6 Common Rat Terrier Behavior Problems & Tips
This post is not against you having a rat terrier, but to give you an insight into what you should expect when living with a rat terrier.
This post will provide you with 6 common rat terrier behavior problems you should know.
A rat terrier’s behavior problems might be a problem to you, but for some people, it will be what they love most.
Common Rat Terrier Behavior Problems
Here are some common rat terrier behavior problems:
1. Rat terriers are often stubborn
As a hunting dog, rat terriers are often stubborn and may not follow instructions, especially when training them. This means you have to be patient with them. It is often a strong will, and don’t give up on tasks or goals. The solution to this o by rat terriers is early training measures should be implemented by the owner.
2. Rat terriers can be destructive
Rat terriers can be destructive if left alone, as they may chew on furniture, electrical cords, and other things around them. It is important to have these supervised when they are not in the cages or while they are playing around the house. To prevent rat terriers from being destructive, you should bring them in cages or early training measures.
3. Rat terriers are prone to separation anxiety
In rat terriers, when left alone for too long on a regular basis, the dog can develop separation anxiety. Rat terriers are high-energy dogs that require lots of mental stimulation activities and physical exercise. Rat terrier separation anxiety can be triggered as soon as owners want to leave home. To prevent separation anxiety in rat terriers, you have to make sure you drain their energy as you want to leave home, as this will help them relax.
4. Rat terriers are prone to barking
Rat terriers as hunting dogs are prone to barking and this can become a behavior problem for you and your neighborhood. Rat terriers may be difficult to train not to bark, but with some measures, it will be possible. To prevent rat terriers from barking always, you have to make chewing toys available to keep them busy and distracted from barking and also train them to be quiet when they are not supposed to bark.
5. Rat terriers love chasing things
Rat terriers as hunting dogs, they are well known for chasing things around. At first, this might not be a problem to you, but over time it can become a problem when your dog damages something. To prevent your dog from chasing things always, you have to redirect their attention by throwing a toy, using positive reinforcement, and House-train them.
6. Rat terriers may be difficult to House-train
Rat terriers an intelligent and independent dogs with wild personalities, you may find it difficult sometimes to House-train them. Rat terriers have a lot of energy when outside, which may be difficult to House-train. To House-train rat terriers, you have to put them in a room with food or drinks to reduce their energy. Put your rat terriers in a potty area after exercise and feeding.
How to prevent behavior problems in rat terriers
Here, we are going to discuss some common tips for resolving rat terrier behavior problems
- Training: Rat terriers need regular training to learn basic obedience commands. This will help reduce the chances of them behaving aggressively, barking, destructive, and House-train. Avoid using harsh training methods on them.
- Bonding: Rat terriers need a strong bond with their owners in order to prevent separation anxiety, destructive, and other behavior problems. This can be achieved through regular interaction, including but not limited to cuddling, playing together, and giving each other special attention.
- Socialization: Rat terriers need to be socialized in order to develop healthy social skills. This includes exposure to different people, animals, and environments.
- Diet: Rat terriers need a high-quality and nutritious diet is essential to maintain a healthy weight and avoid developing obesity or other problems. Make their food and drinks in a bowl.
- Exercise: Rat terriers need regular exercise to stay healthy and happy. Daily walking or running around the house and environment is very necessary to keep rat terriers healthy.
- Environment: Rat terriers need a conducive and neat environment. The potty area and the territory must be clean to avoid contact with some diseases.