Rat Terrier behavior problems. Because of the training, they obtained from humans to act in the manner they want, the Rat Terrier now seems to be a domestic dog.
Even though they may be trained to be domestic dogs, they have a number of instinctual habits that might be inconvenient or even unsafe to their owners and need corrections.
As a result, we’ve arrived at this post, in which I’ll discuss ten common behavioral problems that your Rat Terrier may be having, as well as how to address them.
Rat Terrier Behavior Problems
Rat Terriers are prone to begging for food and have a variety of behavioral issues, including these: Excessive barking is common in Rat Terriers. They have a tendency to dig. People are known to be jumped on by Rat Terriers. Ratties have a proclivity for following moving objects. All of these variables are common causes of Rat Terrier behavior issues.
Here are the ten most common Rat Terrier behavior problems explained and how to address them:
1. Rat Terriers are prone to begging for food
Rat Terrier behavior problems; Rat Terriers frequently beg for food, which can be a problem for owners. Some pet parents succeed with their Rat Terrier despite the fact that obesity and digestive problems result.
Food is beneficial to everyone and should be consumed. It doesn’t imply that you should always give your Rat Terrier food when they beg for it because it isn’t love.
Actually, you will not be able to resist the way they appear while begging for food, and if you indulge in anytime they plead, you will be encouraging your Rat Terrier’s begging habit.
It’s a poor idea to give your Rat Terrier food anytime he begs, and you’re sending the incorrect message. Here is a way to discipline your Rat Terrier.
How to fix the begging Habit in your Rat Terrier
- Stay out of sight of your Rat Terrier while you’re eating. Alternatively, instruct him to return to his previous position.
- Instruct your dog to enter his kennel.
- Give your Rat Terrier rewards just when he behaves after you’ve finished your meal.
2. Rat Terriers are known for jumping on people.
This Rat Terrier habit of jumping up on humans is common in dogs and is very normal. They do jump up to meet and a way of greetings to their owners and visitors.
Jumping up on someone, on the other hand, may be annoying.
Regardless of whether they jump on you when they’re happy or want to take something from your hand. They might jump on someone, inform of an attack.
It is not other easy to boycott these jumping habits in Rat Terriers, but with some tips, it can work out successfully.
It doesn’t mean you should shove your Rat Terrier away, grasp their paws, or even raise your knee when they jump on you in the hopes that it would work out.
So, if your Rat Terrier jumps on you, just recognize that he’s trying to get your attention. You must reward him and encourage his attention-seeking behavior in this case.
How to fix the problem of Jumping up on people
- Ignore your Rat Terrier when he jumps on you and turns away.
- Go ahead and neglect your Rat Terrier. Make no eye contact or interaction with him in any manner.
- With your Rat Terrier, be patient. They will only adhere to your instructions in due time, and you may offer them treats when they are calm.
3. Rat Terriers are prone to excessive barking
Your Rat Terrier’s excessive barking might be an attempt to alert you to a potential threat.
Barking is not viewed as an issue in their park; rather, it is viewed as a natural means of communication.
Your Rat Terrier may be barking to remind you that he is security concerned and that I am on the lookout.
Your Rat Terrier may bark to alert you that someone is attempting to jump over your fence and into your yard.
Excessive barking behavior occurs when the barking becomes undeniable and intolerable for pet parents.
This constant barking for no apparent cause is uncalled for. As a result, something needs to be done about it. Here are ways to calm your Rat Terrier down.
In most cases Ratties can bark due to;
- They bark for warning or to alert
- They bark for playfulness and excitement
- They bark for attention-seeking
- They bark due to anxiety
- They bark in boredom
- They bark when responding to other dogs
How to fix excessive barking in your Rat Terrier
- Here, use obedience training to teach your Rat Terrier a new routine and try to redirect his excessive barking.
- Before you can take action to stop the unwanted barking, you must first determine what is causing the excessive barking.
- You can utilize the quiet command you taught your Rat Terrier if there is excessive barking.
- Take your time and address whatever is causing your Rat Terrier to bark excessively; just be consistent and patient.
4. Rat Terriers are prone to digging
Rat Terrier behavior problems; Ratties are known to be escape artists in their history. Digging is their hobby, it is their instinct. They dig in all means to practice their hunting habit and set a way of escape.
Rat Terriers are prone to digging because it’s their instinct. They usually dig to hunt for rats, rodents, and rabbits. In, most cases, Ratties dig for these reasons:
- They dig due to boredom
- They’re energetic, so they dig to release excess energy
- They dig due to anxiety or when in fear
- They dig because of their hunting instinct
- Comfort-seeking, such as nesting or cooling off
- Desire to hide possessions like bones or toys
- To escape or gain access to an area
But this tendency of Rat terrier digging can be a problem for their owners when they dig around the house and create holes.
How to fix Rat Terrier’s tendency to digging
- If your Rat Terrier digs out of boredom, or to get your attention; What to do, is expose your Ratties to more exercise and more playtime.
- If your Rat Terrier may well be hunting burrowing prey; What to do, deal with the prey.
- Your Rat Terrier dog is to lie in the cooler dirt below, or to hide from wind or rain; What to do, is reduce your Rat Terrier’s time outside, or provide them with a dog house.
- Finally, Ratties dig to escape under fences; What to do, block off access to the fences, or reinforce the ground below the fences.
5. Rat Terrier has the tendency to Stealing Things
Ratties have a habit of stealing. They’ll try to steal anything that looks like food or flesh to them.
So, in the animal world, stealing is almost certainly a widespread occurrence and something humans should be aware of.
Since stealing is their instinct and norm and what they normally practice in their animal world.
As a result, when you go adopt a Rat Terrier, take note of this stealing habit and determine how to keep items out of their reach and dog-proof the house.
How to fix it:
- When you are not around, keep objects out of reach of your Rat Terrier, whether it is a puppy or an adult.
- Consider what your Rat Terrier will touch in your home and how you might divert their attention.
- Get plenty of chew toys for your Rat Terrier, just enough to keep them occupied at the end of the day and redirect their stealing intents.
6. Rat Terriers are prone to destructive chewing
Ratties can start chewing anything they see when they are hungry, they are prone to destructive chewing. They chew to feel what is going on around them.
Destructive chewing can be a concern for owners, but it’s something they do naturally, much like barking and digging.
This excessive chewing habit might indicate that your Rat Terrier is suffering from separation anxiety. Medical concerns might be causing this behavior problem.
This is the reason why your Rat Terrier chews:
- Puppy teething
- Boredom or excess energy
- Anxiety
- Curiosity especially puppies
How to fix destructive chewing behavior in your Rat Terriers
- Provide your Rat Terrier with a variety of chewing toys that they will like.
- Take control of your home and prevent them access to your assets, such as documents, cables, and wires.
- Ensure that your Rat Terrier receives enough of exercise to avoid boredom and destructive chewing behavior.
7. Ratties have the tendency to Chasing after moving things
If you observe your Rat Terrier chasing, it’s natural behavior, which implies they’re trying to keep up with their predatory behaviors in a park where they have no control.
Due to their natural instinct right from origin they tend to chase after moving things around their home, which can be a problem to owners.
Rat Terriers are often observed chasing after rats, cats, automobiles, squirrels, rabbits, small children, and sometimes humans and their accompanying dogs in their chasing activity.
It’s something they enjoy doing, and in their animal world, it’s a game. But it can be dangerous and result in a problem for the owners
How to fix it:
- Make sure you desensitize your Rat Terrier and socialize with the environment.
- Create the chance to let your Rat Terrier know things around his environment and understand them.
- While on a walk with your Rat Terrier, try to put him on a leash to avoid the unnecessary chase on the road.
- Make sure that your Rat Terrier follows your commands, like understanding when you say ‘stop’ and obedience.
- Be watchful to control your Rat Terrier from distractions while on the walk with him. Cars, rats, bicycles, joggers, etc.
According to AKC; Strategies for Success, training is key, exercise helps release energy, and the consistency makes the difference.
FAQs
Are Rat Terriers anxious?
Yes, Rat Terriers are anxious! This normally happens when Rat Terriers are left alone, they might grow anxious.
This frequently occurs when you have not trained or taught them how to be comfortable in their own company.
When going to the vet, traveling in a vehicle, or being in a crowd, Rat Terriers might become anxious.
Digging, escaping the yard, shivering, urinating more frequently, barking or howling when the owner isn’t home, panting and pacing even when it’s not hot are some of the signs you’ll see in Ratties that signal they’re anxious.
Are Rat Terriers difficult?
It varies, but Rat Terriers aren’t very difficult to care for. Rat Terriers are intelligent dogs who can adjust to their surroundings with sufficient training and are eager to learn everything you teach them.
However, Rat Terriers are known for their difficult behavior.
When they are exploring their surroundings, you might notice them gnawing, licking, and possibly even eating things, as well as seeking to escape and engaging in a lot of destructive behaviors.
But, as a pet parent, if you do what you’re supposed to do at the proper moment to remedy these bad behaviors, your Ratties will have no problems.
How do I get my Rat Terrier to calm down?
The way you should get your Rat Terrier to calm down is to give him basic commands, along with obedience training and education practice, which is one way to help them calm down.
Also, giving your Rat Terrier frequent exercise and letting them time to play with positive reinforcement toys helps keep them in shape and calm him down.
