Even if your rat escapes its cage, being behind the room’s closed door will keep your dog and rat from meeting. Don’t forget to keep the door to the room shut, even if you aren’t in the room itself. You could also try using a dog-gate or baby-gate to keep your dog out of the room. However, you will need to make sure your rat can’t climb over or around the gate when it’s out walking around.
Make sure the space you choose is safe and is capable of supporting the rat’s cage. It’s good to check that your dog won’t be able to jump up and reach the cage.
Check that all doors are securely latched and locked. Make sure there are no loose areas of the rat’s cage that could come undone. Look for any spots that you think your rat might be able to squeeze through and seal them up.
Make sure the door to the other room is securely shut. If you can’t put your dog in another room, try putting them outside or having someone hold them on a leash.
Australian Shepherd Basset Hound Bulldog Golden Retriever Irish Setter Pug
If your rat is new to your home, allow it at least two days to relax and get used to the new environment. Whenever you pick your rat up, place one hand under its front legs and the other under its rear legs. Your rat will prefer to sit or walk on your arms, instead of being being held. Introducing your rat into a large room can make them nervous. Try to let them roam in a smaller room that they can get familiar with. Never pick up your rat by the tail.
If you don’t have a dog crate, try keeping the rat in its cage and your dog on a leash. Your pets will be able to get used to each other’s scents by being next to each other. Keep introducing your dog and rat in this way to build familiarity before allowing them to meet without their cages. Make sure your dog and rat are comfortable near one another before introducing them outside their cages. Neither pet should seem afraid or aggressive towards the other.
Keep your dog on a leash while introducing it to your pet rat. Be ready to hold your dog back if it attempts to bite your rat or becomes aggressive. If you are worried about your dog biting your pet rat, try putting a muzzle on your dog. It can be a good idea to introduce your rat and dog in a space that neither of them feel is their territory. Never leave your pets alone. Even if you feel they are getting along just fine, you will still need to watch them. [15] X Research source
If your dog displays any growling, hair raising, barking, snarling or starts biting, remove your dog immediately. If your rat fluffs up its fur, bites, scratches or chomps its teeth, remove your rat and place it back into its cage.
Many people enjoy building a small obstacle course for their pet rat. You can use old shoe boxes or cardboard tubes to build an engaging playground for your rat. Having a box of loose cloth or fabric can give your rat a fun place to burrow in. Rats can enjoy running on an exercise wheel.
Make sure your dog doesn’t get too excited while playing with your rat. Even though they may be having fun, your dog is much larger than your rat and may accidentally hurt it. Your dog and rat will play in whatever way they are comfortable doing. Don’t try to force any interaction between them. You will mainly be supervising your rat and dog as they play, giving them both lots of love and attention.
Rats and dogs can become very good friends. No matter how long your pets get along, you should still watch them while they play.
