How to Adopt a Rat Terrier in Oklahoma

If you’re the kind of person who loves an opinionated dog with clever little antics, a rat terrier is absolutely your type. This small breed is known for its big-dog confidence. Their quick reflexes, bouncy energy, and hilarious facial expressions win you over faster than you’ll ever be ready for.

The best thing about these dogs is that they’re super adaptable. Do you live in a tiny apartment? They’ll make it work. Have a house with a yard? Even better. Need a reason to be more active? A rattie will happily volunteer for that job.

Learning how to adopt a rat terrier in Oklahoma can be the start of an exciting chapter in your life. The adoption system, however, can feel overwhelming if you’ve never gone through it before. This guide explains everything you need to know to make a well-informed decision.

Rat Terrier Adoption in Oklahoma

Start by deciding what kind of rat terrier you want. Do you want a puppy or an adult dog? Will a high-energy running partner or a laid-back snuggle buddy be better for your lifestyle and activity level?

Next, you need to find a reputable Oklahoma shelter or rescue to work with. Different shelters have different rules. Each rescue evaluates applicants differently. Some require home checks, while others focus more on interviews and references before approving an adoption. More often than not, ratties get adopted within hours of being posted, and waitlists move slowly.

You need to apply as soon as you spot a listing. Most organizations ask you to complete an adoption form, confirm that you’re over 18, and provide ID, such as an Oklahoma driver’s license. They’ll also ask about your home, yard, other pets, and experience with dogs.

There may be a meet-and-greet as well, especially if you have pets or kids. You’ll visit the shelter, spend time with the rat terrier, and may be asked to introduce the new pup to your dog. Staff watch body language and may suggest multiple visits for shy or high-energy dogs. Since rat terriers are alert and sometimes wary of strangers, a calm first meeting is usually a good sign.

If everything goes well and a rattie seems like a good match for your home, the shelter staff will move forward with the adoption approval process, finalize the paperwork, and review any post-adoption requirements. After paying the required fee, you can bring your new furry friend home.

How Much Does It Cost to Adopt a Rat Terrier in Oklahoma? You may be charged $250 to $300, depending on the age of the rat terrier. Adopting an older dog usually costs less since puppies require more vaccinations, early-life vet care, and starter supplies before they’re ready for adoption. Most shelters and rescue organizations already spay/neuter dogs and keep them up to date on shots before adoption, thanks to state rules that require sterilization or a spay/neuter agreement for adopted dogs.

How Should I Train a Rat Terrier? The mind of a rat terrier is always working. These dogs love learning, but they don’t love doing the same thing over and over. You should mix up the commands and add new, small challenges to keep them curious. They really enjoy being part of the activity, so talking to them as you train keeps them focused. For walks and outdoor training, you need to work on prey drive management. When ratties spot a rabbit or a leaf blowing across the yard, their brain goes straight into chase mode. A great tip for recall training is to call them and then jog backward. Your dog will see you moving and choose to run back to you instead of chasing the squirrel. You should also practice impulse control at home. Teach your rat terrier to “stay” before going out the door or being fed. Without it, your dog may push past you at the door, circle you at feeding time, or break into zoomies the second you pick up the leash. You can teach this command with our online training course that shows you how to introduce the cue and increase the duration. Dog Training with Dog Academy

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Find the Right Rat Terrier in Oklahoma for You

Finding the right rat terrier in Oklahoma is all about matching personalities. If you’re active and outdoorsy, look for a dog with higher energy and good stamina. Shelters and rescues usually provide detailed behavior notes to help you find the best match.

Feel free to ask additional questions about the rattie’s energy level, habits, social skills, and any behaviors they’re working on. The more you learn, the easier it becomes to understand how they’ll fit into your daily routine.