Decker Rat Terrier Puppy or Old Dominion Terrier Puppy…

Why choose one from us? Discover the Skyview difference.

decker rat terrier puppies

Why would you choose to get one of our Decker Rat Terrier puppies or Old Dominion Terrier puppies? Well, at Skyview Kennel we do things a little differently, and for a very good reason.

We start planning for each litter long before the puppies are even born (sometimes years in advance). Our parent dogs are carefully selected for their great health, easy going, level-headed personalities, and their impeccable structure. They go through health testing and DNA screening so we can give you the best chance at a healthy, well-bred, and well-balanced pup.

Once the puppies arrive, they are raised in our home. They are cuddled, played with, and introduced to the world in a gentle, positive way. By the time they’re ready to go to their new homes they are confident, happy, and already off to a great start in life.

And we don’t just say good-bye on puppy pick up day- we’re here to support you throughout the entire journey with your new family member.

Sure, our Decker Rat Terrier puppies and Old Dominion Terrier puppies cost more up front, but that extra investment often means fewer trips to the vets, easier training, and a smoother overall transition into your life. You’ll see the difference in their health, behavior, and how easily they fit right in.

We know it may be tempting to choose a cheaper puppy-but the truth is, those low prices oftentimes come with a catch. Behind the scenes, it usually means little to no health testing, poor socialization, and pups raised without much care. In the end it can lead to more stress, heartache, and HUGE vet bills.

When you choose one of our Skyview Kennel Decker Rat Terrier puppies or Old Dominion Terrier puppies, you’re choosing a puppy that was raised with love, care, and a whole lot of heart-not just for now, but for years to come.

What Makes Our Decker Rat Terrier Puppies and Old Dominion Terrier Puppies So Special?

Health

Our parent dogs undergo DNA health testing through Embark, screening for over 270 genetic health conditions, including 6 breed specific issues common to Decker Rat Terriers and Old Dominion Terriers such as Fanconi Syndrome, PLL, PRA, Congenital Hypothyroidism, Pyruvate Kinase Deficiency, and Spinocerebellar Ataxia with Myokymia and/or Seizures. Additionally, our Decker Rat Terriers and Old Dominion Terriers are screened by the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA).

Our Decker Rat Terrier puppies and Old Dominion Terrier puppies come with a lifetime health guarantee, which covers both common and uncommon diseases of definite genetic or congenital origin that are either life threatening or severely impacting your dog’s quality of life. 

Behavior and Temperament

Temperament plays a key role in selecting our parent dogs for our breeding program. Since our dogs are a cherished part of our daily lives, we carefully choose those with a loving, gentle, level-headed temperament. We also prefer to use dogs with a controllable prey drive to help ensure that your puppy is not going to have a super high, uncontrollable prey drive which leads to destructive tendencies and undesirable behaviors such as running around uncontrollably looking up at the sky whilst you’re trying to get their attention or them digging up your yard. We want our Decker Rat Terrier puppies and our Old Dominion Terrier puppies to be a joy to own.

decker terrier

Outcrossed Pedigrees

While some breeders like to line breed their dogs to ensure consistency across the board in their puppies, we have decided to go in a little bit different direction. While we acknowledge the need for the inbreeding coefficiency to not be zero, we also believe that for the longevity of these great breeds of dogs that we need to diversify the genetic pool, not only for future breeders to pull from, but also for the genetic well-being of the breed. We carefully study pedigrees and health testing results to ensure our matings are compatible, giving your puppy a healthy foundation with a strong genetic background. We strive to bring in and use dogs whose pedigrees are largely outcrossed to what our dogs carry. This will also help ensure the health of your new puppy.

Crate and Potty Conditioned

How puppies are raised during the first 12 weeks of their life matters and is very impactful on how they adapt to different situations for the entirety of their lives. We as breeders have them for the better part of that time, so it is imperative that you find a breeder who is going above and beyond when it comes to how they are socializing their puppies. We believe this is another way our Decker Rat Terrier puppies and Old Dominion Terrier puppies stand out. Starting at 3-4 weeks of age, we begin laying the foundation for crate and potty training. Each of our puppies is taught to potty in a designated place. We also provide crates for our puppies to sleep, play, and spend time in, helping them form positive associations. Crate and potty training during their time with us ensures a smoother transition to your home and family!

Personality Matched To You

Just like people, puppies each have a unique temperament. We temperament test our puppies at 7 weeks of age using an eight-part test that evaluates the puppy’s confidence and energy level, sociability, trainability, play and food drive, and dominance. We find that matching a puppy’s energy level, confidence, and sociability to your experience and lifestyle helps create a better long-term fit and can reduce stress, improve training success, and strengthen the human-dog bond from day one.

Chew Toy Conditioned

Ever have a puppy who chews on everything and anything but no matter how many times you offer them a chew toy they just refuse to use it? That’s because puppies do not just come pre-programmed to chew on toys. They have to be introduced to them at a young age and encouraged to use them. We introduce our Decker Rat Terrier puppies and Old Dominion Terrier puppies to several different varieties and styles of chew toys from a very young age. Puppies are individuals, each with a unique personality, and what one likes another may not so it’s a bit of trial and error. I am in no way, shape, or form saying they will never chew on anything. They are puppies and they will test your boundaries the same way they test mine. They will definitely try to chew on your furniture, shoes, or even you. However, because they have been conditioned to use a chew toy, they will be more easily redirected to their favorite toy rather than continuing on your favorite chair. When you pick your puppy up you will be informed if your puppy has a particular affinity one way or the other towards a certain kind or style of toy. This is just another tool provided by your breeder to help ensure your puppy has the greatest chance of success at being a well-mannered, well-behaved member of your family.

decker terrier

Kid Socialized

Our Decker Rat Terrier puppies and Old Dominion Terrier puppies are raised in our home with our kiddos and the chaos that ensues from the day they’re born. To help our puppies develop strong socialization, confidence, adaptability, health, and resilience, we begin using early neurological stimulation (ENS) when your puppy is only a few days old. Our kids also participate in handling your puppy (with supervision) which not only ensures they get handled by different people but also ensure it gets done multiple times a day. Early socialization is proven to be crucial for your puppy’s long-term mental health and behavior (see this study: How To Socialize a Puppy and Why It’s So Important | PetMD). We are lucky to have a family of dog lovers with younger kids than ours who are happy to make themselves available to help socialize our puppies to kids other than our own. Your puppy gets cuddled, played with, and loved on by all these kiddos and that early, gentle interaction makes a huge difference. Our puppy families appreciate that our Decker Rat Terrier puppies and Old Dominion Terrier puppies grow up on our farm surrounded by our family, kids, strangers (to the puppies) coming and going, loud machinery, and other animals. This ensures they receive the socialization experiences they need to be well-balanced, happy puppies that fit seamlessly into your home.

Our Decker Rat Terrier puppies and Old Dominion Terrier puppies are also socialized and desensitized to a plethora of other things that they encounter on our farm. We have all different kinds of surfaces for them to explore and play on such as gravel, cement, wood, grass, water, hard plastic, tarps, and rubber. They are also exposed to all kinds of different noises like power tools, chain saws, scrunchy toys, dropping stuff on the floor, and plastic bottles to name a few.

Why Choose A Decker Rat Terrier Puppy or An Old Dominion Terrier Puppy?

The Decker Rat Terrier and Old Dominion Terrier can make wonderful companions for many different types of families living in many different types of environments. If you are someone who leads an active or semi-active lifestyle these dogs might be a good choice for you. They make excellent hunting, hiking, biking, boating, and all-around adventure buddies. They would also be suitable for someone who is retired and looking to slow down a bit but is still able to provide them the proper daily stimulation.

They are very loving and affectionate dogs who like to be with their people. Decker Rat Terriers and Old Dominion Terriers are extremely intelligent. This makes training a rewarding experience because they are quick to learn commands and respond well with positive reinforcement. However, because they are so intelligent, they can also be independent thinkers. This means that while they are easily trainable, they need a firm, confident, and consistent approach to establish that you are their leader and prevent them from developing unwanted behaviors. Training also strengthens the bond between human and dog making them all the more loyal and affectionate. They are also very good with kids, especially, if they have been raised and socialized with them from a young age. Although these dogs are terriers, they are not “yappy” like some of the smaller terriers tend to be. With that being said, their alert and attentive nature makes them good watchdogs that will alert their family to strangers.

I believe these dogs could be suitable for just about anyone no matter where you live whether it be an apartment or a big house with acreage as long as you are able to give them the daily exercise they need. Decker Rat Terriers and Old Dominion Terriers are very active dogs that need vigorous, mental and physical exercise daily to keep them at their happiest. However, after a nice long walk or a run around the park, they are more than happy to cuddle up on the couch with their family.

Decker Rat Terrier puppies and Old Dominion Terrier puppies for sale from WV to Iowa to Louisiana and all the way up to Maine

Whether you live at the northern end of West Virginia that is closest to Pennsylvania which is about a two-and-a-half-hour drive and around 119 miles away, Iowa that is at least a ten hour car ride and over 650 miles away, closer to Louisiana that is over a 17-hour drive and 1000 miles away, or up in the New England states of Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, or Connecticut which is over an eleven hour drive and 700 miles away, we have options available to make sure your puppy arrives to you happy and well cared for.

decker terrier

Decker Rat Terrier and Old Dominion Terrier puppy delivery options:

1. Flight Nanny Service (recommended for long-distance traveling):

If you are located in some of these places that are further away from Pennsylvania, you may opt for this option. A flight nanny will fly with your puppy to your nearest airport, ensuring that they are cared for and comfortable during their flight. This service provides:

Personalized Care: Your puppy will travel with a trained professional, not as cargo.

Updates: You’ll receive updates during the flight, ensuring you’re in the loop the entire time.
Arrival at your Airport: The Flight Nanny will meet you at your airport with your new puppy, making for a smooth and stress-free pickup.
Cost: It typically ranges from $600 and up, depending on your location. This fee includes the price of the flight, pet fee, and the flight nanny’s time.

2. Drive or Fly to Pennsylvania for puppy pick-up:

For the families who prefer to pick up their puppy in person, you are always welcome to drive or fly into State College Regional Airport (SCE), which is located about 25 miles from us. If you choose to pick up your puppy at the airport, I will meet you just outside of security. Once you check in for your return flight you are usually headed home within a few hours. You are also more than welcome to drive to our location at Skyview Kennels and pick up your puppy in person. This option also gives you a chance to see our facilities and meet our big dogs if you were unable to make it to our puppy open day.

Whether you are located within the limits of New York City, the small-town communities of Iowa, the southern charm filled bayous of Louisiana, or the suburbs of Connecticut our Decker and Old Dominion Terrier puppies will bring joy and companionship to your life.

Decker Rat Terrier and Old Dominion Terrier puppies in NY

Our puppies would fit in well with the New York lifestyle. They are known for their versatility- city-smart yet country-tough. Raised among kids and chaos, they adjust well to busier households while maintaining their playful, loving personalities. Our puppies thrive in dynamic environments, and NYC offers dog-friendly energy at every turn. You’ll find off-leash dog runs at parks like Madison Square Park making it easy for a terrier to burn energy, socialize, and then settle in for family time.

Decker Rat Terrier and Old Dominion Terrier puppies in Iowa

Our puppies would thrive within the heartland lifestyle-loyal, playful, and family-focused. From hiking trails to paddling rivers and family-friendly activity centers, Iowa is wide open and perfect for active pups with a love for exploration. Our terriers would fit right in on nature trails, or as part of the fun at local fairs and summer adventures.

Decker Rat Terrier and Old Dominion Terrier puppies in LA

Louisiana families would love our puppies for their affectionate temperaments and their ability to adapt to warm southern living. They’re great with kids, resilient in nature, and full of that sweet, spirited energy we all adore. Warm, outdoorsy, and full of adventure-Louisiana invites families and their dogs to enjoy bayou paddles, state parks, hiking, and camping. Our terriers’ adaptability, affectionate nature, and moderate size make them perfect companions in the South’s climate and lifestyle.

Decker Rat Terrier and Old Dominion Terrier puppies in Maine

Our Decker Rat Terrier and Old Dominion Terrier puppies are known for their loyalty, intelligence, and outdoor-loving nature. Whether you live in the mountains or suburbs, they are perfect for the active Maine lifestyle and love family time as much as adventure. Maine offers trails, rocky coasts, dog-friendly beaches, and leisurely outdoor time. Our terriers can be active during the day-exploring woods or beaches-and enjoy cozy evenings with the family.

decker terrier

Why This Matters

These activities and places highlight the kinds of lives our puppies are bred for:

  • Active enough to enjoy hikes, water, trails, and family outings.
  • Calm enough to relax at home after the fun.
  • Adaptable to both city, suburban, and rural living.

 

Is A Male Or Female Right For You?

When it comes to down to it, both male and female Decker Rat Terriers and Old Dominion Terriers excel due to their intelligent and eager-to-please nature. However, some owners find that female Decker Rat Terriers and Old Dominion Terriers may show slightly more independence, which could require a bit more patience during training. Male Decker Rat Terriers and Old Dominion Terriers, on the other hand, are often described as more people-oriented and may respond more enthusiastically to positive reinforcement. Ultimately, early socialization and consistent training play a much bigger role in a Decker Rat Terrier’s or an Old Dominion Terrier’s behavior than gender. At Skyview Kennel, we focus on early exposure and socialization to give every one of our Decker Rat Terrier puppies and Old Dominion Terrier puppies—male or female—a strong foundation for learning and bonding with their new families. Here is some information to help you choose which one is right for you: Male Vs Female Dogs: Should I Choose A Boy Dog Or Girl Dog?

Availability & Reservations

Due to the care and attention we give to each of our litters, we only have a limited number of puppies available throughout each year. We recommend joining our waiting list if you’re interested in bringing one of our Decker Rat Terrier puppies or Old Dominion Terrier puppies into your home.

To reserve a puppy, please contact us using the form on our website. We’d be happy to discuss our upcoming litters with you and help you find the perfect puppy for your family.

If You Choose Skyview Kennel As Your Breeder You’ll Receive:

  • A puppy who was reared in our house around the chaos of our busy household and kids to ensure great early socialization.
  • Potty pad trained and started on outdoor potty training.
  • We crate condition to make continuing crate training easier for you.
  • Your puppy will be on a worming schedule and up to date on their vaccines.
  • We provide a lifetime health guarantee against life-threatening and severely debilitating diseases of congenital and genetic origin.
  • We temperament test and personality match to each family so that your new family member’s temperament fits your household and ownership experience as optimally as possible. This is especially important if you have small children in your family and/or are a first-time owner.
  • Your puppy will have had a few rides in a vehicle to help reduce their stress levels while making the journey to their new home.
  • Your puppy will be conditioned to using a collar and leash.
  • Pamper ready! We clip nails weekly and give occasional in-house baths. Your puppy will have a complete bath and trim prior to going home.

Along with your sweet family puppy, you will take home:

  • A grooming brush
  • A leash and collar
  • A record of their health, vaccine, and veterinary records.
  • Two baggies full of food, which will be enough to get you through the first couple days.
  • A puppy manual with information pertaining to the diet they are currently on and information to help you decide whether to keep them on that diet or switch one way (BARF diet) or the other (All Kibble).
  • Sample packet and information about the Nuvet supplement they are on, plus information on how to order some for yourself. I highly recommend using this product. I have seen firsthand the difference it makes for not a lot of extra money a month.
  • Lifetime support throughout your entire journey with your beloved new family member.

 

Before bringing your new Decker Rat Terrier puppy or Old Dominion Terrier puppy home, it’s important to prepare your living space. Here are a few tips:

  1. Puppy-proof your home by removing potential hazards.
  2. Purchase essential supplies like a crate, a bed, a fence (if needed), washable pee pads, food and water bowls, and appropriate toys.
  3. Learn more about feeding your puppy with BARF diet. I do 75% BARF and 25% kibble. There will be instructions in your puppy manual so don’t panic. However, it will be a lot of information coming at you all at once, so it may be easier to familiarize yourself with it beforehand, and then you can ask questions on puppy pick up day.
  4. Set up a designated area for your puppy with their crate and bed.

Overwhelmed And Not Sure Where To Start?

We understand! We know it can be overwhelming getting a new puppy. You want to find the right breeder, get the right pup, and get started the right way. If you’re not sure where to start, contact us to start the conversation and learn how we can help you welcome your new best friend home.