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Rat-Terrier.com
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Snowfairy
Newbie
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| 09/03/2008 12:59 PM |
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I've done a lot of reading up on the breed since becoming aware of an adoptable dog in my area.
The breed seems like a good match for me and my family, but that the dog is 1 year old and not either wasn't socialised or was abused enough to nutralize what socialization he got.
I fell comfortable taking on a "special needs" dog, but want to know if rehabilitation is possible. That is, knowing I'm starting "late," is he going to be able to do things like agility and dog parks and playing with kids or will he always be the reticent type?
Do any of you more-experienced rattie owners have any experience with a similar situation?
Other random details:
There have been no indications of fear-biting, he's reliably house trained and comfortable in his crate, but doesn't like the collar/lead. Good with other dogs, but will be the only dog in our home.
TIA! |
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SuzieRedhead
Rat-A-Tat-Tat
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| 09/03/2008 1:07 PM |
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Hi Tia!
With love, patience, training and consistency, I'm sure you can help this little dog come out of it's shell and become a very wonderful companion! Thank you for adopting a Rat Terrier! Of course, this site is a wonderful resource for help and advice, and should you ever have any questions, I have no doubt that the great people here will be here to answer any questions you may have!
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Sue Carello, Scotia, NY (near Albany)
Ratbone Rescues Fostermom, etc...
www.ratbonerescues.com
Fostermom to Oh Mickey and Prince Ratbone
Who do YOU GoodSearch/GoodShop for? Go to www.goodsearch.com and type in Ratbone Rescues! |
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Mitzy's Mom
PAWesome
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| 09/03/2008 1:30 PM |
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So it sounds like his only problem is fear of the leash/collar? If so that can be overcome. I have a foster now who, when I got him, would panic if his collar was grabbed or his leash caught on anything or pulled on his neck...he would scream like he was being flayed. After a month he is much better....he's going to his new family this weekend and they will continue working with him.
It takes time but they are so worth it! |
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Mary Beth, mom to the Lollipop Kids
Georgia Foster Mom, New Rattitude
Check out our ratties at www.newrattitude.org |
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Snowfairy
Newbie
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| 09/03/2008 2:16 PM |
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Sorry about name-confusion: I meant TIA to mean thanks-in-advance. I'm Snowfairy because I'm in Alaska. ;o)
Fear of the leash/collar is one thing. The other is that he won't come near me before I've been sitting there for 15-minutes (His fight and flight is *heavily* weighted to flight). And he is really spooky (easy to spook). I'd like the do the umbilical cord training (tying the leash to my belt) but don't know how that would work with the leash-aversion thing... |
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Mitzy's Mom
PAWesome
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| 09/03/2008 2:39 PM |
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Does he finally approach you? Does he let you pet him, pick him up, etc?
These dogs are amazingly resiliant after getting into a safe home but you do need to be aware he might always be shy or timid. Rehabilitation is certainly possible - I've seen it time after time in rescue with abused, neglected dogs or the worst cases - puppy mill dogs. But just remember it can take a long time and he may never be totally comfortable with some things. JMO |
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Mary Beth, mom to the Lollipop Kids
Georgia Foster Mom, New Rattitude
Check out our ratties at www.newrattitude.org |
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taz&deb
Ratastic
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| 09/03/2008 2:58 PM |
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| I have one that used to spook real easy, everyone made fun of him because he was afraid of everything especially wind and plastic bags, or any odd sound. He has gooten a lot better over time. The wind thing he still tucks his tail in and sits down. With plastic bags now he will go in them all to find a toy or treat. Hope you have great luck iwth this little guy! |
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Ratty Momma
Newbie
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| 09/06/2008 9:37 PM |
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Don't be afraid of trying, these dogs are so loving and so eager to please. Our 4 year old ratty, Nimrod was so afraid of the leash when we rescued him, I believed that the leash was in some way a part of his abuse or neglect. We have had him for about 2 1/2 years now and he walks very comfortably on a leash. I think that comes with time and patience and a lot of love and him understanding that there was no more abuse. After he had been with us for a while, we let him walk around the house with the leash just hanging on his collar for short periods of time to get him use to the feel of it being there without it hurting him. I would want to make sure that he was good with children if you have children in your home. |
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winnihoohoo
Bratty Ratty
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| 09/06/2008 9:39 PM |
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| Scarey stuff, advertising on the side here... |
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LadyLes
Terrier Terror
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| 09/06/2008 9:46 PM |
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Ms.Mocha (the chocolate one in my avatar) was absolutely scared of everything when I got her from Ratbone Rescues. In fact, the first time I brought her home she ran away from me and when I finally caught her, she pooped on me when I picked her up because she was so scared. She was terrified of my husband, and would growl (not aggressively) and run away every time he enter the same room as her. She was scared of every loud noise, the leash, my cat, everything (except her brother Vino). It took about three months of being consistent...walks for bonding, treats, lots of love, etc...
Now, she loves her life. I swear you can see her smiling. She loves my husband, loves her walks (she does a happy dance when we get out her collar). Overall, she is very well adjusted. We have even been able to add discipline in lately (we couldn't even tell her NO before, she would run and hide). I am teaching her manners which she had none and I couldn't be firm with her before because she was so scared.
I guess what I am trying to say is: Yes, this dog can definitely overcome his fears. It is just going to take a lot of consistency, love and most of all PATIENCE, PATIENCE, PATIENCE!!!
Good luck, if you ever need some moral support, you can PM me. |
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There is nothing better than wine and chocolate!
~Ashley~ |
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k_dmom33
Terrier Terror
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| 09/06/2008 10:57 PM |
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| I dont have advise, I havent dealt with issues. But I think it is great that you are thinking about adopting. All these people have GREAT advise about these things. Rat Terriers are very smart and loving and loyal. I just got a new puppy (not a rattie) because my hubby wanted a bigger dog. I would have adopted, but he was worried about the issues it could have. Im sure if you are willing to put in the time you will have a very loyal loving pal for the rest of his life. |
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~~Teresa~~ |
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Tammie
Ratastic
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| 09/07/2008 9:35 AM |
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I agree that lots of patience and love will bring most dogs around. Sometimes it's two steps forward and one step back, but eventually you'll get there. 
Have you considered trying a harness rather than a collar? The pull around his body may be less frightening to him. |
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http://www.dogster.com/dogs/749214
"He is your friend, your partner, your defender, your dog. You are his life, his love, his leader. He will be yours, faithful and true, to the last beat of his heart. You owe it to him to be worthy of such devotion." ~ Unknown |
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T.bala
Rattie
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| 09/07/2008 4:58 PM |
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I'm a proud parent of an adopted Rattie(as seen to the left) that I got only a few weeks ago. I was just as nervous because of not ever owning my own dog, but as well never had experience with the breed or adopting. I've grown up with Siberian Huskies all my life and thought that would prepare me for anything. It sure has paid off and I would gladly report as a first Rattie mom that they are the best little dogs you'll ever have the pleasure to meet!
If anything give it a try. You and your adopted puppy will reap the rewards from here on out! Plus I've noticed that lots of behaviors not so favored are very easily reversible with this breed unlike my family's huskies. I highly recommend harnesses if they feel at all uncomfortable with the basic collar and leash. Plus, it is less harsh on the sensitive coats Ratties have.
You got yourself a winner if you can find a Rattie! |
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Taylor~
Mom to Danny. |
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Snowfairy
Newbie
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| 09/07/2008 6:03 PM |
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Thanks for all the responses.
I won't know for a few more days if he'll be placed with us (four applicants narrowed down to two homes: one being ours). Yes, I'm on pins and needles.
I asked the foster-mom about using and harness as an alternate and she said he wigs even worse with the harness: having one with him when he was surrendered.
DH (dear husband) is of the opinon we should just find him a good collar (I'm willing to think harness here, too) and just make him wear it all the time so he can take it as part of his new "normal." Is this a reasonable assumption or do you think it would it be more traumatizing?
If you have specific comments/experience/advice with collars/leads whatever, I actually started a new question in the training section, in an effort to be more topic focused (I understand that is forum etiquette) so please come help me over there if you have input!
Thank you all. This is so encouraging to have found your forum. |
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