This wonderful breed was bred originally to hunt lions and their size and appearance will often give the impression that they might be an aggressive dog, in actual fact they are a very placid, gentle breed. Although gentle, they are still very loyal and protective of their human family.

Because they are such a large breed and are quite powerful it is important to have proper training with your Ridgeback so that they become well socialized and also so you can take them for a walk without them ripping your arm out of the socket. They will need daily exercise and it is best to be able to take them out for a walk without worrying about being able to control them.

Although this breed are generally not aggressive, they are very big and because of their size they can sometimes, unintentionally, cause injury by accidentally knocking someone over. This is particularly so with small children so it is important to supervise children while around large dogs. Ridgebacks just don't realize how big they actually are and when they get excited they can easily jump up and knock someone over.

All dogs are naturally pack animals and every pack has a leader. A Ridgeback will at some point try to assume the leadership role and it is very important to let your puppy know from a young age that his place is NOT at the top of the pack. Your dog needs to learn that you are the leader of the pack and all human family members are above him in the pack heirachy. Once he learns this then he will happily accept his position.

Rhodesian Ridgebacks are very intelligent and as a result are reasonably easy to train. Here are a few tips on how to teach your dog his position in the pack:

* When eating dinner, always eat before you feed the dog. Let your dog wait until the family have finished eating before he gets fed.

* When you feed your dog let him sit or stand and wait for his food. Put his bowl of food down in front of him but don't let him go to it yet. Tell him to stay and then wait for a few seconds before giving him a command to eat. It will only take a few times of doing this for him to know what is expected of him.

* Always make the dog enter or exit the house last. When you are going through a door, don't let him rush past you, make him wait until all humans have gone through the door and then let him through.

* Always use an authorative voice when disciplining your dog and stand over him to give him the impression that you are bigger and stronger and this will let him know that you are his superior.

It is important for a large dog breed to know his place in the pack, after all you don't want a large, strong dog being the boss of the house. He needs to know that you are his superior and he must obey your commands.

Dog Training Classes

Attending dog training classes is important with any dog as it helps socialize them and also helps them learn basic commands like sit, stand, stay, heel. After attending dog training classes you should be able to walk your dog without him pulling you along or without him trying to chase every other dog he sees.

Dogs love to please their masters and love to receive praise, so use lots of praise when training and your dog will love to continue doing well to please you.

If you train your Rhodesian Ridgeback puppy well and teach him they basic commands from an early age and let him know that you are his master, then you will have a very manageable and pleasant dog. Then your dog will give you the respect and trust that you demand of him. Remember that cute little puppy will grow up to be a very large dog, so look past those puppy dog eyes and give him the discipline that will turn him into a lovely, obedient dog.

Rhodesian Ridgebacks are a loyal, intelligent and loving dog and if you train them well thwy will be a pleasure to have in your home.