Hi, I am new here.  I have owned a Rat Terrier ( Minnie Mouse-I am a huge Disney fan!!) since December of 2001.  I have never thought to look and line and check to see if there is a chat forum for Rat Terrier owners. (Does that make me a bad mom?)  I have been reading all of the info on this sight and have found that my rat is so simluar to everyones in some way.  She does have a new behavior and I was wondering if anyone can give me some advice....

When we got her she was a puppy and was pretty much raised by our five year old lab mix.  They did everything together to even being kenneled together during the day when we went places.  In January we had to put the lab to sleep due to health issues.  Minnie seemed fine and only looked for her for about a week.  She loved her new freedom and the fact she got away with a little more that usual.  She was even doing really good in her kennel byherself until recently, almost eight months later.  She has now started peeing and pooping in her kennel and they stepping in it and kicking it all over the place including out of the kennel. (No matter if we are gone for half an hour to a couple of hours.) I hate being mad at her but I am so tired of cleaning out the kennel and the wall and the floor....any advice.

Thanks so much

Mischief817 -- Let me assure you that your rattie is not mad at you.  They do not experience emotions the same as humans do. Life can change drastically for a dog who loses the companionship of another dog. We don't know how much dogs understand about death, but many dog lovers have experienced a dog who became lethargic, upset, or even ill after a dog companion dies. It can be heart breaking, just when you are also grieving the loss yourself.

You may now have a former leader dog without a follower. Or you may have a former follower dog without a canine leader. You will need to help your dog find the way to a healthy new position in the social order.

I understand that you have small children, but TRY to create "rituals"  the dog can look forward to each day. Spend 15 minutes grooming the dog or, if the dog has short hair, giving it a rubdown.  Using your positive training, teach your  dog a little trick or-even better-a little task the dog can do for you in your daily routine. The genuine pleasure you will take in the dog's help will come through clearly to the dog. Play games together, such as hide and seek.  I agree you should exercise your dog... make sure she is "empty" when you crate her... and make sure the crate is small enough.

I'm sorry for your loss.  Many of us on the forum have "been there" and it's no fun.  Part of loving is losing, unfortunately... and it hurts.  It could be that your furbaby for some strange reason is just having difficulty adjusting and is needing some special attention.