TIPS ON HOUSEBREAKING?
Source: http://www.ratterrierclub.com/html/rat_facts.html
You don't need to have a breed specific book to train your Rat. Get yourself a book on dog training, or check one out at the library.
· Housetraining doesn't have to be difficult. It does however require consistency, knowledge about dogs and the right tools.
· First you'll need the right stuff. A crate or cage is invaluable necessity that can be purchased at any Wal-Mart or Pet Store. A crate should be big enough for the dog to stand, sit and turn around comfortably. It is not a "jail" for your pet and once trained, many dogs will readily use there crate as "their room" when they need a nap, safe haven or a break.
· The smaller the space a puppy has to wander about, the more likely their natural instincts to keep their sleeping place clean will be. A 100 or 200 crate is generally large enough for most Rat Terriers. (I use the medium size and put one of my old bed pillows in it for a pad. This "smells like you" and encourages your pet to use it and relives anxiety when you’re gone too. Plus it's an excuse to buy new bed pillows :)))
· Keep your puppy/dog confined [to a specific area] whenever you're not playing, holding or watching them explore his/her new surroundings. Watch their body language. If you see your pup begin to eliminate in the wrong place (sniffing the ground, circling, whining), clap your hands to stop them, and quickly take them outside or place them on a piddle pad or newspapers.
· If you live in a condo or apartment, or have a busy schedule, or live where it's cold, use "*piddle pads." These 20" x 22" pads have waterproof liners to protect your floors, a special scent added to show the pup where it's OK to go and have an antibacterial ingredient added to decrease odors. (Can be used with a special pad tray or some have adhesive edges to keep them from slipping.) Move the pads towards the door. When indoor training is completed, place the pads outdoors where you want the dog to eliminate until they are used to going outside. (FYI: there is also a special puppy training spray available that can be sprayed on training pads, newspaper or outdoor area where you want your dog use too.)
· When your puppy/dog first wakes up in the morning, before bedtime or has finished eating, playing or napping, pick him/her up and carry them outside (with hugs and kisses of course). And place them in the area where you want them to potty--the yard or pad.
· If you chose to have your dog "go" outside, do NOT put the dog out by itself. They will only want to come back in with you. So you must stay there with them until they potty. Use single words such as "potty," "hurry" or "duty" as they eliminate and quietly praise him.
· Wait for about 5 minutes. If they do not potty, bring them back in and then try again five to ten minutes later. With consistence, they will soon learn to associate the word with elimination. Reward this good behavior with praise and a treat (a snack or piece of kibble will do) and they’ll quickly respond as dog's wish to please their owners. If you scold the dog, either verbally or by incorrectly "rubbing his nose in it", they'll be likely to avoid you when eliminating and "hide" it from you, making their messes where ever you aren't.
· You should watch them like a hawk, and you'll be surprised how effective this is in preventing accidents. Soon you'll learn to read their signals. But there inevitably will be accidents no matter how hard you try to watch your puppy. Use a damp cloth to soak up urine, then use a solution of white vinegar, Oxy-Clean or commercial Dog-tergent to eliminate staining and help neutralize odor.
· If you are having a problem with submissive urination, incontinence, marking or are traveling, try using a male dog wrap or pet bloomers for the girls. Male wraps are flannel belly bands with Velcro closures on them, that have a vinyl plastic liner to prevent leakage and to which an absorbent sanitary pad is added. Pet Bloomers are used for females that are incontinent or in heat.
· Housebreaking does not take long, so hang in there and be patient and use consistency.