How to Train Rat Terrier Puppies

Rat terriers are affectionate, loving and energetic dogs. While they are eager to learn and want to please their owners, they can also be feisty, which may make training difficult. The key is to begin training them while they are young and continuing to be patient and loving during the process. Use a gentle but firm voice when training your puppy to learn commands, housebreaking and other activities. Crate training is advised for your rat terrier puppy.

Things You'll Need

  • Treats
  • Crate
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Instructions

    • 1

      Form a bond with your puppy: This is first and most important step in training your rat terrier. Encourage play and affectionate behavior by cuddling, throwing a ball and taking it outside to play.

    • 2

      Get into a routine. Set up normal times for feeding, going potty, training and playing. Keep to this routine every day so the puppy understands what is expected.

    • 3

      Teach your puppy his name. Call his name as you look at him. Repeat often and in a few days, he will understand the sound and recognize it when he is called

    • 4

      Train your puppy to follow you, which is essential for the rest of the training process. Say "Come!" to your puppy in a gentle but firm voice. Do this several times a day, giving it a treat each time it comes to you.

    • 5

      Teach your puppy commands such as "come," "sit," "stay," "down" and "heel." Have a 10 to 15-minute training session with your puppy several times a day. Start by calling it and holding a treat above its head. Start with the command "Sit!" in a firm but gentle voice. Each time he sits, give him a treat.

    • 6

      Use a crate to house-train your puppy. This is one of the easiest way to teach it that it only relieves itself outside. Keep the rat terrier in a warm and comfortable crate at night. In the morning, let it out directly to relieve itself. Remove your dog from the crate and take it outside every few hours and immediately after it eats. Avoid scolding it if it has an accident in the house. Clean up and continue to train.