We are often asked a lot of questions about our puppies. We are not experts or certified trainers (yet). Our information is based on personal experiences and how we train and raise our dogs. All our Rat Terriers have been raised from 6-12 weeks old. When you visit The Puppy Depot, you will observe the behavior of our Rat Terriers. While they will be excited about your visit, you will observe their calm demeanors and good manners once they meet you.What about worming and puppy shots? Typically when the puppies open their eyes (usually about 9 days) worming treatment begins. The schedule is at 2 weeks, 4 weeks, and 6 weeks. We use Nemex.
A puppy needs 3 series of shots given at 6 weeks, 10 weeks, and 14 weeks. Your puppy will need a Rabies booster (good for one year). You can find rabies clinics that charge as little as $5 or give them for free. Call around and check Vet offices to see which ones sponsor a rabies clinic. At one year old, your puppy should get DA2PPVL seven-way shot. Annual revaccination recommended. At the expiration of your puppy’s Rabies booster, another Rabies shot is given and is good for 3 years in North Carolina.
Are Rat Terries good with children? If the proper environment exists, yes. If you have a small child in your home you must supervise the puppy and the child at all times. A child can be a dog’s worse enemy if left to pull on its ears, tail, and otherwise abuse the puppy until it is provoked or feels the need to protect himself—usually by biting. If you had a newborn baby you would not leave your younger child with your baby without supervision or providing a safe place for your baby. It is no different with a puppy or any dog. This involves your training the puppy and your child (or children). If you are getting a puppy for your children, it would be wise to supervise their interaction until the puppy is properly associated with them and you. You are the child’s guardian and you should be the puppy’s guardian. Ultimately, the responsibility is yours. Then you will have a dog that is good with children. This typically applies to any puppy but does not mean that every breed of dog is good with children.
Should we crate train our puppy? The answer depends upon your lifestyle and normally is yes. Crate training protects your puppy and keeps him in a safe area when you are not able to supervise. Crate training is appropriate and helps with initial training methods. It can also be used as “time out” if your puppy needs disciplining from an undesired behavior.
NEVER hit your dog as a form of discipline. This is inappropriate. Harsh reprimands are inappropriate; however, using strong assertive voice commands are not. Hitting and harsh reprimands can reverse good behavior, cause low self-esteem, and withdrawn behavior. Click here to read more.
How do I house train my puppy? This is not too complicated using a positive approach and reprimand. Some people prefer to use dog pads to train a dog to use the pad inside in a designated area. If you choose this approach it has been suggested that pads be placed at the door you will use each time you take your puppy outside. This association teaches where it is appropriate inside and outside. If you choose not to use pads, then you need to communicate with your puppy that it is outside only. This requires much commitment of you.
Young puppies will not be able to hold their bowels and bladder. Our method has been to use one command and take the puppy outside every 15-30 minutes while he is active and eventually he will understand the concept. He will not always be able to follow this routine until he is older. Some puppies learn quicker than others. If the puppy has been inactive (asleep or lounging) make sure he is taken outside when he begins to be active again. The same applies if he has been in a crate. Take him outside immediately after allowing him to exit the crate. Again, it is about association of the proper place. If you train your dog to pads the concept is for him to learn to use the pad where you place them. This will be a way to easily clean up and replace the pad. He should be given praise for using the pad indoors. Going outdoors is the most desirable behavior and also warrants praise. Click here to read more.
What should I feed my puppy? What you feed your puppy is your choice. It is suggested that you pick a solid food for the size puppy you have. Puppies may reject food at first but will eventually eat the food to satisfy hunger. Remember, the puppy is adjusting to changes, to you, and your home environment. Always keep plenty of water available. All dogs drink a lot of water in the winter months as well as the summer. They need water all the time. The volume of water and the need to urinate should be the dog’s choice much like yours. Eventually, a routine feeding and watering will be established for your puppy. Regardless, they need a lot of water year round!
Should I leash train my puppy? Yes. There is no better time than when the puppy is young. The puppy may not be able to begin training until he is 10-14 weeks old. Always use a harness and not a collar. A collar is used for a rabies or ID tag. After your puppy is comfortable with a harness, you typically can leash his collar just to go outdoors to “potty.” A harness is used for walking and does not choke or strain the dog. A harness is a stronger restraint when needed. When walking your dog it is most appropriate for you to walk your dog and not let your dog walk you. This means that you teach this to your dog when leash training. Using a simple command like “heel” and gently pulling your dog closer to you. This indicates to the dog that he should walk at your heel or closer to you. Using a retractable leash is helpful when allowing your dog to find a place outside to “potty,” or have a little freedom to roam safely. If you do not have a fenced area for your dog, a leash should be used for safety. No one wants to lose a pet to an unexpected accidental death. Ultimately, it is your choice, so please make a wise one.
