Rhodesian Ridgeback Training As A Guard Dog

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Patrick Swayze had one. Kylie Minogue misses hers. In the most recent years, Rhodesian Ridgebacks have been increasingly popular among celebrities and dog lovers alike. Originating in South Africa and initially bred to help hunt lions, these highly remarkable dogs are quite known for their boundless energy and guard dog characteristics. Being protective of their owner and family is a Ridgeback's almost inherent trait; the challenge is to make them a good in doing so. Rhodesian Ridgeback guard dog training should not be that complicated. If you just bought a new pup or a professional Ridgeback breeder, the following tips will be of help to you.

Start early. You can train a ridgeback to be a guard dog at any age, but it is highly ideal to begin while he is still a puppy. He will be delighted in learning new things, and so dog training at the age of 6 months to a year old would be best.

Rhodesian Ridgeback Puppies

Socialize. One of the best ways to get started with training a Rhodesian Ridgeback pup is to socialize them. Get them acquainted with their surroundings. Noises and distractions should be something that they can be indifferent to.

Rhodesian Ridgeback Training As A Guard Dog

Schedule. Providing a set schedule allows both you and your ridgeback to have a routine. Remember that Rhodesian Ridgebacks are highly energetic dogs that need a lot of exercise; running around the block or starting with a long walk can warm them up and help them focus more on training.

Sit! and others. It is always beneficial to start dog training with basic commands. "Sit", "down" and "stay" should be combined with clear hand signals for your ridgebacks to obey easily. Treats are also going to help greatly in getting them excited about dog training, but be cautious: you do not want your dog to be treat-dependent in following your orders.

Speak! Barking is considered "dog-speak" for canines, and in training your Ridgeback, you should be able to teach them to bark when someone arrives into your home. While this is almost like a dog's default reaction, it would be helpful to also teach them to stop when they are told. Start with praising the dog for barking and customize another command to let them know that the visitor is not a stranger.

Secure. Unlike other dogs, Ridgebacks are eager and expected to follow orders from their master. While it is tempting to show others that your dog is obedient, a good guard dog should be able to distinguish the master's commands and that of strangers.

Select. In the event that your dog needs to deal with a potential trespasser, only choose the parts of the body that your Rhodesian Ridgeback should attack. Extremities such as arms or legs are the most common, and dog training should also include the command "drop" to release the dog's mouth from the stranger.

Rhodesian Ridgeback training should not be so difficult if you just continue to be consistent, patient with them and quick to praise. Like any other dog, ridgebacks also need the love and warmth that comes with taking care of a pet. Dog training should be a fun bonding experience between you and him, no matter how aggressive and dangerous these guard dogs may seem to be.

Rhodesian Ridgeback Training As A Guard Dog

Rhodesian Ridgeback pups; Jua 060410

post.body Rhodesian Ridgeback pups; Jua 060410 Tube. Duration : 1.98 Mins.

Jua van Tembeza en haar 2 dagen oude Pups (geboren op 4 april 2010). Tembeza's Jua and her spring puppies of 2 days old (born on april 4 2010).

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Rhodesian Ridgeback Puppy Singing to Squeak Toy

post.body Rhodesian Ridgeback Puppy Singing to Squeak Toy Tube. Duration : 0.72 Mins.

Murphy, a beautiful 4 month-old (when video was made) Rhodesian Ridgeback puppy, and had just successfully ripped the squeaker out of his first toy. I think maybe he was trying to communicate with it, or maybe he thought it was another puppy, or something...? He gets crazy vocal, singing and talking to the toy. At one point he sounds human!

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Ridgeback Puppy - Dayo the Ridgeback Hard at Work

post.body Ridgeback Puppy - Dayo the Ridgeback Hard at Work Tube. Duration : 0.47 Mins.

Introducing a new member of our family, Dayo the Ridgeback. He was sired by Pirate of Shabani Rhodesian Ridgebacks. www.shabani.com

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Vicious BanShee Puppies 5 weeks 2 days 12/16/10

post.body Vicious BanShee Puppies 5 weeks 2 days 12/16/10 Tube. Duration : 8.33 Mins.

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Brother and Sister Ridgeback Reunion

post.body Brother and Sister Ridgeback Reunion Tube. Duration : 4.35 Mins.

Our 'Slickback' (born ridgeless) Rhodesian Ridgeback rescuee, Kim, (the bigger and lazier of the two) meets his long-lost sister and littermate after 5 months of separation, during which time she's continued to be neglected and abused. We are planning to take her in just as we took her brother in when he escaped his abusive home and arrived on our doorstep 5 months ago. But as she is now nearly ten months old and has never received any training or socialising, we are going to have our work cut out. Luckily for us, we live across the road from a 20 Km long beach in a remote area, so there shouldn't be too many casualties! Despite ruthless culling (killing) of all ridgeless pups as enshrined in the Rhodesian Ridgeback breed standard, 1 in 20 Rhodesian Ridgebacks is born without a ridge. Anyone wondering about, or objecting to, the lack of a ridge on what must still be called 'Slickback' Rhodesian Ridgebacks will have to accept the ungainly nomenclature until breeders come to their senses and either admit the ridge for what it is — a medical deformity, iea mild form of Spina Bifida which puts the young pups at a 10% risk of a potentially lethal and medically expensive complication called Dermoid Sinus (an opening leading from the spinal cord to a hole in the skin on the ridge, forming a potential entry passage for bacteria etc. into the spinal cord or brain) — and either breed this dangerous, purely cosmetic deformity out altogether leaving all 'Ridgebacks' free from Spina ...

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About Defense Dogs

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Guard dogs are often chosen by animal lovers who are looking to add security to their homes. Although a dog can not replace a security system, these dogs can not only help keep your home safe, but also to keep your family safe.

According to most books, the best dogs are , the Doberman, the Rhodesian Ridgeback, the Bull Mastiffs, Rottweilers, the Chow Chow and German Shepherds. These dogs are the best choices becayse they have instincts that are deeply embedded in them to keep the house. Their size and their barking sound they are powerful and strong deterrent to thieves.

Rhodesian Ridgeback Puppies

Raising Guard Dogs

About Defense Dogs

Since the guard dogs are potentially dangerous animals, they need special training. The races are the best guard dogs have a very strong instinct for preservation which makes them likely to attack if they feel the cause. They are not as tolerant to teasing or abuse than other races. For this reason, the watchdog should receive professional training.

At best, you want an animal that you can easily control but defending your title as its territory.

Start at the start by buying a puppy from a breeder with a good reputation. Gender is irrelevant. Males and females can both be trained to make good watchdogs. You will need to socialize the dog early on, both with other people and other dogs. They should also be accustomed to traffic and noise in your neighborhood. Regular walks will do.

The trainers prefer to work with dogs who are young (6 to 12 months), although older dogs can still learn new things, but more slowly. At the first training a dog should receive basic training for obedience. The dog learns to obey the basic movements of your hand and voice signals, and walk at your side without you exceed. To guard dogs, there is an additional training called Training for Aggression Contrôlée which will take 3 to 6 months. This is where the dog learns to attack on command and that his instinct to protect your home is sharpened.

It is important to remember that owning a trained guard dog is like to possess a weapon. You must take responsibility. Be sure your family and friends do not come unannounced, and if foreigners came to work for you, you must prevent the dog's temperament.

If you take care of these advices, then you will be able to own a beautiful and somewhat scary guard dog!

About Defense Dogs

Dog Health 101 - Degenerative Myelopathy

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Most pet lovers would opt for pets that they can touch and play around with. Many of them choose dogs because they are known to be man's best friends. And who wouldn't love dogs? They are fun, kind and playful in nature and they can live for quite a long time. However, like humans, dogs also face plenty of illnesses when they grow old. Their bones and eyesight get weak, they get tired easily, not to mention they also have specific sicknesses that hit their lives and their hearts if not given the right amount of nutrition, vitamins and shots as puppies. One of these illnesses is degenerative myelopathy.

Canine degenerative myelopathy is an illness that develops in the spinal cords of older dogs. This disease commonly sets in between 6 to 13 years of the dog's life. It starts with the loss of ataxia on the back limbs. Dog breeds that are most prone to this sickness are Boxers, German Shepherds, Rhodesian Ridgebacks, Chesapeake Bay Retrievers, Welsh Corgis, and 30 other breeds. The end result of the disease is paralysis. When this illness has fully blown, there will be no communication between the nerves of the dog's brain and its lower body. The worst part about this sickness is that it's non-reversible and you can not cure it.

Rhodesian Ridgeback Puppies

Degenerative myelopathy is commonly mistaken as arthritis because their symptoms are very alike. The dog would drag its paw or both of them when it moves. The constant dragging will damage their nails and wear them down. As the illness progress, the dog may show some symptoms like incontinence, lack of balance, and difficulty in walking. This illness can spread to the dog's front legs and will soon stop the dog from moving. Many dog owners who have experienced having a pet with this sickness were forced to put them to sleep to end their misery. It's a very painful thing to go through.

Dog Health 101 - Degenerative Myelopathy

Luckily, even if the dog has been diagnosed with this illness, it can still live a normal canine life. Exercise is a big help in keeping their hind legs active and it even increases their survival time. Some veterinarians would also recommend hydro therapy, which is basically swimming. The best thing dog owners can also do is to prevent the illness. Giving their dogs the right diet as puppies will give them avoids many health problems in the future.

Dog Health 101 - Degenerative Myelopathy

Thai Ridgeback Puppy

post.body Thai Ridgeback Puppy Video Clips. Duration : 0.15 Mins.

A TRD puppy open the door at the age of 4 months. See more Thai Ridgeback story and photo gallery at www.thairidgeback.org and www.trdbreed.com

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How to Select Your Pet

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I can't think of a time in my life that I haven't loved dogs. As a very small child, I wanted to run to every dog that crossed my range of vision and play with it. Size and shape didn't matter, they all needed to be petted and talked to. We had many dogs in my family while I was growing up, all mixes that brought us joy and companionship. I have fond memories of their unique personalities and quirky behaviors.

It's no surprise that I told my fiance that we had to have a dog. Life wouldn't be complete without one. He agreed, mostly because he wanted me to have some protection while he was at work. We spent the first two years of our marriage carefully researching breeds. We made a list of desired qualities and traits, looked at what kind of care we could give the dog, and started looking for a breed that fit the list. In the end, we decided on a Rhodesian Ridgeback. Do I love this breed? Absolutely. Would I recommend them to everyone? Certainly not. Why not? No one breed is ideal for everyone. In fact, dogs aren't the ideal pet for everyone. Loving them is important, but that's only part of the equation that leads to a happy owner and a happy pet. Falling instantly in love with the cute puppy does not qualify a person to own a dog!

Rhodesian Ridgeback Puppies

I'm not saying everyone must take two years to decide on a companion pet, but research should always be the first step of bringing any pet into your life. Here are a few of the important questions that need to be asked and answered before getting any pet:

How to Select Your Pet

1. Are you willing and happy to train (or learn to train) a pet? If not, take dogs off the pet list altogether.

2. What is your activity level? How much time and space do you have for exercise with you pet?

3. How much time do you want to spend each week grooming?

4. Can you afford the costs of proper food and veterinary care? Does the pet/breed you're interested in have a tendency for certain medical conditions?

5. Do you have (or are you planning to have) children?

6. Will you be traveling extensively?

7. Do you have rental limitations on pet ownership?

8. Are you willing to pay for the damage that pets will inevitably do to your property?

When you've answered those questions, you're in a better position to do some in-depth research about breeds and breed mixes. Not all dogs are created equally. Never, ever, EVER get a dog based on looks alone. Find out what makes the dog tick. What are the instincts this dog is hardwired with? Was the breed (or dominant breed in a mix) intended to hunt, guard, be a constant companion, or some other work? Is the dog easily trainable? Is it independent or compliant? What are its exercise requirements? Is it calm or easily excitable? How much grooming is required each day/week?

Where do you start getting the answers to these questions? I recommend buying or borrowing the ASPCA's book Complete Guide to Dogs. They have pictures and information on more than 150 breeds, as well as some of the most common breed mixes. The most helpful feature of this book is an easy to read key down the margin of each page that gives information about activity level, grooming needs, etc. It makes it much easier to find the breeds that fit your needs and lifestyle.

When you've narrowed down your list of breeds or breed mixes to a few options, there are several places to continue your research. National breed clubs are a great place to get information online. National breed clubs are parent clubs of a specific breed. They will have detailed information about the breed from people who specialize in that breed. You can find national breed clubs on the American Kennel Club website.

Internet message boards also exist for just about every breed under the sun. You can ask questions and get information from owners of the breed you're interested in. Breed characteristics that are endearing and funny to one person may be terribly annoying and agitating to another. Don't underestimate the value of talking to someone who lives with the breed every day!

After you've done your research, where do you get a pet? I have two dogs, each from a different source. We bought Rock from a breeder when he was a puppy, and a few years later we adopted Brodie as a young dog from a breed rescue. I recommend looking at a breed rescue group or your local humane society first. It is estimated that six million dogs and cats are euthanized each year because of irresponsible owners. They deserve a second chance in a good home. Breed rescues can be found on the American Kennel Club link or on a search engine. A good rescue will have you fill out an application and probably interview you to make sure you are a good match for their breed.

Most local humane societies will have a website where you can watch for the breed/mix you're interested in. You can also search Petfinders website to see other dogs up for adoption in any geographic location. If you prefer to buy from a breeder who gives a health guarantee, the best place to find a responsible breeder is through the parent breed club or the AKC.

Having a purebred dog is not enough reason to breed! You should be prepared to ask a lot of questions yourself to ensure the breeder is ethical and responsible. A good breeder will have you fill out an application before the breeding is planned. They will normally not breed a dog unless it has earned its championship status. They may have you sign a contract to have your dog spayed or neutered on a designated timeline to prevent an unwanted, unplanned litter. A good breeder will have a lot of questions to ask you to ensure that you are the right owner for one of their dogs.

Be patient about getting your dog. This isn't something that should be rushed through. The right dog in the right home will make very happy owners and very happy pets. My dogs are part of everything I do, my constant shadows. They are great with my kids because I taught the kids and the dogs how to treat each other from day one. They are curious, intense in everything they do, sneaky, independent yet clingy, affectionate, protective, quick to learn, not so quick to obey, and absolutely perfect for me.
I'm glad I did my research.

Tamie Adams

How to Select Your Pet

Hip Dysplasia - Is Your Dog Predisposed?

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Hip Dysplasia is frequently a painful crippling genetic developmental orthopedic disease. The sloppy breeding of two dysplastic parents is mainly the cause for the disease to be so rampant. Most often found in larger breeds, smaller breed dogs are also susceptible of receiving the defective genes.

What is Hip Dysplasia?

Rhodesian Ridgeback Puppies

Hip dysplasia occurs in the "ball and socket" joint of the dog. When the "ball" does not fit tight in the "socket," it causes friction, inflammation, cartilage damage, and pain. It can and does often lead to arthritis so crippling, surgery or euthanasia are the only options.

Hip Dysplasia - Is Your Dog Predisposed?

There are two types of hip dysplasia: acute and chronic. Acute (early) is usually observed in young dogs, noted by severe pain in the hips and lameness. In the acute stage, symptoms can last from a few weeks to months.

Chronic (late) commonly appears in older dogs. However, it can appear in dogs less than a year old. The dog appears in pain, has less range of motion of their hips, plus, arthritis has usually set in, and is progressing.

What Signs Should I Watch For?

Lameness or limping after exercise or walks, waddling/swaying gait, difficulty standing up, stiffness especially on cold, damp days, moodiness, unenthusiastic to move, protective of hip area, and decreased range of motion around hips are a few signs to watch for.

How is Hip Dysplasia Diagnosed?

Your veterinarian can diagnose it through a physical examination, PennHIP x-ray, CT scans, and/or ultrasound.

The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) recommends the hip-extended ventro-dorsal view x-ray. With that, your veterinarian can get a frontal view of the hip joints and pelvis. This procedure is most widely used by veterinarians as the view also allows for an judgment of if there is arthritis and the amount of present.

How Will My Dog Be Treated for Hip Dysplasia?

Depending on the degree of damage, there are a number of options. They include: weight loss, change of diet, physical therapy, limited exercise, anti-inflammatory medications, pain medication and surgery.

In severe cases, where the animal is severely crippled beyond hope, euthanasia is at times recommended.

How Do I Prevent My Dog From Hip Dysplasia?

Before purchasing a dog, make sure the breeder is reputable! Ask for a copy of all documentation that the parents are PennHIP x-rayed and OFA certified.

Feed large breed puppies, food customized to their needs. Feeding high protein, over supplemented food, can invite problems later on.

Do not over feed your dog.

Do not let them jump in and out of your vehicle, especially SUVs and trucks. Provide a ramp.

Limit excessive weight bearing exercise. Swimming is a great way to exercise any dog, especially at risk breeds.

Do not allow at risk breeds to jump on and off furniture, decks, porches, etc.

Do not allow at risk breeds to jump for balls, toys or Frisbees.

Have your puppy x-rayed when they are around six months old.

Breeds Genetically Predisposed to Hip Dysplasia include but are not limited to:

Afghan Hound
Airdale
Akita
Alaskan Malamute
American Eskimo Dog
American Staffordshire Terrier
Australian Cattle Dog
Australian Shepherd
Beagle
Bearded Collie
Belgian Malinois
Belgian Sheepdog
Belgian Tervuren
Bernese Mountain Dog
Black and Tan Coonhound
Bloodhound
Border Collie
Bouvier des Flandres
Briard
Bullmastiff
Cardigan Welsh Corgi
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Chinook
Clumberland Spaniel
Chesapeake Bay Retriever
Curley Coated Retriever
Chow Chow
Doberman Pincher
Dalmatian
English Setter
English Springer Spaniel
English Shepherd
Finish Spitz
Flat Coated Retriever
Field Spaniel
German Shorthaired Pointer
German Wirehaired Pointer
Golden Retriever
Gordon Setter
Giant Schnauzer
Great Dane
Great Pyrenees
German Shepherd
Greater Swiss Mountain Dog
Irish Setter
Irish Water Spaniel
Irish Wolfhound
Keeshond
Komondor
Labrador Retriever
Mastiff
Newfoundland
Norwegian Elkhound
Norwegian Buhund
Norwegian Elkhound
Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever
Old English Mastiff
Old English Sheepdog
Otterhound
Pembroke Welsh Corgi
Pointer
Portuguese Water Dog
Puli
Rhodesian Ridgeback
Rottweiler
Saint Bernard
Samoyed
Shiba Inu
Siberian Husky
Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier
Standard Poodle
Standard Schnauzer
Tibetian Terrier
Vizsla
Weimaraner
Wirehaired Pointing Griffon

Bottom line: Hip Dysplasia is a painful, debilitating, disease. Do your homework, educate yourself on what to look for, take necessary precautions, use common sense but, most importantly; enjoy your dog!

Hip Dysplasia - Is Your Dog Predisposed?

Family walks with Cleo, our 6-month old Rhodesian Ridgeback

post.body Family walks with Cleo, our 6-month old Rhodesian Ridgeback Video Clips. Duration : 4.97 Mins.

Sunday at the lake and walking in the forest with our 6 month old Rhodesian Ridgeback, Cleo. Sorry for the poor quality for the lake shots...we forgot the Flip and I had to use an iphone app for video. Song is "Water Song" by Hot Tuna

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Warning, Guard Dog on Premise

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These days it seems as though home security has become an industry focused on the newest and most cutting edge of gadgets and systems. From night vision surveillance cameras to bulletproof glass in home windows, the times, as Bob Dylan once sang, they are a changing. However, no matter how high tech the home security low down becomes, there is one piece of home protection equipment that you may have forgotten to order with your stealth alarm system. A real gem of a device that has been used with proven results for thousands of years. Not only will it alert you of potential danger, it may even fetch the newspaper for you. Known as man's best friend they are also one of man's best defences when it comes to home security. Yes, the humble and loyal guard dog.

Assuming that you have the means and space to keep a substantially sized dog on your property, perhaps the first thing to consider is whether you want a guard dog or a watch dog. The majority of dogs are watch dogs by instinctual manner, they will bark and become suspicious when something disturbs them (some on the other hand will approach strangers in the hope that they come bearing gifts of doggy treats, and than proceed to roll over for a belly rub). Some breeds have been trained to be better, or more alert, watch dogs than others. As well almost any medium to large sized dog has a certain air about him or her that seems to say, "You really want to mess with me?" Think about it, if you are walking down the street and you see someone walking a Corky you are far less likely to be alarmed or cautious than if you saw a bullmastiff coming your way. When talking about actual guard dogs, not your garden variety household watch dog, we are talking about a dog that has been trained and often bred for the purpose of guarding and defending your home.

Rhodesian Ridgeback Puppies

Where a watch dog may bark, the threat often ends there (so hence the term "his bark is worse than his bite"). With a guard dog the opposite is true. While some people take it upon themselves to train their dog to be a guard dog, other folks opt to buy an animal that has been trained by an expert (who will typically be a dog breeder as well) in this field. Somewhere in between lays guard dog training classes, or private instructors that you may find listings for in larger cities or online.

Warning, Guard Dog on Premise

A guard dog, while generally kind and calm with its master and family, is not the sort of animal that you let run free in the neighbourhood. It is an animal that has been trained to defend and at times even attack in order to protect its masters and property. They are strong, athletic dogs whose wolf and wild animal genetics have been honed and put to use in order to defend and protect. This is not to say that every guard dog is waiting to bite someone's face off. On the contrary, as with almost all domestic dogs, if they are well handled and cared for from puppy-hood then a guard dog can have a gentle, sweet temperament around not only its owners but those people that its masters assure the dog are not a potential threat.

There are many things to consider when contemplating a guard dog. One key point is that training a dog solely to attack and physically do harm to other people is quite often considered illegal as it is in essence training the animal to be a weapon. Guard dogs should be on alert for all kinds of intruder or disturbances, from people to other animals or loud sounds. But at the same time they need to be well trained, aware of when, and only when it would be appropriate to actually do more than just bark. Always check the laws in your area or country when it comes to guard dogs, as some breeds are even illegal to own or train as guard animals in certain places. A middle ground between barking and attacking is a guard dog that has been trained to simply attempt to restrain the intruder (one method of this type of training is Schutzhund training).

Another important factor is the size and breed of the dog. Common breeds of guard dogs with successful track records include (but are not limited to) Akitas, Chow Chows, Mastiffs, German Shepherds, Doberman Pinschers, Dogue de Bordeauxs, Fila Brasileiro (a somewhat rare breed from Brazil), Rottweilers, Rhodesian Ridgebacks, Boxers, Great Pyreneeses, and yes, even the misunderstood Pit Bull Terrier.

Before you rush out to buy a guard dog though, or look at Fido your pet poodle and wonder if he's trainable, consider that a guard dog requires a lot of care and attention. As well you will need to put up signs on your property warning visitors (and potential intruders) of your canine home security system. Should you decide to get a guard dog, love it and treat it as you would any dog, as you rest assured that your age old home security system is on guard twenty-four-seven. Ready to both bark and play fetch at the drop of a hat.

Warning, Guard Dog on Premise

Aggressive Dogs The Good and the Bad of Dog Breeds

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The media has played a part in presenting certain dog breeds in a bad light, portraying them as aggressive and dangerous, in light of recent dog attacks: 4 children have been killed by dogs in 30 months. We even have a law called the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 which states that pit bull terriers, Japanese Tosa, Dogo Argentino and Tila Brasileiro are too dangerous to own or breed from so it is now illegal to do so in the UK. Dogs such as the pit bull terrier present a tough image which appeals to some people, particularly young men who use them and other breeds as status symbols to make themselves appear tougher. In these cases the dogs aren't properly trained and aggressive behaviour may be actively encouraged by isolating the dog so that it isn't used to or comfortable with strangers, or by teasing and provoking the dog encouraging it to bark and bite.

Some breeds were originally selectively bred for fighting, so have a greater tendency for aggression and have certain qualities such as a strong jaw, or they bite and don't let go for a while. Therefore if they do attack then the consequences can be fatal, and there is usually much media coverage.   Four breeds: the Pit Bull Terrier, Dogo Argentino, Fila Brasileiro and Japanese Tosa, are now illegal to own or breed under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991, unless you have an exemption from the court and follow the guidelines they lay down.  

Rhodesian Ridgeback Puppies

However any dog can bite, especially if it is not trained or socialised properly, isolated, neglected or encouraged to behave aggressively. Allowing a dog to behave aggressively makes the dog think that this is appropriate behaviour, and if it gets attention on demand it believes that it is the top dog. If a dog thinks that it is at the top of the hierarchy then it may become aggressive if its status is challenged, such as being given a command: it believes that it is the top dog so it should demand attention not the other way around; or if another member of the family receives more attention than it.  

Aggressive Dogs The Good and the Bad of Dog Breeds

The problem is that current bite statistics can be misleading because many dog bites go unreported and only bites that require medical attention are taken into account for these statistics. This means that dogs that have specific fighting qualities from when they were used as fighting dogs or hunters, or larger dogs with more strength appear to be more aggressive than they actually are. When a pit bull terrier attacks it is more likely to have serious consequences, but some breeds from the toy group can be just as aggressive but their bites have little effect so the incidence isn't reported and a distorted image is presented about aggressive dogs.  

A recent study carried out on 6,000 dogs and their owners found out 33 of the most aggressive dogs, and also those which have good temperaments. The study involved collecting data from two different groups. The first group consisted of 11 different breeds and the second was an online survey mainly involving owners, including 33 breeds. The conclusions from both groups were similar. It looked at the different types of aggression such as towards other dogs, towards strangers and towards owners. Some of the results were surprising, below are the top ten most aggressive breed:  

Dachshunds Chihuahua Jack Russell Australian Cattle Dog Cocker Spaniel Beagle Border Collie Pit Bull Terrier Great Dane English Springer Spaniel

  The Dachshund, otherwise known as the Sausage dog, was originally bred to hunt badgers. They came out as the most aggressive breed with 1 in 5 reported to have bitten or tried to bite a stranger and 1 in 12 snapping at their owners.  

Overall the results found that dog-dog aggression was higher than aggression towards people. This could be due to the fact that dogs are territorial creatures so try to defend their territory by chasing away, or attacking, anything that threatens it. Also they live in packs that have social hierarchies: the higher members demand attention from the lower ranks. If this hierarchy is threatened, unstable or challenged then dogs can become aggressive. Other dogs can challenge their status, such as a new puppy entering the pack, or people can, such as a new baby getting more attention than the dog. Owners should try to make themselves top dog by demanding attention and not the other way around (your dog demanding attention when it wants it) you should also control the good things such as treats and toy, and your dog should earn these from you by obeying commands.  

Smaller dogs tend to be towards the top of this list which may be surprising. However, because they are small they may be genetically predisposed to be aggressive as a way of counteracting their size and ensuring their survival. Also because they are small they can easily feel threatened by bigger dogs or people so they become aggressive to defend themselves. Fear is one of the main reasons for aggressions. Lastly small dogs are usually considered cute and are often spoilt by their owners which gives them a higher status in the pack which may then be challenged. Also since their bites often have little effect they are allowed to continue and some people even think it is cute, however, this only makes the problem worse and the dogs can become more aggressive.    

The top ten least aggressive dogs:  

Labrador Retriever Rhodesian Ridgeback Poodle Greyhound Whippet Brittany Spaniel Siberian Husky Golden Retriever Havanese Portuguese water dog

  These dogs also rated low for "watchdog" behaviour and "territorial defence" behaviour so they tend to make lovable family pets.  

Some dogs that have a bad image and are considered aggressive are the Boxer, Bulldogs, Pit Bull Terriers, Great Danes, Mastiffs, German Shepherds and Rottweilers. According to this study this is how they ranked:  

     Great Dane: 9. This breed is actually very patient, gentle and affectionate. Although its size can be an issue with small children, it gets on well with children.      Rottweilers: 15. This dog is very loyal and can be fiercely protective which may cause it to be aggressive. However, it is a hard working, powerful, devoted dog that gets on well with children if they are brought up with them.      Boxer: 16. These dogs are actually good with children. They make good watchdogs. As they have a protection nature; they may be aggressive if they feel their owner is being threatened.      German Shepherds (Alsatians): 17. An alert, loyal, courageous and intelligent breed. These dogs are good with children and they are very protective making them effective watchdogs.      Mastiffs: 21. These dogs are very dignified, loyal creatures with a pleasant nature, resembling gentle giants. Their size means they can be a problem with small children, but they get on well with children.
 Other dogs that are known to be aggressive include:

Chow Chow: this is a "one person dog". It forms a very strong bond with one person (usually the owner) and is ferocious around strangers who it considers a threat to its owner. It is a good guard dog, but it can bite without warning and they are tenacious fighters. Papillon: These dogs are fiercely loyal of their owners and can be very possessive, they don't like strangers either. Old English Sheepdogs: Again these dogs are very protective of their owners. They are strong-willed and independent and they will nip either other animals or children. Lhasa Apso: These dogs can be cranky and unpredictable; they are strong-willed and independent. They were originally bred as guard dogs. Giant Schnauzers: They are very dominant and will challenge adults and strangers. Pekingese: These dogs do not like strangers and can be very aggressive towards them Miniature Pinschers: These are little dogs but they can be very aggressive to compensate for this.

However, every dog is different and won't always fit their breed stereotype: just because their breed is generally considered to be gentle or sweet natured doesn't guarantee that your dog will be the same. Any dog can be aggressive and bite so you must make sure that you put aside the time to train it and socialize it properly so that it is more comfortable in unfamiliar circumstances and with strangers. Before you get a dog it is worthwhile researching breeds to make sure that you choose one that is suitable for your lifestyle, i.e. it is good with children if you have any in the family, or not getting a fragile dog if you are a large family. However good a dog is said to be with children and however well behaved it you should never leave children unsupervised with a dog; often they can provoke it without meaning to and little children can be defenseless against a dog.  

Aggressive Dogs The Good and the Bad of Dog Breeds

Rhodesian Ridgeback Puppy And Dog Information

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The Rhodesian Ridgeback can live in an apartment if given sufficient long walks. They do best with a properly fenced in enclosure. This breed needs to be extensively socialized early if it is to get along with other pets and dogs. They may not get along with children, especially young nagging ones. As a rule, they are great watch dogs and very protective of their master and family. As a reminder, never leave a child unsupervised with a puppy or dog.

Approximate Adult Size

Rhodesian Ridgeback Puppies

The approximate adult size (two years old or older) of the male Rhodesian Ridgeback is 25 to 27 inches to the withers (highest point of the shoulder) and 80 to 90 pounds. The female ranges from 24 to 26 inches to the withers and 65 to 75 pounds.

Rhodesian Ridgeback Puppy And Dog Information

Special Health Considerations

Most dog breeds have certain inherited health problems associated with that specific breed and the Rhodesian Ridgeback is no exception. They are considered to be a very hardy and healthy breed. Be on the lookout for sinus problems, cysts and Canine Hip Dysplasia (genetic based looseness in the hip joint that can lead to arthritis pain and lameness). This disease list is an informative guideline only. Other diseases may also be significant threats, please contact your veterinarian for a complete list.

She should visit the veterinarian several times in the first year for shots, boosters and check up. Then, as an adult, she should visit the veterinarian yearly for shots and check up. As she gets older, six years and on, she should visit the veterinarian twice a year for check ups and shots. Remember; avoid feeding your dog sweets.

Grooming

The Rhodesian Ridgeback has a short, sleek, glossy and dense coat. This easy to care for coat should be brushed regularly. Brushing will help her maintain a clean and healthy coat, avoid mats, help you keep a closer eye on her health and strengthen your emotional bond with her.

Her teeth should be brushed at least twice a week with toothpaste and toothbrush designed for dogs. Brushing removes the accumulation of plaque and tartar which can cause cavities (rarely) and periodontal disease. Dog periodontal disease can lead to pain, loss of teeth, bad breath and other serious disease.

Her toenails may need to be examined for growth and clipped regularly. The toenails of the rear feet grow slower than the toenails of the front feet.

Life Span

The Rhodesian Ridgeback can live between 10 and 12 years with proper nutrition, medical care and excellent living conditions.

History

The Rhodesian Ridgeback comes from Zimbabwe where they were used to hunt big game including lions. They were first registered by the American Kennel Association in 1955.

Some Registries

Rhodesian Ridgeback Club of America UKC United Kennel Club NKC National Kennel Club CKC Continental Kennel Club APRI Americas Pet Registry Inc. AKC American Kennel Club FCI Federation Cynologique Internationale NZKC New Zealand Kennel Club KCGB Kennel Club of Great Britain ANKC Australian National Kennel Club ACR American Canine Registry
Litter Size

7 to 8 Rhodesian Ridgeback puppies

Category

Hound Group

Terms To Describe

Dignified, muscular, strong, athletic, handsome, balanced, endurance, devoted, affectionate

SPECIAL GOOD POINTS

Very good watch dog. Very good guard dog. Very intelligent.
SPECIAL BAD POINTS

Need to be obedience trained. Need an experienced owner. Must be socialized with pets and dogs. May not like children.
Other Names Known By

African Lion Hound, Lion Dog, Ridgeback

Every dog is an individual so not everything in this information may be correct for your dog. This information is meant as a good faith guideline only.

Rhodesian Ridgeback Puppy And Dog Information

Dog Health 101 - Degenerative Myelopathy

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Most pet lovers would opt for pets that they can touch and play around with. Many of them choose dogs because they are known to be man's best friends. And who wouldn't love dogs? They are fun, kind and playful in nature and they can live for quite a long time. However, like humans, dogs also face plenty of illnesses when they grow old. Their bones and eyesight get weak, they get tired easily, not to mention they also have specific sicknesses that hit their lives and their hearts if not given the right amount of nutrition, vitamins and shots as puppies. One of these illnesses is degenerative myelopathy.

Canine degenerative myelopathy is an illness that develops in the spinal cords of older dogs. This disease commonly sets in between 6 to 13 years of the dog's life. It starts with the loss of ataxia on the back limbs. Dog breeds that are most prone to this sickness are Boxers, German Shepherds, Rhodesian Ridgebacks, Chesapeake Bay Retrievers, Welsh Corgis, and 30 other breeds. The end result of the disease is paralysis. When this illness has fully blown, there will be no communication between the nerves of the dog's brain and its lower body. The worst part about this sickness is that it's non-reversible and you can not cure it.

Rhodesian Ridgeback Puppies

Degenerative myelopathy is commonly mistaken as arthritis because their symptoms are very alike. The dog would drag its paw or both of them when it moves. The constant dragging will damage their nails and wear them down. As the illness progress, the dog may show some symptoms like incontinence, lack of balance, and difficulty in walking. This illness can spread to the dog's front legs and will soon stop the dog from moving. Many dog owners who have experienced having a pet with this sickness were forced to put them to sleep to end their misery. It's a very painful thing to go through.

Dog Health 101 - Degenerative Myelopathy

Luckily, even if the dog has been diagnosed with this illness, it can still live a normal canine life. Exercise is a big help in keeping their hind legs active and it even increases their survival time. Some veterinarians would also recommend hydro therapy, which is basically swimming. The best thing dog owners can also do is to prevent the illness. Giving their dogs the right diet as puppies will give them avoids many health problems in the future.

Dog Health 101 - Degenerative Myelopathy

Cairo and the Frozen Washcloth

post.body Cairo and the Frozen Washcloth Tube. Duration : 4.68 Mins.

Cairo trying to figure out what to do with a frozen washcloth. 8 1/2 wk old Rhodesian Ridgeback.

Keywords: rhodesian, ridgeback, puppy, play, jump