Rat Terrier Puppy Overview
Rat terriers are some of the more unique terriers you’ll come across with their small muscular bodies with perky ears, which makes them a perfect fit for people who are looking for a smaller terrier. These dogs go way back to the 19th century and were bred to hunt rats, and while they still can, buying a rat terrier is more about having a loving companion to show around your home.
Before you buy a rat terrier, though, it’s important to learn more about the breed. You want to know how to care for them, what their needs are, and what the process looks like for buying them in Florida. This is especially true if you’re going to be buying a puppy. Thankfully, we’re here to help you every step of the way.
In this article, we take you through everything you need to know about buying rat terriers in Florida. Curious about whether or not rat terriers can handle the Florida heat? Or are you wondering where you can find a breeder? If so, read on to learn more about how to buy a rat terrier puppy in Florida.
Rat Terrier Puppies for Sale: How Do You Buy a Rat Terrier Puppy in Florida?
If you want to buy a rat terrier puppy in Florida, you have a few options. First and foremost, you can buy a rat terrier puppy by finding a breeder and purchasing a puppy from them. This process is straightforward but you want to work with breeders who are following all of Florida’s dog laws. The laws require that the breeder has an official health certificate, only sells puppies that are over eight weeks old, and that a written notice must be provided that includes details about the terms of the sale and the health of the dog.
Florida is also a state that protects buyers when purchasing puppies. If you buy a rat terrier puppy, for example, and something is clearly wrong, there are ways you can get a refund or have the breeder cover the cost of treatment. Once you find the right breeder you have to fill out the necessary paperwork, pay the needed fees, and then bring them home.
Another way to buy a rat terrier puppy in Florida is to work with a local shelter or rat terrier rescue. The process of buying a rat terrier from these organizations is a bit more challenging as you may have to fill out multiple disclosures, submit to a home visit, and answer questions about how much time and space you have for the rat terrier puppy. In fact, some organizations may want to character references.
Last but not least, you can check for listings online through online adoption resources. At Dog Academy, we offer adoption listings to help you find rat terriers for sale near you in Florida. While rat terriers might not be the easiest dogs to find, especially as puppies, you have plenty of options.
How Much Does It Cost to Buy a Rat Terrier Puppy in Florida?
If you want to buy a rat terrier puppy in Florida, you have to pay a few fees. Plan on buying your rat terrier from a breeder? Expect the cost to be around $1,000 to $1,500 for a purebred puppy. Prefer going the adoption route?
Rat Terriers For Sale in Florida
How Should I Train a Rat Terrier Puppy?
If you want to train your rat terrier puppy, the most important possible thing you can do is focus on positive reinforcement training. It doesn’t matter what type of training you want to work on, if it’s not positive reinforcement, it won’t take well and your rat terrier will start to resent you or feel unsafe.
That said, we recommend using our Puppy Kindergarten Course to get started as it will help you figure out the basics for interacting and training your rat terrier. We also recommend starting from a young age with early socialization. This can help you overcome prey drives that may cause your rat terrier to get into a little extracurriculars with other animals.
How Should I Puppy Proof My Home for a Rat Terrier Puppy?
Rat terrier puppies are small dogs with big personalities that love to play, chew, and enjoy every inch of your property. If you have a backyard in Florida, make sure you fence it off to prevent your rat terrier puppy from getting out. You’ll also want to make sure it’s dug into the ground a bit to prevent them from escaping beneath the fence.
On the inside of your home, keep anything you don’t want in their mouth off the floor and on tables or counters to avoid them getting it. As your rat terrier puppy gets used to its new living situation, it’s not the worst idea to create a puppy zone that the puppy can use to stay comfortable and feel safe. Also, keep an eye on toxic plants and keep trash cans enclosed in cabinets or bins that the dog can’t get into.
Buy the Right Rat Terrier Puppy in Florida for You
Florida is a great place to adopt a rat terrier. They’re small enough for most homes and you don’t have to worry about them overheating in the Florida sun too much thanks to their short hair. Still, it’s a good idea to keep an eye on them when they’re playing outside to keep them cool and to ensure that they don’t use their prey drive to hunt a little lizard.
All that said, now that you know what to expect when adopting a rat terrier, it comes down to making the commitment and adding a rat terrier to your family.
