Hi,

We have a beautiful Decker rat terrier female (Roxi).  She is of course spirited and is very strong.  I have two children 7 and 5 that cannot handle her when she gets rowdy when playing.  I am therefore looking for a home preferably with no small children since she is rough and should get to around 25+ pounds.  I also do not recommend her for a family that has a cat since she has repeatedly jumped on ours.  She was born 11/25 and is up to date on all shots.  She came from Bluegrass Kennels in Scottsville Kentucky (check out his website to see the pups at play 4 weeks ago.  I have done everything I know to do and this is my last option.  I have had ratties in the past but I did not have the kids then.  I am not looking for money I just want Roxi to go to a good home where she will be loved and well cared for.

Michael

Email at mlyarger@hotmail.com and I can forward some pictures if interested.

Thanks for the advice.  I have contacted the breeder by email and have not heard back.  We have not been to puppy school mainly because every evening is spent at the park (we do take Roxi) for Soccer and Inline Hockey.  We may try to keep her after all.   The boys and wife were both mad when they found out I am trying to get her a new home, although they are scared and mad at her constantly.  I guess now they can be mad at me and the pup.  Hopefully, they will get over their fear.  I am going to find a puppy school to go to since they are already mad about me trying to locate a new home they can add being mad about missing games and practices to the list.

If you decide to keep her it really sounds like she needs some training.  Puppies really need this in order to know their place in the pack and their limitations (don't be too rough with children, etc.).  A good trainer could work with you and your family together as the children need to be taught how to act with her, too. 

Also, there are tons of tips in the training forum section here.  And we have an excellent training moderator, Nora, who provide some online help for you.

I absolutely agree with this comment, Pam.  Children can be intimidating to dogs. 

Thank you for making the decision to train your rattie.  These dogs are highly intelligent and catch on very quickly.  They have often been referred to as "humans in dogs' bodies"... and this can be verified through any research you do on the breed.   Adding a pup to your already hectic environment may not have been the wisest choice, but now that the choice is made... a commitment toward whatever it takes to allow this dog to become a well behaved and appreciated member of your family, will be worth the time and effort you put into it!

Please let us know if we can assist you in any way!

Gald you're going to keep trying with Roxi. She's still very young and just needs training.

Our rescue dog Jake is a jumper. (He's big too, maybe part Decker.) I'm so afraid that he's going to land on and hurt our little Chi Terrier Sami that I signed him and Chris up for classes at Petsmart.

There are several families there with their kids. It's a great way to teach the kids as well as the puppy!! The kids need to learn how to work with Roxi too.

It's only an hour a week and you can pick up supplies while you're there!! They have various days and times, so I'm sure you could find a time that fits into your schedule.

Michael,

Sorry to hear that it's not working out with Roxi and the kids. Did you adopt them from Russia? That's awesome!! My good friend has been helping orphans in Romania for 15 years. I've seen that some of the kids from from these countries have difficulties. How are they doing otherwise?

So did you ever hear back from the breeder regarding Roxi?

If somebody doesn't pop right up to adopt her Ratbones is a great way to go.