I recently adopted a second rattie, and it turns out my other dog, an older rat terrier,  just doesn't like her. She tries to get him to play with her, but he's older and ends up biting her every time. He's very stressed by it all, and she obviously needs a more stimuating environment. She's only a year old. I realize that I have to give her up because there's no way they will get along, but don't want to bring her to the pound. Any suggestion? Thanks!

pm

Hi Perry's Mom - that's too bad that the pair of them isn't working out for you.  Whatever you do, DON'T take her to the pound.  Ratties do not tend to "show" well in small caged up scenarios.  Also, where you end up taking her could be a kill shelter and you don't want to sentence her to death just because your older rattie wants to be an only dog.  I commend you for trying to rehome her yourself, just understand that is may take some time.  Have you tried contacting Ratbone Rescues?  Or listing her in the local paper as "free to good home?" 

I've been trying every day, and it breaks my heart each time he bites her. My male rat has problems from abuse as a puppy, and I think he freaks out when the young one jumps about too close to him. She also jumps on him, which I try to stop, but he shuts down really fast. I think he'd do well with an older rattie who is mellow like himself, but this girl is scary to him.

pm

Hi PerrysMom - we need to know where you're located so we can see if there's anyone in your general area that we know could help. 

I would never take her to the pound. I know how that would end up. I'm in southern CA.

pm

Wish you lived on East Coast.  Still trying to find  TOBY a playmate.Ratbone Rescue is really adopting out the dogs. Has anyone else checked it today? Was so glad to see the dogs are going to forever homes.  I have applied for several and they were gone or adoption pending.  Good work they do. So do the ones on this website.  You all will be blessed.  sylvia

What part of SoCal are you in?

I agree too! don't be so quick to give up! having 3 Shamus has a temper with Cash ALL the time! Actually he kind of hates him!But even when they get into a shouting/snapping match they work it out... and soon I'll find them hanging out like nothing ever happened! i don't think Shamus LIKES cash 'cause CASH IS hYPER AND HE IS NOT! So cash will give up and go play by hiself,Shamus LOVES old caesar cause he is calm too!Maybe its cause I have three... but even when I had 6 they work it out! just like little kids..

Oh thats terrible that you have to get rid of your dog. And I agree with NavyDvrsWife. Do not take him the pound. or a shelter. It could be one of those that put dogs to sleep if they are not able to place them in new homes after a certain amount of time. Have you tried craigslist? You could put and add on there and give him away to a good home and you can even charge a re-homing fee if you want to. Hope everything works out.

Hi Perry's Mom:

I know what you're going through.  I got a puppy last August (a little girl) and already had a 5yr old rattie named Mikey.  Well Mikey was used to being an only child and the lady I got the puppy, Alice, from said that sometimes I would think he was going to hurt her, but he was setting limits with her.  He has never actually hurt her (her feelings maybe!).  He still gets aggravated at her, but they've always managed to work it out.  She knows when to back off now, but she loves to taunt him (I think he really likes it too!).  Just give it time and they will probably come around.  I was worried to death about it for maybe 3 or 4 months.  Good luck!

I can attest to that too! Caesar is 5 now and he is the best now on teaching pups to behave!When I firt got the pups he wasn't so goodI call'd it "he wanted to be 1st DOG!"now he is ok with it...he still gets to be 1st dog too,and have siblings to anoy him.ITS GOOD FOR HIM!He acts like a dog now! not a spoiled kid!