Re: nipping/biting

In Reply to: nipping/biting
Posted by:  carla
Posted on:  December 30, 2001 at 09:28:19

: Two weeks ago I purchased a rat terrier from an animal shelter. I fell in love with it the minute I saw him. He is 5 years old and before we could bring him home he had to be neutured.We had him for a couple of daysand he had nipped at my sons face several times but he was playing with him letting the dog jump up at him. A week ago he had nipped at a 3 year old face, We were concerned about it but she was being loud and chasing him.We at time decided to keep an eye on him since we really didn't know what his temperment was. Yesterday he bit a 11 year old boy- one of my sons friends-in the face it did not leave any bite marks but that is when we found out that he tried to bite one of my other sons friend in the face the same day.I did have 6 kids in my house, they were not being mean to the dog "dude", there was alot of noise and running around. Dude is a wonderful dog. He is funny and has brought alot to our home.We are worried now that he is a biter since this is the fourth time that he has tried to bite the face. The previous owners had taken him to training and it shows he knows alot of tricks and listens most of the time. The previous owners also did not have any kids. Is there anything that we can do or should we not take the chance that he could end up hurting anyone.

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Hi Carla,
I am sorry but none of us know the temperment of Rat Terriers and I would suggest that you do a search on Rat Terriers on the web and contact a breeder and see what the temperment my be.

I would also suggest that you do careful research on any breed that you get to see if they are good with children and many breeds are not. Please also speak with your Vet or a Behaviorist about this situation.