Are Rat Terriers Harmful?

Rat terriers are only as harmful as unruly children. These feisty, energetic, fearless and curious dogs make excellent watch dogs and lovely companions. Terriers are wrongly branded as "terror" dogs by dog owners who do not know the breed. A proud owner of a good rat terrier will tell you that it is all in the training and the upbringing. These versatile dogs can be excellent farm dogs and hunters as much as they can be lovely pets and playmates.

  1. Temperament

    • Rightly named by President Roosevelt for eradicating rats in the White House, these vermin-chasing diggers are incapable of tolerating boredom. Rat terriers love the yard to do their relentless digging and are innately alert, impulsive, persistent and independent with bossy, stubborn streaks. Behavior such as barking and destructive chewing can easily be kept in check if the rat terrier's needs and instincts are fulfilled. This dog coexists well with kids and other small pets in the same household; its aggressive behavior toward strangers is a canine instinct that you will have to accept.

    Needs

    • These intelligent, alert and loving dogs exuberate life in full form. As a rat terrier owner, you need to act quickly and match its energy levels. Mental and physical exercises are an absolute necessity for this clever breed of terriers. Ensure that you have a tall-fenced yard as you do not want to test its exploring tendency and athletic potential. Terriers, being very inquisitive, are capable of jumping small fences. Allow your rat terrier yard time for its tenacious vermin killing. Challenging games and outdoor activity make rat terriers loyal and obedient companions. Although possessive of territory, rat terriers easily adapt to living with other pets and children of the household.

    Control

    • If you make your rat terrier "the leader," you are in for a tiring dog time. It is important that you make a clear statement that you are in charge so that your terrier remains well-behaved. You always have to stay one step ahead of your dog and let it identify you as the alpha member or the pack leader. Knowing you will take control will keep it at ease and take care of nervous behavior, separation anxiety and small dog syndrome that cause typical bad behaviors in dogs.

    Considerations

    • It is important that these small dogs learn who the master is. They have to be loved but definitely not pampered. As puppies, rat terriers need to be trained for socialization. If you buy an adult rat terrier, choose one from a reputable breeder and find the dog with the right temperament that matches your family circumstances and expectations. A good master raises a good dog, and if you perform your role as a master, a rat terrier will be a treat to have around as a pet.