THE RIGHT BREED?
Is a Ridgeback right for you and are they good for first time Owners? Surprising Truth Rhodesian Ridgeback by The Puppy Mag,
Getting a Rhodesian ridgeback when you are a first-time dog owner, is admittedly, like jumping into the deep end of the pool before knowing how to swim. But, this article isn’t here to squash ridgeback dreams, as I do think it’s possible, as long as some crucial understandings are covered beforehand.
While Rhodesian ridgebacks generally aren’t recommended for first-time dog owners, it’s not impossible to make work. First-time dog owners must understand that a ridgeback will test their patience, authority, and willpower, but with determination, consistency, and resilience a first-timer can certainly do it.
What First Time Owners Must Know About Rhodesian Ridgebacks
So why is it that breeders, veterinarians, and most other ridgeback owners claim ridgebacks to be too much to handle for first-timers?
Let’s walk through some of the most important things for first-time owners to know.
1. Ridgebacks are very independent and strong-minded
Perhaps the biggest trait to tackle for new owners is the fact that ridgebacks are very strong-minded and incredibly independent. They think for themselves and can be frustratingly stubborn. Although they are highly trainable, they love to do things their way. This requires an equally strong-minded leader that’s firm, fair, and authoritative.
Acting independently and thinking for themselves was a key part of their survival and success in both hunting and guarding. So this trait is non-negotiable, and it can’t be “removed”. It will be a matter of working with it and training in certain ways.
2. Ridgebacks must be put to work and need a role to fulfill
Ridgebacks are not couch potatoes, they are a highly active breed that must be put to work. They are true working dogs that crave having a job or task to complete for their owner. This can be a hard concept to understand for new owners, but it’s absolutely crucial.
Consistent training, exercise, interaction, socialization, and a lot of your time are required as it’s you who needs to facilitate everything for your ridgeback. They might be able to think for themselves, but they certainly don’t train, exercise, or entertain themselves.
A Rhodesian ridgeback that is not stimulated both mentally and physically every single day, to a high level, will soon cause problems for the owner.
3. Adult Ridgebacks need a lot of exercise
An adult Rhodesian ridgebacks need a surprising amount of exercise on a daily basis. A healthy adult ridgeback will need a solid 2 hours of exercise every day. Preferably split up into two sessions, one hour in the morning and another in the evening.
And as ridgebacks are so athletic, a simple walk will not suffice, a mixture of running, agility activities, swimming, and chasing their ball should all be part of a varied exercise plan.
It’s really important to consider your schedule and how much time you have, if this already seems impractical for the owner’s schedule, then it would not be fair to get a ridgeback in the first place. Exercise is fundamental to their health and behaviour.
Note the above listed exercise is not suitable for a growing puppy and young dog. Do not overexercise.
4. Ridgebacks are large and physically strong
Ridgebacks grow to be considerably large and particularly thick-set males can weigh up to 30 to 50kgs with this agility, speed, and power, a new owner must be physically ready to handle such a dog.
This is no small dog to have to manage especially when out in public, which adds to the importance of getting a grip on their training, obedience, and behaviour.
5. Ridgebacks are natural guard dogs
Adding to their physicality is their ability to hunt and guard. While ridgebacks are not by nature an aggressive or “dangerous” breed, they certainly can be when either trained incorrectly or under various circumstances.
Their size and strength put a lot of responsibility on the owner. The owner needs to be proactive and situationally aware to prevent any unwanted attacks or difficult situations to deal with.
Providing sufficient early-on socialization and training will likely result in friendly and sociable ridgeback. Although this doesn’t mean that the next dog you cross paths with will want to make friends, and it’s in these moments the owner must be ready to react quickly.
A Rhodesian Ridgeback is a unique dog that requires a specific type of home.
"Dogs are not our whole lives, they make our lives whole."
Roger Caras