can.   

Thanks for all the support and tips everyone.  I am picking up my baby today.  Pictures to come soon...

Hi Shaun,

Welcome and of course.. want to see some pics of the pup!  If my math is corrrect, you've had the pup about 3 days now, and I'm betting he's being a bit challenging.  Let us know how it's going!

Just seen this!! Welcome. I can't wait to see pics.  I do believe when you are bringing in a pup to a house where a dog is alreay that pup will pick up on a lot of your older dogs behaviors (so make sure your pug is a good dog LOL). I find my two definately pick up from each other both good and bad habits. I hope you enjoy your rattie you are in for many laughs!! Keep us posted please!

yes  the biting I have 13 week old little girl that likes to bite I have been doing what Ceasar does and bite back with fingers and she has stopped it with me now my boys are another story they think it is fun to rough house and she knows it but when she gets too rough I tell them to stop all play and that has been working for them good luck