I don’t have a pure bred ridgeback, he’s a ridgeback pitbull mix and I got him after he was already 2 and his old owner was a really bad dog owner, he was conditioned to stay away from you if you raise your voice because he would get hit, and not listen at all when you spoke friendly because no one paid him attention unless they where angry. It took a lot of time to gain his trust while also setting boundaries, but I’m happy to say he is the smartest, most loyal pet I’ve ever had.
My dog learned which shoes i used for which tasks. Slippers were for in the house, athletic shoes were for walking and the shoes that smell like 1000 cats and dogs were for work (I'm a vet tech). If I even touched the "wanna gomfor a walk" shoes, she would jump up and start hunting for the leash and collar combo she wanted to show off that day! Dogs are so amazing. RIP Kali, I will miss you, baby!! 🐕❤️
Same, my lil good boy comes to work with me( I’m private security) and every time he sees me grab my work boots he is already by the door waiting to start working lol
Very often I feel so depressed. I have severe grief issues from children I've lost. Last year my oldest son shot himself. I really haven't been the same since. Watching your videos and listening to you talk is therapeutic for me. Thanks bro, you mean more than you know.
Hey man keep your head up, I'm in my mid 20s and had suicidal thoughts because of severe anxiety but I'm now better for my mom mostly, but after reading this I will also do it in honor of your oldest son thanks for opening up keep your head up, and take your time and keep your brain stimulated for me youtube videos and music are also the best way to get my mind of anxiety
100% my RR is 8 month old now and she is the best behaved dog I have ever! Structured traing classes, shaping behavours and lots and lots of love. Consistency and clear boundaries
Best advice. Exactly what I learned with my two ridgebacks. They’re completely different than any dog, or even animal, I’ve worked with. Also, same here when it comes to the word” hungry”. They’re favorite words are hungry, dinner, breakfast, treat & grandpa 😂 most of the time my husband & I have to spell those words to each other so they don’t understand. Love all your videos!! Too funny how similar ridgebacks are to each other.
That's exactly what I have learnt from my older RR, I basically gave up on "Regular" training and let him pretty much do his own thing, I've never really felt the need to do any further training, because he pretty much does what I want him to anyway. I'll be embracing the same technique with my younger (11 week) pup
Great video! I have had Ridgebacks for as far back as I can remember - in Africa, UK and these days, the US. I have always felt that training them has always been a negotiation!
I took my little guy to a class that operated on slip chain collars, no treats, & strict command adherence. I knew after the first session it was not the right class for his sensitive soul but continued on because, well, I'd paid for it. While it seemed to work on the labs & rottweilers, it was spirit crushing for him. I knew how to train my dog, I just wanted a class environment but it took months to overcome the damage. He's now a well adjusted, reasonably behaved adult & all he really needed was positive feedback & freedom to make the right choices.
I had a very similar experience! My gut told me to run but i thought I was just being a “soft” new puppy owner. Really regret putting her through that and it taught me that not all experts are… experts!
Rhodies are the best. Just great dogs and truly best friends. My boy was so smart and even tempered, but intuitive regarding potential threats to family. I miss him every day.
This is so true and how I worked with my boy. The end result, a well adjusted happy companion. You need the patience of a saint though. I like it that he has a mind of his own.
My pup Caine clearly understood English , and when I was off working I had him up the mountain everyday I wasn’t there. He lived till he was 14 and had a great life He barked twice in my house. Both times when someone who shouldn’t have been there was lurking. He was a peaceful protector. The only thing was I had to keep away from his food when he came upon it. He was a savage when I would tease hi. With his food. Learned not to do that quick. I guess it was his survival nature Otherwise , I or just family have had m at dogs , but I will never have anything else than a RB. Truly the smartest dog I have ever encountered and clearly the most beautiful. Stubborn, tricky and took time but worth the effort to bring into my fold. A PTSD vet, I taught him to search my house, room by room, everytime I came home, for my piece of mind. As I got better , he gave me the love I needed to recover from unseen wounds. I miss you Caine. You saved me
3 y/o female RR. I feed her. I give her treats, ice or chicken treats. I play and play with her. I snuggle and nap with her. I brush her. I walk her. MOM is very very minimal in all the above. MOM IS THE THE ALPHA! I do not care she is awesome! I miss my beautiful RR BOUDREAUX RIP 10/06/2018 my heart still really hurts. Ahhh i gotta go, ahhhhh 8 y/o too soon RIP BOUDREAUX I LOVE YOU SO MUCH😘😘😘😘😘
Great info. My RR is well behaved, only issue we had was recall. I learned to tap into his instincts, I would start running away from him and he would immediately bolt back towards me.
YUP! I yell bye-bye and sprint in the direction I want him to go. Well now them. A 4 month old girl and 1.2 year old male. She's still interested more in me than anything else, so yelling her name is all it takes. I'm hoping it helps 'retrain' him. Because he doesn't go far from her. No more that a 15 second burst of speed. He gets a little alpha with other dogs, but its subsiding. I think when he hit around 10 months he stopped blanketly submitting and started doing the higher head, fast twitch tail stand off. Any thing that resembled a growl, I'll separate him than take him home. Now when he starts to get in that position I call his name and yell out he better play or we're going home. He'll break contact (if the other dog was equally willing to alpha) or he'll change to play mode.
Oh and lots and lots of training treats at the park for good play and recalling. I also give (with owner's permission) and dog he is playing with treats. That way he associates good play with treats. Works to make him more of a resource sharer too, which was never really an issue with him
I love this method, and it is my emergency recall method. We had a GSD who could be aggressive to other dogs. If I spotted a dog all the owner would see was me high tailing it in the other direction shouting "Bye Zane!!" with a shepherd hot on my tail! It's tried and tested and works for my springer lab mix if we ever suddenly come in close quarters with sheep!
This video was such a powerful and important reminder for me. We now have our second Ridgeback after our first, Maxwell, passed away at the very healthy age of 15. Rüger is 4 months old and I'm having to re-learn effective training. I think I'm okay at it, but I'm also wildly open to learn more. Your video truly nailed something I had forgotten. So far, I've had extremely good success with the basics (recall, sit, down) - and I shocked and excited that we've actually trained him which pieces of furniture he can climb on and which he can't! But... for all this success, I still struggle with loose-leash walking. I am going to change my behaviors to see if I can get better results with your advice. Thank you!
I am probably a few years out from getting a dog myself, I want to make sure they get the life and attention they deserve, but watching your videos is great prep / a way to get my dog fill in the meantime. Thank you for sharing them 🤗
Our new family member is a lil ridgeback puppy, 11 weeks now and she is amazing...Her name is Zuri and she has so much energy...playing all the other puppies tired....stay healthy, we love watching your videos!!! ♥️
Excellent, excellent video! Our big guy is 9 now and you can still see the wheels turning in his head while he decides whether he’s going to do something. Somewhere along the way, we figured out to be patient for a moment to let him decide... often works out nicely. As always, you’re spot-on. Love love your entire family and appreciate all you do!
❤Very helpful! I've adopted a puppy and had no idea what I was getting into. I got a Ridgeback and have to go through a lot to understand this puppy. This really helps.
Thank you so much for sharing your learning. I managed to miss the first 2 years and got my girl from a breeding operation when her litters weren't turning out. I laugh when you talk about their interest in food. I researched and found they were counter surfers. Hadn't had that before. When you say "Are you hungry" I laugh. Its more like it was with my teenage son who I quit asking if he was hungry and would say instead, "What do you want to eat now?" My girl will do anything for a piece of hotdog. I have her full attention if I get the clicker and hotdogs. I have had several notable moments with her. One was calling her in full tilt off a rabbit. Another was in a permaculture training she jumped up and was running out to a dog altercation: I firmly said Phaela No!, she stopped in her tracks and returned to me. The rest of the class gasped. Common remark is how well behaved she is. My response: Who wants an 85 lb dog that isn't? I also like Karen Pryor and The Dog Listener by Jan Fennell is a must for every dog owner in my estimation. Thanks for helping me to understand that my girl has helped me, along with some very challenging horses, to develop and refine my leadership skills. (have done a lot with parenting skills and managed to raise a good human being, glad to share if you are interested)
This was so helpful and I laughed when you showed something they did like the eating of the shoes. I Learned that. I don’t even take my slippers off unless I can put them up we’re my dog can’t get them. I love the baby talking to the dogs when they were in the water. Your the best Daddy and doggy Daddy. Thank you. Patty from Ct. 🐕😀
Love your videos and insights, you've nailed it! 😉 We have two Ridgeback siblings - Tanto and Honey - and listening to you, makes it seem as if you know our dogs!
I adopted a “hound mix “ from a shelter. I had never heard of a ridgeback before but once a few people mentioned that is what he looks like I researched the breed. He does not have a ridge down his back but OMG does he look like the pictures I’ve seen and even your dogs minus the ridge. And his characteristics and stubbornness I truly believe that’s what I have , not pure breed but definitely dominate breed in him. I have a DNA kit but I’m afraid he will eat the stick 😂. We were use to small dogs (older beagles, not hunting ones, the one hunters didn’t want). So he was definitely a change for us. He was picked up as a stray , no interest was shown in him, he had been there for 6 months so on impulse I had to have him because nobody else did. I took him back after 4 days he was wild !! He was still there after a week I checked in and still no interest shown for him soooo I went back and got him and had to have a different mind set. The shelter even let me adopt him at a cheaper price, I think in hopes I wouldn’t bring him back again, but my mind was made up I would keep him no matter what. That was 2 yrs ago. Because he was about a 1 1/2 when I adopted him his training started late, and I’m still working with him. I watch your videos for much needed help with him but we are both learning. I LOVE him dearly, he is MY dog, he likes my husband when I’m not home but when I am, everyone else doesn’t matter. We are a work in progress but we will keep moving forward. I don’t know where his beginnings were ( I do know someone wasn’t nice to him, there are things he is afraid of) but I know where his end will be and that is with me on the sofa practically on my lap and under the covers right next to me at night. Thanks for the videos I’ll keep watching. I need the help!
I will for sure still "following" you in 18 years to know 🤣 even though I will be quite old 👵thanks for all those years of great videos. Greetings from Switzerland (on my way to adopt a ridgeback 🤗)
Thanks for the video's. We have a 9 week old RRB puppy and these video's have given me many entertaining insights. Is there another name for "Choice based training"? I'm trying to find a training center here in Perth, Australia.
This video has helped me so much with my RR pup. I slowed everything down and followed your lead. My poor Aussie though has learned to just lay down and give up when she does the RR ambush. LOL.
I got my first (so far) RidgeBack, "Rory" because I have watched your videos since 2017. He is now 1 yr and 9 mo. I am still watching your videos and appreciate your sharing the experience. We are thinking of adding another member to the family next year. Puppy would love that!!! Thanks again for the video and we look forward to watching more of your pups.
So glad to hear we could play a small part in your own Ridgeback adventure. Happy to take all of the credit for the good parts and none of the blame for the mischief!
Thank you So much for your video 👍 I’ve Had 2ridgies in the past and have just got another Female pup ❤️🤣 She’s 11wks old and much to learn 😜 Thanx again ! Hope to See more 👍
hahaha ! I watched this video a few month ago. But only now after having our puppy for 3 weeks understand how true this is . Our Mojo (who seems to be of the 'mayhem' sub RR species too) has displayed exactly what you describe. I am 3 weeks into "potty training" with the fantastic result that he only likes doing his business INSIDE ! With the side-effect that I am slowly getting exhausted. Re-visiting your video (Mojo is napping) is sooo good for my morale. Thank you , Thank you ! I am reading "don't shoot the dog" by Karen Pryor at every opportunity.
I didn't know it until now, but I use choice based training with my 2.5 yr male Ridgeback. I worked out that he needed time to react when asked to come, or jump in the car, or whatever. I always make allowances for that; he likes to do what I want, when he's ready to, but doesn't like to be rushed to make up his mind. Sometimes it can take half a minute before he will jump in the car. Sometimes I'll aak him if he wants to come in the car, or stay home on the couch. If he follows me out to the car, he wants to come, if not, he's happy on the couch. We don't lock our house and leave the doors open (we're in the tropics so its always warm) so he can go outside if he wants, usually he will be right where I left him, even if it's been several hours. I've been considering getting the word buttons and teaching him to talk because he understands a LOT of words !
We adopted a dog from the ASPCA in 2010 they weren't sure what breed she was so we were told over the phone she was a Mastiff hound mix. we were pretty sure she wasn't a Mastiff. So we were just happy to have a new family member. We took our new girl to walk around the park and where met by two couples that same day who insisted our new dog was a Rhodesian Ridgeback we Google the breed and saw images of our new dog With the ridge down it's back we still weren't believers until a friend of my daughter introduced us to her Ridgeback they look like twins then we were pretty sure of the breed we didn't think you could find a ridgeback without the ridge. We did and named her Lucy.
Thanks to you just picked up our ridegback puppy last week! Revisiting this video Bcs leash training and potty training has been awful. He’s four months old :)
Great video - i totally agree. I also use the 'scan and capture' method' which works with my rescues (who haven't had a good start, emotionally or physically unfortunately). Its so hard to find trainers who aren't used to just assuming the dictator role. and then saying that 'they can't read Ridgebacks' and therefore don't want to train them....
We have no dogs . Too old for dogs like Penny. Merry Xmas to you and your wonderful family including two brilliant Ridgebacks. I know both protect Chicago from lion bites. Continue to do this in 2021 too. All the best to you in Chicago from Germany.
I want to confess, after much thought I’ve just decided to take a Shnauzer (standard or giant) as my guard dog and I’m very happy I’ve found a perfect breed for me. But RRs are forever my visual crush, and this video is so inspiring and useful.
This seems rlly good advice from the comments, when i become an adult i want a guard dog, one that is Gentle with little ones, but is also protective of them ❤️ So i want a ridgeback! I just have one question, are they good FIRST time dogs?? ❤️
I hope all is well! Haven't seen anything new lately. l We love your videos. The kids and the dogs are great. Our 2 17 month old boys are growing quick. They have been a challenge for sure. Looking forward for more! Keep up the great work!
Hope you are keeping safe and well! I have watched all your videos and regularly check your channel for new videos (even though I don't have a dog). It's been a very long time since the last video. Sending love for Penny and Zero from India.
Thanks this has helped loads, got a rescue 4 year old Staffordshire Bull Terrier X Rhodesian, he's a bit of a tank so your channel is great help and education for us :)
So as my Facebook pup is growing up I think I might have a ridgeback, I've never had a hunting dog so this video is helpful any advice would be great 😅
I had hard time training my girl. (she wasnt a rhodesian, maybe she had a little she was a mutt). she was wild, headstrong, and basically a little fuzzy tornado. the way I "trained" her was just being a strong leader. when I called she came and laid at my feet, followed very well got the gist of what I wanted, but things like sit or stay were hit or miss at best. I think I was a good owner, I could be tough but she remained as loyal as they come. poor thing went berserk though at 9 months, no idea what happened as she was such a good (though still pretty wild) dog and was sleeping on my lap the minute before she snapped
Great video and tips! We are soon getting our own Rhodesian Ridgeback puppy soon and I would like to request you to please guide us to good training resources for a Ridgeback. Thank you for your help.
Like all the other comments: great video again and so true! But, I was wondering... why do you bathe your dogs? I only once washed one of my boys, because he rolled into ... something... Their coat is was never greasy, sand fell of on the doorstep (well, almost all of the sand) and when they shed, a brush was enhough.
Like you said, a brush and a towel is good for most things, so we usually bathe them when they start failing the sniff test. It varies based on season/activity but I usually like to bathe them every 5 weeks give or take
Hi. Totally get the training and will be adopting this positive reinforcement approach when our puppy arrives in five weeks time 🥳. Quick question though, how do you get them to understand that ripping up sofa was wrong? Do you take them to the damage, say it’s bad and then show them the treat but take it away/don’t give it? Thanks Matt
I have a 1 1/2 year old RR male. He's not our first but he is much more challenging and headstrong than our last. There are some things he's doing fine with but when he really wants to make a choice that is just the wrong choice (for us), what do you do? How do you stop bad behavior with this method? He is so persistent when he wants do something and not even high value treats will tempt him. There are things we can't just let him choose to do, i.e. counter surf or mount other dogs. Or when he has been off leash on a trail. We started him very young off leash and everything was fine until he got older. He is so social with other dogs that he will take off if he senses another dog is on the trail. It's the only time he leaves us but no treat is more tempting than the chance to play with another dog. We have tried calling him away and giving him a treat when he does something he shouldn't but sometimes he likes the bad behavior better. Any advice would be greatly appreciaed.
Sounds like a very typical teenage male, so you're in good company. I can't give any specific advice from afar, but in general I find it very helpful to focus on training as far away from the stimulus as possible, with the stimulus still being present. You'll have 0 success trying to train a dog who is already chasing or mounting another dog. Nothing is learned, it's just damage control. You have to notice all the cues and behaviors leading up to those encounters and head them off as early as you can with positive reinforcement
Had a pit bull ridgeback mix. Unfortunately, It ate my neighbors dog when it dug under my fenced backyard. He became very aggressive after the incident and had to put down due to his violent behavior.
Been watching your videos and think we are just about ready to make the jump into adding a Ridgeback into our family. Any breeders you can suggest? We are just north across the border of you.
I'm not personally familiar with any Canadian breeders, but I recommend you start with the country's breed club. They'll be the best resource for directing your inquiry
Haha oh, THAT border! This should point you in the right direction -markingourterritory.com/2017/02/28/everything-you-need-to-know-about-getting-a-rhodesian-ridgeback/
I would really love to buy one, but I am not sure about keeping them in an apartment, even if it’s not that small. Luckily we do have a lot of time, we are beside a river, we do have a lot of green around us, but I am not sure about being able to take them daily 3 hours outdoor. And I just would feel so bad, if I am just able to take them 30 minutes or an hour outdoor. What do you think? Or if I have to leave him for 3-4 hours alone...it could happen, and I am just afraid of. I mean we talk about 15 years.
Great video, I recently got a RR puppy and I have notice that he is aggressive when I give him a treat he growls also he hates being alone even one foot away he is whining and crying plus he gets scared easily with noise..do you know how I can help him?
With Eko, I used pretty standard positive-reinforcement techniques, but the framework was all command based - ie, "sit," "stay" etc. Eko's natural disposition was more relaxed and loyal so I was able to cheat my way through rough patches of training by leaning on that fact. Penny showed the underlying weakness of command training because while I could insist on certain things, I had no answer for her natural tendency towards mayhem when I wasn't issuing commands. Those failures led me to choice-based training which I've used now most extensively with Zero.
Any opinions on how much to exercise a ridgeback puppy? Did you stick to the 5minutes per month of age rule? Or are they less prone to joint issues in older age than other large breeds?
That rule of thumb is helpful, but not sacrosanct. Easiest thing to do is let your puppy guide you. They'll have frequent but short bouts of energy, and their cues for being tired are pretty clear. Avoid long bouts of leashed activity where you're determining the length of engagement rather than letting them rest when needed.
I don’t have a pure bred ridgeback, he’s a ridgeback pitbull mix and I got him after he was already 2 and his old owner was a really bad dog owner, he was conditioned to stay away from you if you raise your voice because he would get hit, and not listen at all when you spoke friendly because no one paid him attention unless they where angry. It took a lot of time to gain his trust while also setting boundaries, but I’m happy to say he is the smartest, most loyal pet I’ve ever had.
My dog learned which shoes i used for which tasks. Slippers were for in the house, athletic shoes were for walking and the shoes that smell like 1000 cats and dogs were for work (I'm a vet tech).
If I even touched the "wanna gomfor a walk" shoes, she would jump up and start hunting for the leash and collar combo she wanted to show off that day!
Dogs are so amazing. RIP Kali, I will miss you, baby!! 🐕❤️
Same, my lil good boy comes to work with me( I’m private security) and every time he sees me grab my work boots he is already by the door waiting to start working lol
@@ox1dyz961 it's a beautiful thing, isn't it! I hope your boy lives a long, happy, healthy life with his awesome human! 🤌🏾✌🏾
I have owned Ridgeback on and off for over 30 years and it is so good to see this I learned it a long long time ago
Very often I feel so depressed. I have severe grief issues from children I've lost. Last year my oldest son shot himself. I really haven't been the same since. Watching your videos and listening to you talk is therapeutic for me. Thanks bro, you mean more than you know.
Oh my. So sorry for your losses.
Big love coming at you bro,, from Austria xxxxx
Hey man keep your head up, I'm in my mid 20s and had suicidal thoughts because of severe anxiety but I'm now better for my mom mostly, but after reading this I will also do it in honor of your oldest son thanks for opening up keep your head up, and take your time and keep your brain stimulated for me youtube videos and music are also the best way to get my mind of anxiety
How are you doing today?
💕
100% my RR is 8 month old now and she is the best behaved dog I have ever!
Structured traing classes, shaping behavours and lots and lots of love.
Consistency and clear boundaries
Had a Rhodesian as a visitor for a few weeks (and soon again), most well behaved, inside chill, outside active, polite dog I've ever met.
Best advice. Exactly what I learned with my two ridgebacks. They’re completely different than any dog, or even animal, I’ve worked with. Also, same here when it comes to the word” hungry”. They’re favorite words are hungry, dinner, breakfast, treat & grandpa 😂 most of the time my husband & I have to spell those words to each other so they don’t understand. Love all your videos!! Too funny how similar ridgebacks are to each other.
That's exactly what I have learnt from my older RR, I basically gave up on "Regular" training and let him pretty much do his own thing, I've never really felt the need to do any further training, because he pretty much does what I want him to anyway. I'll be embracing the same technique with my younger (11 week) pup
Haha! We have to spell with our rescue RR too!!
Great video! I have had Ridgebacks for as far back as I can remember - in Africa, UK and these days, the US. I have always felt that training them has always been a negotiation!
One of the best (if not the best) guides to training and dealing with a Ridgebacks. Spot on!!!
I took my little guy to a class that operated on slip chain collars, no treats, & strict command adherence. I knew after the first session it was not the right class for his sensitive soul but continued on because, well, I'd paid for it. While it seemed to work on the labs & rottweilers, it was spirit crushing for him. I knew how to train my dog, I just wanted a class environment but it took months to overcome the damage. He's now a well adjusted, reasonably behaved adult & all he really needed was positive feedback & freedom to make the right choices.
I had a very similar experience! My gut told me to run but i thought I was just being a “soft” new puppy owner. Really regret putting her through that and it taught me that not all experts are… experts!
Rhodies are the best. Just great dogs and truly best friends. My boy was so smart and even tempered, but intuitive regarding potential threats to family. I miss him every day.
This is so true and how I worked with my boy. The end result, a well adjusted happy companion. You need the patience of a saint though. I like it that he has a mind of his own.
Oh yes, no getting around that! Your patience and sanity will be thoroughly tested.
My pup Caine clearly understood English , and when I was off working I had him up the mountain everyday I wasn’t there. He lived till he was 14 and had a great life
He barked twice in my house. Both times when someone who shouldn’t have been there was lurking. He was a peaceful protector.
The only thing was I had to keep away from his food when he came upon it. He was a savage when I would tease hi. With his food. Learned not to do that quick. I guess it was his survival nature
Otherwise , I or just family have had m at dogs , but I will never have anything else than a RB. Truly the smartest dog I have ever encountered and clearly the most beautiful. Stubborn, tricky and took time but worth the effort to bring into my fold.
A PTSD vet, I taught him to search my house, room by room, everytime I came home, for my piece of mind. As I got better , he gave me the love I needed to recover from unseen wounds.
I miss you Caine. You saved me
That is such a great story about your buddy! I can’t wait to get my first ridgeback, they seem like truly the best companions.
Great tips!
3:03 Tracking her eye movements reveals her carefully listening to you and recognising that sigh that gives it all away! 😍 Brilliant!
3 y/o female RR.
I feed her.
I give her treats, ice or chicken treats.
I play and play with her.
I snuggle and nap with her.
I brush her.
I walk her.
MOM is very very minimal in all the above.
MOM IS THE THE ALPHA!
I do not care she is awesome!
I miss my beautiful RR BOUDREAUX RIP 10/06/2018 my heart still really hurts. Ahhh i gotta go, ahhhhh 8 y/o too soon RIP BOUDREAUX I LOVE YOU SO MUCH😘😘😘😘😘
Great info. My RR is well behaved, only issue we had was recall. I learned to tap into his instincts, I would start running away from him and he would immediately bolt back towards me.
YUP! I yell bye-bye and sprint in the direction I want him to go. Well now them. A 4 month old girl and 1.2 year old male. She's still interested more in me than anything else, so yelling her name is all it takes. I'm hoping it helps 'retrain' him. Because he doesn't go far from her. No more that a 15 second burst of speed. He gets a little alpha with other dogs, but its subsiding. I think when he hit around 10 months he stopped blanketly submitting and started doing the higher head, fast twitch tail stand off. Any thing that resembled a growl, I'll separate him than take him home. Now when he starts to get in that position I call his name and yell out he better play or we're going home. He'll break contact (if the other dog was equally willing to alpha) or he'll change to play mode.
Oh and lots and lots of training treats at the park for good play and recalling. I also give (with owner's permission) and dog he is playing with treats. That way he associates good play with treats. Works to make him more of a resource sharer too, which was never really an issue with him
I love this method, and it is my emergency recall method. We had a GSD who could be aggressive to other dogs. If I spotted a dog all the owner would see was me high tailing it in the other direction shouting "Bye Zane!!" with a shepherd hot on my tail! It's tried and tested and works for my springer lab mix if we ever suddenly come in close quarters with sheep!
This video was such a powerful and important reminder for me. We now have our second Ridgeback after our first, Maxwell, passed away at the very healthy age of 15. Rüger is 4 months old and I'm having to re-learn effective training. I think I'm okay at it, but I'm also wildly open to learn more. Your video truly nailed something I had forgotten. So far, I've had extremely good success with the basics (recall, sit, down) - and I shocked and excited that we've actually trained him which pieces of furniture he can climb on and which he can't! But... for all this success, I still struggle with loose-leash walking. I am going to change my behaviors to see if I can get better results with your advice. Thank you!
I am probably a few years out from getting a dog myself, I want to make sure they get the life and attention they deserve, but watching your videos is great prep / a way to get my dog fill in the meantime. Thank you for sharing them 🤗
Glad you find them helpful and that we can keep you company until your future pup arrives.
Totally agree! And your videos of your family with kids and dogs are the best proof. 😊
I absolutely love the contrast between a destroyed piece of furniture and an Oscar-worth poker face our dogs are so great at putting on.
Our new family member is a lil ridgeback puppy, 11 weeks now and she is amazing...Her name is Zuri and she has so much energy...playing all the other puppies tired....stay healthy, we love watching your videos!!! ♥️
😮 DOGY
I have male, 1 year old 55kg. He is a tank. I struggle and was hard on him. I now want to learn more. Thank you for the info! 🙏🏽
As someone who's owned plenty of dogs but is thinking about this one specifically thank you so much this will help so much
Excellent, excellent video! Our big guy is 9 now and you can still see the wheels turning in his head while he decides whether he’s going to do something. Somewhere along the way, we figured out to be patient for a moment to let him decide... often works out nicely. As always, you’re spot-on. Love love your entire family and appreciate all you do!
Thanks so much!
My uncle had one and it was just the best dog. Want one of my own one day soon as I can afford a house with a yard.
❤Very helpful! I've adopted a puppy and had no idea what I was getting into. I got a Ridgeback and have to go through a lot to understand this puppy. This really helps.
my Rhodesian Ridgebacks love watching your videos with me 😍😍😍😍
they say hello 👋🏻
Thank you so much for sharing your learning. I managed to miss the first 2 years and got my girl from a breeding operation when her litters weren't turning out. I laugh when you talk about their interest in food. I researched and found they were counter surfers. Hadn't had that before. When you say "Are you hungry" I laugh. Its more like it was with my teenage son who I quit asking if he was hungry and would say instead, "What do you want to eat now?" My girl will do anything for a piece of hotdog. I have her full attention if I get the clicker and hotdogs. I have had several notable moments with her. One was calling her in full tilt off a rabbit. Another was in a permaculture training she jumped up and was running out to a dog altercation: I firmly said Phaela No!, she stopped in her tracks and returned to me. The rest of the class gasped. Common remark is how well behaved she is. My response: Who wants an 85 lb dog that isn't? I also like Karen Pryor and The Dog Listener by Jan Fennell is a must for every dog owner in my estimation. Thanks for helping me to understand that my girl has helped me, along with some very challenging horses, to develop and refine my leadership skills. (have done a lot with parenting skills and managed to raise a good human being, glad to share if you are interested)
I can’t wait to get a ridgeback. I’m going to wait until I retire first. It takes full time raising a good pup.
Another great video - watching everything you do from the UK
Awesome! Thank you!
Luv ridgebacks , my girl just turned 14 ..
my boy is 9!!
This is now my favourite channel for becoming a good dog parent. Please make more videos. :)
Very instructive video. Free forming is what our dog trainer called this and it DOES work
Agree on this with my Rhodie. Treats are mandatory for getting them to do what “we” determine is best.
This was so helpful and I laughed when you showed something they did like the eating of the shoes. I Learned that. I don’t even take my slippers off unless I can put them up we’re my dog can’t get them. I love the baby talking to the dogs when they were in the water. Your the best Daddy and doggy Daddy. Thank you. Patty from Ct. 🐕😀
When I move out I’m buying one as my companion in my young life
Love your videos and insights, you've nailed it! 😉 We have two Ridgeback siblings - Tanto and Honey - and listening to you, makes it seem as if you know our dogs!
Linc trying to get bewo and penpen to come to him was hillarious :D :D
One of my favorite clips ever! Despite what it might say about my skills as a trainer...
@@MarkingOurTerritory i got mine 5 months ago
@@MarkingOurTerritory my pitbull killed a dog bro
I adopted a “hound mix “ from a shelter. I had never heard of a ridgeback before but once a few people mentioned that is what he looks like I researched the breed. He does not have a ridge down his back but OMG does he look like the pictures I’ve seen and even your dogs minus the ridge. And his characteristics and stubbornness I truly believe that’s what I have , not pure breed but definitely dominate breed in him. I have a DNA kit but I’m afraid he will eat the stick 😂. We were use to small dogs (older beagles, not hunting ones, the one hunters didn’t want). So he was definitely a change for us. He was picked up as a stray , no interest was shown in him, he had been there for 6 months so on impulse I had to have him because nobody else did. I took him back after 4 days he was wild !! He was still there after a week I checked in and still no interest shown for him soooo I went back and got him and had to have a different mind set. The shelter even let me adopt him at a cheaper price, I think in hopes I wouldn’t bring him back again, but my mind was made up I would keep him no matter what. That was 2 yrs ago. Because he was about a 1 1/2 when I adopted him his training started late, and I’m still working with him. I watch your videos for much needed help with him but we are both learning. I LOVE him dearly, he is MY dog, he likes my husband when I’m not home but when I am, everyone else doesn’t matter. We are a work in progress but we will keep moving forward. I don’t know where his beginnings were ( I do know someone wasn’t nice to him, there are things he is afraid of) but I know where his end will be and that is with me on the sofa practically on my lap and under the covers right next to me at night. Thanks for the videos I’ll keep watching. I need the help!
So glad to hear we could offer some help to someone like you who offered a second chance to a dog in need. Good luck on your journey together!
Your videos always fill me with joy 😊
Glad you like them!
I will for sure still "following" you in 18 years to know 🤣 even though I will be quite old 👵thanks for all those years of great videos. Greetings from Switzerland (on my way to adopt a ridgeback 🤗)
Thanks for the video's. We have a 9 week old RRB puppy and these video's have given me many entertaining insights. Is there another name for "Choice based training"? I'm trying to find a training center here in Perth, Australia.
This video has helped me so much with my RR pup. I slowed everything down and followed your lead. My poor Aussie though has learned to just lay down and give up when she does the RR ambush. LOL.
Thank you for all advices and ideas about RR.I hope It will help me to become a better companion and friend when our RR Missy arrives in three weeks.
Great Video. You are describing excactly how it is with our Amali. She’s almost 5 Month old and is already fast learner :) hello from Germany!
I' m more of a cat guy....but i love dogs......you behave Just the right way It should be.....good job
Our Ridgeback watches these videos with intent. I am sure he would love to play with these guys.
Love this methodology Choice based!!
I got my first (so far) RidgeBack, "Rory" because I have watched your videos since 2017. He is now 1 yr and 9 mo. I am still watching your videos and appreciate your sharing the experience. We are thinking of adding another member to the family next year. Puppy would love that!!!
Thanks again for the video and we look forward to watching more of your pups.
So glad to hear we could play a small part in your own Ridgeback adventure. Happy to take all of the credit for the good parts and none of the blame for the mischief!
I am waiting everyday for a video
Thank you So much for your video 👍 I’ve Had 2ridgies in the past and have just got another Female pup ❤️🤣 She’s 11wks old and much to learn 😜
Thanx again ! Hope to See more 👍
you should make a TedTalk about this! how it translates with people lol, great video 🤙🏼
I love the ending!
Love your videos. The dogs are cute and love seeing how they interact with the little kiddos.
Your videos are on another level of good and informative
Glad you like them!
hahaha ! I watched this video a few month ago. But only now after having our puppy for 3 weeks understand how true this is . Our Mojo (who seems to be of the 'mayhem' sub RR species too) has displayed exactly what you describe. I am 3 weeks into "potty training" with the fantastic result that he only likes doing his business INSIDE ! With the side-effect that I am slowly getting exhausted. Re-visiting your video (Mojo is napping) is sooo good for my morale. Thank you , Thank you ! I am reading "don't shoot the dog" by Karen Pryor at every opportunity.
I didn't know it until now, but I use choice based training with my 2.5 yr male Ridgeback. I worked out that he needed time to react when asked to come, or jump in the car, or whatever. I always make allowances for that; he likes to do what I want, when he's ready to, but doesn't like to be rushed to make up his mind. Sometimes it can take half a minute before he will jump in the car. Sometimes I'll aak him if he wants to come in the car, or stay home on the couch. If he follows me out to the car, he wants to come, if not, he's happy on the couch. We don't lock our house and leave the doors open (we're in the tropics so its always warm) so he can go outside if he wants, usually he will be right where I left him, even if it's been several hours. I've been considering getting the word buttons and teaching him to talk because he understands a LOT of words !
Basically, he doesn’t respect you and obeys commands as a last resort
Great video dude
We adopted a dog from the ASPCA in 2010 they weren't sure what breed she was so we were told over the phone she was a Mastiff hound mix.
we were pretty sure she wasn't a Mastiff. So we were just happy to have a new family member. We took our new girl to walk around the park and where met by two couples that same day who insisted our new dog was a Rhodesian Ridgeback we Google the breed and saw images of our new dog
With the ridge down it's back we still weren't believers until a friend of my daughter introduced us to her Ridgeback they look like twins then we were pretty sure of the breed we didn't think you could find a ridgeback without the ridge. We did and named her Lucy.
Lots of good information. Thank you.
Thanks to you just picked up our ridegback puppy last week! Revisiting this video Bcs leash training and potty training has been awful. He’s four months old :)
Getting a puppy possibly? Seems like good advice.
So true! Great video. Thank you.
Great video - i totally agree. I also use the 'scan and capture' method' which works with my rescues (who haven't had a good start, emotionally or physically unfortunately). Its so hard to find trainers who aren't used to just assuming the dictator role. and then saying that 'they can't read Ridgebacks' and therefore don't want to train them....
We have no dogs . Too old for dogs like Penny.
Merry Xmas to you and your wonderful family including two brilliant Ridgebacks. I know both protect Chicago from lion bites.
Continue to do this in 2021 too.
All the best to you in Chicago from Germany.
Yh i see a lot of what penny does with my retriever puppy rosie who is very energetic
Your channel & videos have helped me tremendously. I'll be getting one eventually and I feel much better about it. Thank you!
Great video thanks 😉
I want to confess, after much thought I’ve just decided to take a Shnauzer (standard or giant) as my guard dog and I’m very happy I’ve found a perfect breed for me. But RRs are forever my visual crush, and this video is so inspiring and useful.
basically operant condition/positive training, and yes the best way to train most dogs
I love your channel so much, thank you for helping me understanding my RR Ridgey 💕💕💕
Sounds like a great way to train humans! I made this comment before you mentioned kids on the video.
This seems rlly good advice from the comments, when i become an adult i want a guard dog, one that is Gentle with little ones, but is also protective of them ❤️ So i want a ridgeback! I just have one question, are they good FIRST time dogs?? ❤️
I hope all is well! Haven't seen anything new lately. l We love your videos. The kids and the dogs are great. Our 2 17 month old boys are growing quick. They have been a challenge for sure. Looking forward for more! Keep up the great work!
This was helpful
Hope you are keeping safe and well! I have watched all your videos and regularly check your channel for new videos (even though I don't have a dog). It's been a very long time since the last video. Sending love for Penny and Zero from India.
Thanks this has helped loads, got a rescue 4 year old Staffordshire Bull Terrier X Rhodesian, he's a bit of a tank so your channel is great help and education for us :)
WE love ridgebacks over here! come check us out!
So as my Facebook pup is growing up I think I might have a ridgeback, I've never had a hunting dog so this video is helpful any advice would be great 😅
Please make more videos.
👍🏻 my Aussie ridgeback has never ever chewed shoes or couches!
I had hard time training my girl. (she wasnt a rhodesian, maybe she had a little she was a mutt). she was wild, headstrong, and basically a little fuzzy tornado. the way I "trained" her was just being a strong leader. when I called she came and laid at my feet, followed very well got the gist of what I wanted, but things like sit or stay were hit or miss at best. I think I was a good owner, I could be tough but she remained as loyal as they come. poor thing went berserk though at 9 months, no idea what happened as she was such a good (though still pretty wild) dog and was sleeping on my lap the minute before she snapped
Thanks!
Great video and tips! We are soon getting our own Rhodesian Ridgeback puppy soon and I would like to request you to please guide us to good training resources for a Ridgeback. Thank you for your help.
cool
Like all the other comments: great video again and so true!
But, I was wondering... why do you bathe your dogs? I only once washed one of my boys, because he rolled into ... something...
Their coat is was never greasy, sand fell of on the doorstep (well, almost all of the sand) and when they shed, a brush was enhough.
Like you said, a brush and a towel is good for most things, so we usually bathe them when they start failing the sniff test. It varies based on season/activity but I usually like to bathe them every 5 weeks give or take
How about a RR which doesn't like food 🤣 anyway I somehow managed to train her very well.
Hi. Totally get the training and will be adopting this positive reinforcement approach when our puppy arrives in five weeks time 🥳. Quick question though, how do you get them to understand that ripping up sofa was wrong? Do you take them to the damage, say it’s bad and then show them the treat but take it away/don’t give it? Thanks Matt
I have a 1 1/2 year old RR male. He's not our first but he is much more challenging and headstrong than our last. There are some things he's doing fine with but when he really wants to make a choice that is just the wrong choice (for us), what do you do? How do you stop bad behavior with this method? He is so persistent when he wants do something and not even high value treats will tempt him. There are things we can't just let him choose to do, i.e. counter surf or mount other dogs. Or when he has been off leash on a trail. We started him very young off leash and everything was fine until he got older. He is so social with other dogs that he will take off if he senses another dog is on the trail. It's the only time he leaves us but no treat is more tempting than the chance to play with another dog. We have tried calling him away and giving him a treat when he does something he shouldn't but sometimes he likes the bad behavior better. Any advice would be greatly appreciaed.
Sounds like a very typical teenage male, so you're in good company. I can't give any specific advice from afar, but in general I find it very helpful to focus on training as far away from the stimulus as possible, with the stimulus still being present. You'll have 0 success trying to train a dog who is already chasing or mounting another dog. Nothing is learned, it's just damage control. You have to notice all the cues and behaviors leading up to those encounters and head them off as early as you can with positive reinforcement
Had a pit bull ridgeback mix. Unfortunately, It ate my neighbors dog when it dug under my fenced backyard. He became very aggressive after the incident and had to put down due to his violent behavior.
The dog that is good for tracking and hunting leopards.
Been watching your videos and think we are just about ready to make the jump into adding a Ridgeback into our family. Any breeders you can suggest? We are just north across the border of you.
I'm not personally familiar with any Canadian breeders, but I recommend you start with the country's breed club. They'll be the best resource for directing your inquiry
I'm in Wisconsin lol
Haha oh, THAT border! This should point you in the right direction -markingourterritory.com/2017/02/28/everything-you-need-to-know-about-getting-a-rhodesian-ridgeback/
Thanks man. That will definitely help.
mazeing video
I would really love to buy one, but I am not sure about keeping them in an apartment, even if it’s not that small. Luckily we do have a lot of time, we are beside a river, we do have a lot of green around us, but I am not sure about being able to take them daily 3 hours outdoor. And I just would feel so bad, if I am just able to take them 30 minutes or an hour outdoor. What do you think? Or if I have to leave him for 3-4 hours alone...it could happen, and I am just afraid of. I mean we talk about 15 years.
Great video, I recently got a RR puppy and I have notice that he is aggressive when I give him a treat he growls also he hates being alone even one foot away he is whining and crying plus he gets scared easily with noise..do you know how I can help him?
Another great video! So when you pointed out Penny's training in particular, was her training different from Zero and Eko's training??
With Eko, I used pretty standard positive-reinforcement techniques, but the framework was all command based - ie, "sit," "stay" etc. Eko's natural disposition was more relaxed and loyal so I was able to cheat my way through rough patches of training by leaning on that fact. Penny showed the underlying weakness of command training because while I could insist on certain things, I had no answer for her natural tendency towards mayhem when I wasn't issuing commands. Those failures led me to choice-based training which I've used now most extensively with Zero.
@@MarkingOurTerritory So Penny challenged you to be better, same as children lol, we won't have to wait 18 years, you'll be fine 😊
Any opinions on how much to exercise a ridgeback puppy? Did you stick to the 5minutes per month of age rule? Or are they less prone to joint issues in older age than other large breeds?
That rule of thumb is helpful, but not sacrosanct. Easiest thing to do is let your puppy guide you. They'll have frequent but short bouts of energy, and their cues for being tired are pretty clear. Avoid long bouts of leashed activity where you're determining the length of engagement rather than letting them rest when needed.
@@MarkingOurTerritoryThanks for the advice. That's pretty much what I was thinking but just wanted some reassurance from someone with experience.
Have you seen the liver nose Ridge Back
I have a visual and a ridback and a puppy ridback
I think that with Ridgebacks you are first amongst equals