1. Are You Ready For A Rhodesian Ridgeback Puppy?
You need to really think about whether or not you can provide the puppy with everything he’ll need. This especially true if you’re thinking about getting a Rhodesian Ridgeback puppy. You’ll need to research, research and then research some more. You need to be sure that this is the breed for you. Here are a few things to think about.
- High energy – They were bred for endurance, so they need a lot of exercise. At the very least, they need a long walk three to four times a week, and they need playtime in the yard every day.
- Social – They don’t do well if they spend long periods of time alone.
- Socialization – If they haven’t been properly socialized as a puppy, then they tend to be badly adjusted adults. This can result in them being aloof, and unable to cope with other people, animals or places. You need to have a lot of time to socialize your puppy.
- Training – Your puppy needs consistent training. You should also consider taking your puppy to obedience classes, especially if you’ve never owned a Rhodesian Ridgeback.
- Food – You need to think about how you would feed the puppy, and how that would change when he reaches adulthood. Rhodesian Ridgebacks are notorious for trying to get extra food, so make sure you’re prepared not to give in.
- Expenses – Owning a dog can be costly, so you need to be prepared for the financial aspect. This includes buying the things he needs, as well as food, and vet bills. You should also be prepared for any emergency vet bills as well.
- Existing Animals – If you have pets already, then you’re definitely going to need a puppy, rather than an adult dog. A puppy can grow up and be well adjusted to the other animals in the home.
- High Prey Drive – Remember Rhodesian Ridgebacks were originally bred as hunters and protectors. This can be helpful in terms of training, but it can also mean that your puppy will get themselves into trouble. Always have them on a lead when you’re out in public. They can easily become so focused on ‘prey’ and won’t watch for cars or other dangers.
Learn more about their personality here.
2. Finding A Puppy
When you start looking for a puppy, you have two options – rescue a puppy, or look for a breeder.
Rescue
If you want a rescue puppy, you may need to wait a long time for a suitable one to become available. However, a massive plus in taking on a rescue puppy is that the shelter will match your personality and lifestyle to the puppy’s. It means that the dog should fit in well into your household.
The downside to rescuing a puppy is that you generally won’t know the full history. You won’t know how well socialized the puppy has been, or how it was treated with its previous owners. This can mean that a rescue puppy, especially one that has had a bad start in life, may not be the most suitable option for first time Rhodesian Ridgeback owners.
If you are interested in a rescue dog, please contact us for further information.
Breeder
Be prepared for the breeder to have as many questions for you as you have for them. In fact, be wary of a breeder who doesn’t ask you questions. Responsible breeders are looking to place their puppies in the right home.
Look for a breeder within driving distance of your home, as you’ll want to meet the litter and the breeder. You’ll also want to meet the parents, or at least the mother. Many breeders won’t feel comfortable with their puppies traveling long distances to reach their new homes. Make list of potential breeders, and give them a call. Arrange to visit them.
If you are unable to arrange a visit for a face-to-face meeting, the breeder would be happy to organize a video meeting.
A good breeder will have an idea of where the individual puppy should be placed, and will want to talk with you. They’ll want to get to know you and your family. There are a few things you can decide before you meet with the breeder.
At Lovat Pride Rhodesian Ridgeback, we will ask that you complete a New Puppy Questionnaire. We will have assessed every puppy in the litter and made a decision as to whether they’re a pet, or a show dog. As well, we will have a pretty good idea of the personality of our puppies. Be honest about what you want. This will help us to provide you with the most suitable puppy for your household.
3. Show Puppies
Show puppies are the ones that meet the breed standard and have show potential. This doesn’t mean that they aren’t suitable as a family pet. Though it can mean that they are more expensive than ‘pet’ puppies. If you don’t intend to show your puppy, then choose a ‘pet’ puppy instead. If you do intend to show your puppy, make sure that you find confirmation classes as well as obedience classes in your local area.
3. Puppy Proofing Your Home
You’ll need to prepare your home for the new arrival. It’s a good idea to crawl around your house at puppy level so you can see where the dangers are. You might look and feel a little silly, but it will help you see things from a puppy point of view.
- Hide all electrical cords.
- Move houseplants from puppy level.
- Lock cabinets.
- Make sure all medicines or chemicals are either locked away, or are placed up high.
- Keep anything you want to protect above puppy level.
- Get a garbage can with a locking lid.
- Supervise your puppy.
Puppies love to explore their new world, and boundaries, but Rhodesian Ridgeback puppies are large, with sharp teeth, and quite powerful jaws. If you’ve puppy proofed, you may still lose some shoes, but your puppy won’t get into anything that could be dangerous for them.
4. Puppy Supplies
Shopping for supplies for your puppy is really exciting. It brings you one step closer to having your puppy in your home. You can ask your breeder for advice on what brands they use, but there are some things you will absolutely need.
- Puppy food (as recommended by your breeder)
- Bowls
- Collar and leash
- Crate
- Blankets
- Toys
- Grooming supplies
- Puppy pads
- Treats
5. Find a Local Vet
When you’re choosing a vet, you need to be sure that you feel comfortable with them. Make sure your vet is properly accredited. You can ask for a tour of the facility so you can take a look around. While you’re talking with the practice you should ask the following questions.
- How far in advance will you be able to make routine appointments?
- What is the emergency policy?
- Can you make appointments with a specific vet?
- Do they have a network of specialists if you need to be referred?
- Do you have any online services?
- What payment options are accepted?
7. Training
If this is your first dog, or even your first Rhodesian Ridgeback, it’s not just the puppy who will need training, but you as well. Rhodesian Ridgebacks need consistent, firm but fair training. They’re very intelligent, and can pick up things easily. The key is in reinforcing the education. If you want your puppy to stay off the beds, for example, then it’s not going to be okay to just let them on the bed ‘just this once’. Instead it will be confusing for them.
Again, research here is important. You’ll need to take your puppy to obedience classes, so look for ones in your area. Ask your vet for recommendations. Ask other owners which classes they used. Talk to the trainers, and find out which ones you feel comfortable with. Obedience classes aren’t just for training, but they’re invaluable in socializing your puppy as well.
Training At Home
When you get your new puppy home, toilet training and crate training will need to begin straight away. Your breeder will probably have made a start on this before you get your puppy, but you will need to continue it consistently. Establish a toileting routine as soon as you can, and make sure you take them outside regularly. You’ll need to be patient, especially as the first days will be marked with many accidents. This is to be expected. Your puppy needs to get used to their new environment.
Show Training
If you want to show your puppy, you’ll need to find showing classes as well as obedience classes. You will be looking for someone with experience. You’ll want someone who has shown dogs, and can guide you through what would be required from your puppy. They’ll teach you how to make your puppy stand correctly for judging, in a way that shows off their confirmation. Someone with experience will also be able to talk you through what goes into preparing your puppy for shows. This includes grooming, feeding and supplementation, as well as how you should look in the ring yourself.
Learn more about training here.
Lovat Pride Rhodesian Ridgeback 