Ridgebacks in the Family
Is A Ridgeback Right for you?
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| Mmmm...Ice Cream |
Oh, this is so exciting
Many times people see a breed of dog and fall in love with it’s
looks, never considering that this breed may be totally
unsuitable for their lifestyle, their facilities or their ability to
train and control it. All they know is they have got to have one!
Buying a dog on impulse is always a bad idea! As with
buying anything, YOU must educate yourself first: find out
what the breed is truly like, visit in the home of several people
who have that breed and find out what problems they have
encountered. Learn to ask the correct questions, not only
about the positive aspects of a breed but the negative, too.
And learn what questions to ask of the litter owners...think of it
as finding out what the "warranty" covers and the "features" of
the item.
Ridgebacks are not Labradors or Golden Retrievers in short
coats. They are hunting dogs and have a high prey drive.
Translation: They are quite independent -- they don’t fawn
over your every word, they can be oblivious to being called and
require a lot of positive motivation to train them in traditional
obedience. Many people are just not prepared for the
stubbornness and hardheadedness in this breed.
Any dog ownership requires responsibility. Dogs are not
something to decorate your home or yard, they are living,
feeling creatures who should be treated as members of your
family. This is especially true of Ridgebacks. They must be
made to feel as part of your "pack", i.e., your family, or they will
strike out on their own. You should think of them as a new
addition to your family and plan for them as you would a new
child.
Planning for Your Ridgeback is Essential
Dogs, especially puppies, will make a big demand on your
time. It takes time to properly feed, train and play with a new
puppy. Just like babies, young puppies are not able to make it
through the night and you will have to get up and take them
out. If you work, a new pup might require that you come home
at lunchtime to let them out or hire a noon time helper to
assist you.
Ridgebacks need plenty of exercise to stay happy and healthy.
You'll need to set aside playtime and time for training. Young
puppies need a lot of socialization to be good companions. A
weekly obedience training class and daily practice is a must
for your Ridgeback to become a welcome member of the
community!
If this seems like too much for you and your family's schedule,
then perhaps this is not the right time to get a Ridgeback.
Your Ridgeback Will Need Protection
Ridgebacks naturally want to hunt and have no sense of cars
or yard when they go after a squirrel, rabbit or cat. A fenced
yard is important for your dog's safety. Once a Ridgeback
starts after a squirrel or rabbit, nothing short of a six foot wall
or fence may stop them. Dogs allowed to roam are in danger
from becoming lost, of being hit by a car or being poisoned.
Your certainly don't want your dog to run away or get lost or
killed. It's also good idea to have your Ridgeback wear an
identification tag or, better yet, to have your dog permanently
identified with a tattoo or microchip just in case he manages
to get loose despite your efforts. And, of course, when he
leaves the yard he'll need a leash.
Your Ridgeback must have adequate shelter if he is outdoors
while you are away. Shelters must be cool in the summer and
warm in the winter.
Ridgebacks Grow to be BIG Dogs
Puppies don't stay little for long! When looking for any breed
you need to consider one that suits your environment and
lifestyle. Take the time to research a breed you are interested
in....visit in the homes of breeders or individuals who own that
breed. Ridgebacks may be appealing to you in a physical
sense, but they may not have the temperament suitable to
your lifestyle. For example: Ridgebacks at play are very
energetic - they need lots of space, can knock down children
and adults when they are roughhousing. If you live in the city,
you will need to first locate a dog park or area where your
Ridgeback can safely run and exercise….. a tired puppy is a
good puppy!
It's those people who buy on impulse who most often find
they can't live with Ridgeback and decide the dog has to go...
this is not fair to the dog! Often it’s these irresponsible
owners who further burden rescue with having to take in the
dog and rehabilitate it.
Again, take the time to read up on the Ridgeback, talk with
several knowledgeable owners, check the Internet and try to
visit in the home of several breeders. Try to go to some
shows and talk with exhibitors, but most of all observe,
observe, observe!
Money Concerns
The initial price of a dog is of concern to some, but it’s the
lifelong cost that they sometimes forget. In some
communities, dogs need a license. Failure to comply with
local laws may result in fines or penalties and may endanger
your right to keep your dog!
In addition to the purchase price of your dog, you must plan
for food, grooming, collars, a leash and some toys and a
special bed. Add in vet care and those training lessons!
All dogs need annual vaccination, heartworm medication,
and...just like humans...regular checkups. Sometimes, dogs
require flea and tick treatments or expensive treatments for
unexpected ailments or illnesses. Ask yourself if you can
afford a dog.
Ridgebacks Need Companionship
Friendship is a two-way street. Your dog deserves plenty of
attention so he'll be less inclined to bark or chew your
belongings or run away from home by climbing out, if he gets
your love and devotion. Dogs are emotional beings and to
neglect them by banishing them to a lonely life in the
yard, on a chain or in a run is cruel and abusive. Just like
children, you have to love and instruct them on proper
behavior to have a well adjusted Ridgeback that is a pleasure
to be around.
Ridgebacks Need All of the Above For Their Lifetime
The average life span of most Ridgebacks is ten to twelve
years, but some have lived for sixteen years! So, your dog will
depend on you for love and care for a long time. Being a
responsible dog owner is an important job and requires your
serious commitment.
What are the GOOD points of Ridgebacks?
Ridgebacks have a short coat, don't shed much and are
practically odor free -- great for hot climates.
They are quite discriminating in who or what they bark at...you
should ALWAYS go check it out.
They are not fussy eaters and have virtually "cast-iron"
digestive systems.
They love living with people and are generally quiet in the
house.
Ridgebacks are intelligent and want to please their owner.
Ridgebacks are easily house-trained.
And, of course, they are the most handsome of dogs!
The Drawbacks:
As puppies they have surgical -- knife sharp teeth and the jaw
power of a Doberman Pinscher...they should never be
allowed to play roughly with humans of any age. They can do
major damage to coffee tables, shoes and anything else they
can find to chomp on. Crate training is a must to protect
home furnishings while you are not at home. As juveniles, if
left unattended, they can cause your house to self-destruct...at
least, it may appear that way! If left in the yard, they will find
things to chew on that you may not even know you own until it
ceases working. A bored Ridgeback is a major disaster
waiting to happen.
They are capable of digging ranch-sized holes, biting the
limbs off shrubs and ripping up small trees People who love
to garden must contend with the fact that their backyards will
belong to the dog!
They are not fussy eaters and have cast-iron stomachs - and
you thought this was a good thing -- NOT! It also means they
will attempt to eat anything that doesn't eat them first. They are
master counter-surfers...nothing is spared and they are fast.
Ridgeback owners have a tendency to overfeed their dogs,
causing gas - not the most pleasant aspect of dog
ownership. Remember, a Ridgeback always thinks it’s
hungry! You have to feed on schedule and stick to your plan.
Ridgebacks are "people" dogs, which means they should be
treated as family and not made to live solely alone in the yard,
otherwise, you wind up with a big, powerful, pushy creature of
your making! An adult RIDGEBACK can clear a five foot fence
if they want to. A bored dog is going to look for something to
do, even if that means outside your yard. No one wants to live
next door to someone who lets their dog out to eliminate on
the neighbors’ yard, whose dog gets out and kills cats or
scares the walkers, joggers and bike riders.
Ridgebacks grow to be big dogs and must attended
obedience classes with you so he won't become a "bad
apple" and make an ugly impression of the breed on anyone.
Learning to walk on a loose lead at an early age is essential
– nobody should be drug around by a big dog.
Ridgebacks are intelligent…this too, has been said -- what is
means is they are fully capable of training you before you can
train them. They are quite clever and can be willfully
disobedient. The earlier the obedience classes the better. We
can’t say this enough - A bored Ridgeback can be
quite destructive and may develop bad habits of chewing,
escaping crate and fencing, barking out of boredom and
generally making a pest of themselves. It is essential that you
have the time to put in with them, which can be as simple as
having them in the house with you when you are home or
spending time making sure they get a good amount of
exercise…whether outside hiking, training, running or walking
with them in safe areas.
Ridgebacks must be introduced to cats and even so, may be
aggressive towards strange felines.
Before you get a Ridgeback, please consider the adult size of
a Ridgeback and whether you and your family members will
be able to properly keep the dog and to train the dog to be a
great companion and a good canine citizen.
I have come across some psychotic puppy applications.
Don't fill them out if you are not comfortable (one wanted my
work phone so they could verify I was employed, and my
social). You do not have to know the answers to their
questions to get a puppy. Go somewhere else. There are
many who wont give you the third degree to get a dog. See
my breeder page.
Many times people see a breed of dog and fall in love with it’s
looks, never considering that this breed may be totally
unsuitable for their lifestyle, their facilities or their ability to
train and control it. All they know is they have got to have one!
Buying a dog on impulse is always a bad idea! As with
buying anything, YOU must educate yourself first: find out
what the breed is truly like, visit in the home of several people
who have that breed and find out what problems they have
encountered. Learn to ask the correct questions, not only
about the positive aspects of a breed but the negative, too.
And learn what questions to ask of the litter owners...think of it
as finding out what the "warranty" covers and the "features" of
the item.
Ridgebacks are not Labradors or Golden Retrievers in short
coats. They are hunting dogs and have a high prey drive.
Translation: They are quite independent -- they don’t fawn
over your every word, they can be oblivious to being called and
require a lot of positive motivation to train them in traditional
obedience. Many people are just not prepared for the
stubbornness and hardheadedness in this breed.
Any dog ownership requires responsibility. Dogs are not
something to decorate your home or yard, they are living,
feeling creatures who should be treated as members of your
family. This is especially true of Ridgebacks. They must be
made to feel as part of your "pack", i.e., your family, or they will
strike out on their own. You should think of them as a new
addition to your family and plan for them as you would a new
child.
Planning for Your Ridgeback is Essential
Dogs, especially puppies, will make a big demand on your
time. It takes time to properly feed, train and play with a new
puppy. Just like babies, young puppies are not able to make it
through the night and you will have to get up and take them
out. If you work, a new pup might require that you come home
at lunchtime to let them out or hire a noon time helper to
assist you.
Ridgebacks need plenty of exercise to stay happy and healthy.
You'll need to set aside playtime and time for training. Young
puppies need a lot of socialization to be good companions. A
weekly obedience training class and daily practice is a must
for your Ridgeback to become a welcome member of the
community!
If this seems like too much for you and your family's schedule,
then perhaps this is not the right time to get a Ridgeback.
Your Ridgeback Will Need Protection
Ridgebacks naturally want to hunt and have no sense of cars
or yard when they go after a squirrel, rabbit or cat. A fenced
yard is important for your dog's safety. Once a Ridgeback
starts after a squirrel or rabbit, nothing short of a six foot wall
or fence may stop them. Dogs allowed to roam are in danger
from becoming lost, of being hit by a car or being poisoned.
Your certainly don't want your dog to run away or get lost or
killed. It's also good idea to have your Ridgeback wear an
identification tag or, better yet, to have your dog permanently
identified with a tattoo or microchip just in case he manages
to get loose despite your efforts. And, of course, when he
leaves the yard he'll need a leash.
Your Ridgeback must have adequate shelter if he is outdoors
while you are away. Shelters must be cool in the summer and
warm in the winter.
Ridgebacks Grow to be BIG Dogs
Puppies don't stay little for long! When looking for any breed
you need to consider one that suits your environment and
lifestyle. Take the time to research a breed you are interested
in....visit in the homes of breeders or individuals who own that
breed. Ridgebacks may be appealing to you in a physical
sense, but they may not have the temperament suitable to
your lifestyle. For example: Ridgebacks at play are very
energetic - they need lots of space, can knock down children
and adults when they are roughhousing. If you live in the city,
you will need to first locate a dog park or area where your
Ridgeback can safely run and exercise….. a tired puppy is a
good puppy!
It's those people who buy on impulse who most often find
they can't live with Ridgeback and decide the dog has to go...
this is not fair to the dog! Often it’s these irresponsible
owners who further burden rescue with having to take in the
dog and rehabilitate it.
Again, take the time to read up on the Ridgeback, talk with
several knowledgeable owners, check the Internet and try to
visit in the home of several breeders. Try to go to some
shows and talk with exhibitors, but most of all observe,
observe, observe!
Money Concerns
The initial price of a dog is of concern to some, but it’s the
lifelong cost that they sometimes forget. In some
communities, dogs need a license. Failure to comply with
local laws may result in fines or penalties and may endanger
your right to keep your dog!
In addition to the purchase price of your dog, you must plan
for food, grooming, collars, a leash and some toys and a
special bed. Add in vet care and those training lessons!
All dogs need annual vaccination, heartworm medication,
and...just like humans...regular checkups. Sometimes, dogs
require flea and tick treatments or expensive treatments for
unexpected ailments or illnesses. Ask yourself if you can
afford a dog.
Ridgebacks Need Companionship
Friendship is a two-way street. Your dog deserves plenty of
attention so he'll be less inclined to bark or chew your
belongings or run away from home by climbing out, if he gets
your love and devotion. Dogs are emotional beings and to
neglect them by banishing them to a lonely life in the
yard, on a chain or in a run is cruel and abusive. Just like
children, you have to love and instruct them on proper
behavior to have a well adjusted Ridgeback that is a pleasure
to be around.
Ridgebacks Need All of the Above For Their Lifetime
The average life span of most Ridgebacks is ten to twelve
years, but some have lived for sixteen years! So, your dog will
depend on you for love and care for a long time. Being a
responsible dog owner is an important job and requires your
serious commitment.
What are the GOOD points of Ridgebacks?
Ridgebacks have a short coat, don't shed much and are
practically odor free -- great for hot climates.
They are quite discriminating in who or what they bark at...you
should ALWAYS go check it out.
They are not fussy eaters and have virtually "cast-iron"
digestive systems.
They love living with people and are generally quiet in the
house.
Ridgebacks are intelligent and want to please their owner.
Ridgebacks are easily house-trained.
And, of course, they are the most handsome of dogs!
The Drawbacks:
As puppies they have surgical -- knife sharp teeth and the jaw
power of a Doberman Pinscher...they should never be
allowed to play roughly with humans of any age. They can do
major damage to coffee tables, shoes and anything else they
can find to chomp on. Crate training is a must to protect
home furnishings while you are not at home. As juveniles, if
left unattended, they can cause your house to self-destruct...at
least, it may appear that way! If left in the yard, they will find
things to chew on that you may not even know you own until it
ceases working. A bored Ridgeback is a major disaster
waiting to happen.
They are capable of digging ranch-sized holes, biting the
limbs off shrubs and ripping up small trees People who love
to garden must contend with the fact that their backyards will
belong to the dog!
They are not fussy eaters and have cast-iron stomachs - and
you thought this was a good thing -- NOT! It also means they
will attempt to eat anything that doesn't eat them first. They are
master counter-surfers...nothing is spared and they are fast.
Ridgeback owners have a tendency to overfeed their dogs,
causing gas - not the most pleasant aspect of dog
ownership. Remember, a Ridgeback always thinks it’s
hungry! You have to feed on schedule and stick to your plan.
Ridgebacks are "people" dogs, which means they should be
treated as family and not made to live solely alone in the yard,
otherwise, you wind up with a big, powerful, pushy creature of
your making! An adult RIDGEBACK can clear a five foot fence
if they want to. A bored dog is going to look for something to
do, even if that means outside your yard. No one wants to live
next door to someone who lets their dog out to eliminate on
the neighbors’ yard, whose dog gets out and kills cats or
scares the walkers, joggers and bike riders.
Ridgebacks grow to be big dogs and must attended
obedience classes with you so he won't become a "bad
apple" and make an ugly impression of the breed on anyone.
Learning to walk on a loose lead at an early age is essential
– nobody should be drug around by a big dog.
Ridgebacks are intelligent…this too, has been said -- what is
means is they are fully capable of training you before you can
train them. They are quite clever and can be willfully
disobedient. The earlier the obedience classes the better. We
can’t say this enough - A bored Ridgeback can be
quite destructive and may develop bad habits of chewing,
escaping crate and fencing, barking out of boredom and
generally making a pest of themselves. It is essential that you
have the time to put in with them, which can be as simple as
having them in the house with you when you are home or
spending time making sure they get a good amount of
exercise…whether outside hiking, training, running or walking
with them in safe areas.
Ridgebacks must be introduced to cats and even so, may be
aggressive towards strange felines.
Before you get a Ridgeback, please consider the adult size of
a Ridgeback and whether you and your family members will
be able to properly keep the dog and to train the dog to be a
great companion and a good canine citizen.
I have come across some psychotic puppy applications.
Don't fill them out if you are not comfortable (one wanted my
work phone so they could verify I was employed, and my
social). You do not have to know the answers to their
questions to get a puppy. Go somewhere else. There are
many who wont give you the third degree to get a dog. See
my breeder page.
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