Introducing a new puppy to your current dog is often an exciting process, and many dogs will become fast friends and eas...
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How to Introduce a New Puppy to Your Dog
Small breeds are gaining popularity among South Carolinians. Once you spend a few minutes with a rat terrier, it’s not hard to see why. These dogs have a spark in their eyes that makes you feel like they’re always in on some joke. They’re clever problem-solvers, quick to form routines, and always up for mischief.
If you love both the outdoors and your cozy home routine, this dog will fit right in. They’re happy exploring the neighborhood, chasing toys across the living room, or napping in your lap while you catch up on your favorite TV show. They’re adaptable in all the best ways.
The adoption process can feel confusing for first-timers. Each shelter, rescue group, or private foster home works differently. This guide explains how to adopt a rat terrier in South Carolina.
Rat Terrier Adoption in South Carolina
Small breeds are often rehomed through foster-based rescues rather than traditional kennels. Many rescues in the state focus on terriers and small mixes, so we recommend following their social media pages and filling out pre-approval forms. Getting pre-approved means you can move quickly once a rat terrier becomes available.
Shelters in cities like Columbia, Greenville, and Charleston also receive rat terriers when surrenders increase during seasonal moves. You’ll have to check websites multiple times per week and set up alerts because this breed gets adopted quickly.
Once you apply for a dog, the rescue staff will reach out to learn more about your lifestyle and expectations. They may ask what draws you to the breed, whether you’re comfortable with training, and how you plan to handle the adjustment weeks. They usually prefer adopters who’re willing to stay in touch, share updates, and ask for help if needed.
After the interview, you might be invited to meet the dog. Focus on how the rat terrier behaves around people, sounds, and new spaces. This is also a great time to ask important questions about their behavior, preferences, and daily routines. The staff/foster parents can tell you what scares and excites the rattie and how they handle alone time.
The final steps involve signing the adoption contract, paying the fee, and preparing your home. South Carolina rescues usually provide a starter packet with the dog’s medical records, feeding recommendations, and transition tips. Once you hold that leash, the furry pup will officially be yours.
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How Much Does It Cost to Adopt a Rat Terrier in South Carolina?Most shelters in South Carolina charge $250-$300 for a small breed like the rat terrier. The dog usually comes vaccinated, microchipped, and spayed/neutered. Foster-based rescues may charge a bit more since they provide medical exams, heartworm tests, dental care, and behavioral support before adoption. Keep in mind that you’ll still need to budget for food, toys, a collar, a leash, a crate, a bed, and vet visits. Most new adopters spend an additional $100 to $300 in the first few weeks on dog-proofing their home and training resources. |
How Should I Train a Rat Terrier?Rat terriers have a strong sense of independence, which can make training tricky at times. These dogs don’t obey to make you happy. The request has to make sense for them, which is why reward-based training works. For example, you can teach how coming to you leads to something they want: going outside, a chance to sniff the yard, or their favorite treats. One thing only someone who’s lived with this breed knows is that rat terriers are experts at pretending not to hear you. If you repeat a command too many times, they decide it’s optional. To fix this, whisper the command instead of raising your voice. Whispering will grab their attention, and suddenly they’ll be focused again, trying to figure out what you’re saying. Ratties also love to dig, investigate smells, and patrol the house. You’ll have to work with their terrier tendencies instead of fighting them. Fortunately, you can provide mental enrichment in the comfort of your home to prevent your dog from getting into mischief. Our online training course has some great activity ideas for challenging your rattie’s brain. |
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Find the Right Rat Terrier in South Carolina for You
A photo or written description can never capture a rat terrier’s full personality, which is why we recommend meeting a few dogs in person. Their energy, reactions, and quirks only come to life when you’re standing right in front of them. The shelter staff usually has great stories about each dog, so be open to their recommendations, too.
Most importantly, take your time making a decision. A rattie can live 15 years or more, so choosing a dog whose personality meshes with yours is worth the effort.
