Boston Rat Terriers

Question
Beth,

I usually take Nick out to go potty but I find him playing around with the pine cones amungst other things. Could you tell me the proper why of dealing with that? How often after he eats should I take him out?
I cant wait to hear back from your responce.

  Your Pal, Rob
-------------------------

Followup To

Question -
I have a half Boston and Rat Terrier, also know as a Brat, also know to be in the Hybrid Family.
I was also wondering is he has any hunting skills and if so what does he hunt?
-------------------------

Followup To

Question -

I have a 11 week old Boston Rat Terrier and I was hoping that someone could tell me what to expect and the proper care for him. I also would like to know if there are any warnings that I should know?
I need to know the proper way to raise him to protect me, my family and my house? Any and all information on my pup would be greatly appreachated

Answer -
OK Robert - Do you have a rat terrier or a boston terrier... or pehaps a rat terrier marked like a boston ?

My advice will depend on which you have.

-Beth

Answer -
Robert -

His instincts should tell him to hunt little critters - like mice and moles, but he's not likely to be interested in digging as much as the bigger terriers like a jack or cairn, etc.  He is not eligible to do earthdog events that are AKC qualified, but you might be interested in trying him at earthdog events through the American Working Terrier Association (Just google American working terrier).  It's a blast and you'll know in no time flat if he has the instincts for it.

As for protection, obviously, he's just not equipped to be anything but a watch dog, or perhaps an ankle biter... But I would strongly recommend against doing anything to permit him to ever lay his teeth on a person.... You would have to ask someone who thinks that is OK for advice on that.  As for barking an alarm, you can easily teach it to him by encouraging him to bark and getting excited yourself.  Just remember that once turned on, you may have trouble turning this characteristic off.

The boston would add a dog who is naturally friendly and outgoing, but the rat a more nervous high strung dog....

and I'm not going to "go there" on the issue of "designer breeds" and the breeding facilities that produce the vast majority of those pups.

Good luck with your baby !

-Beth

Answer
Rob -

Playing with pine cones is no big deal unless he's actually eating them. He's anxious to play with something and may need some more toys.  A great toy are the ones that hide things inside them - some have smaller toys inside a bigger toy, others you put treats in.

Most dogs, including older dogs, like to poop about 10-15 minutes after eating.  Taking them out very soon after eating is a very good first step towards housetraining.

-Beth