Rat Terrier Training Gear: The Short List
Reward-based training needs very little equipment. What each item is for, what to look for, and what to avoid.
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Reward-based training needs very little equipment: treats your dog will work for, somewhere to carry them, a way to mark the right moment, a mat, and a long line. That is the whole list. Tools that work by causing discomfort are not on it.
We have not tested individual products. This guide explains what each item is for, with links to current options.
The short list
- Small, soft training treats
- Treat pouch
- Clicker, or a marker word (free)
- Mat or small bed for settle training
- Harness, 6 ft leash and a long line
What each item does
| Item | Why you want it | What to look for | Limitations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Training treats | Fast, frequent rewards | Pea-sized, soft, low calorie | Count them toward daily food |
| Treat pouch | Rewards within a second or two | Opens one-handed; washable | Dogs learn to watch the pouch; vary where treats come from |
| Clicker | A precise “that’s it” signal | A soft-click model for sound-sensitive dogs | One more thing to hold; a word works too |
| Mat | Teaches a portable “settle” spot | Non-slip, easy to roll up | Only useful if you practice |
| Long line | Safe recall practice | 15–30 ft, light, clipped to a harness | Needs open space |
Treat pouch
Best for: Getting rewards out quickly on walks and in class
Advantages
- Keeps hands free
- Faster rewards mean faster learning
- Often has a bag dispenser
Limitations
- One more thing to remember
- Cheap hinges can wear out
A magnetic or hinged opening is easier to use one-handed than a drawstring.
Small soft training treats
Best for: High rates of reward without overfeeding
Advantages
- Quick to swallow, so training keeps moving
- Small pieces suit a small dog
- Easy to break smaller
Limitations
- Calories still count
- Some dogs have sensitive stomachs
Treats should stay under about 10 percent of daily calories. Ask your vet if your dog has allergies.
Gear to avoid
The American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior advises against training tools and methods that rely on pain or fear, because of the risk of increased fear and aggression.
- Shock (electronic) collars
- Prong and choke collars
- Spray, ultrasonic or other startle-based bark devices
Getting started
- Load the marker: click or say “yes,” then treat, ten times.
- Reward attention to your dog’s name.
- Add one skill at a time, in two to five minute sessions.
Step-by-step instructions are in how to train a Rat Terrier puppy. If you would like professional help, see how to choose a trainer. The Training Plan Generator will lay out a day-by-day plan.
