Is The RR The Dog For You? First time owner then you must ask yourself these questions Shall i have a dog? What breed am i attracted to? Will it suit my lifestyle? Why choose a Ridgeback?Puppies are irresistable but it is important to remember the Ridgeback will grow into a large and demanding adult. Examine your lifestyle and where you live do you have access to open space, and is your house large enough? Most importantly will there be some one to take care of the puppy when he is young? If the answer to the last question is no then DOnt consider buying a dog.A puppy should not be left alone for long periods. A RR is short -haired but these hairs stick to almost everything. They need physical and mental activity.Lots of walking and plenty of love Only want a pet not a show dog ? Still you should pick a good breeder as from good parents you will get the lovely puppy you deserve,with good health and temperament.Still want one then Welcome to the gang LOL Tips For The New Owner Read as many books as possible about the breed. Remember the first 10 months of your puppies life in his new home are the most important. This is when you and your RR bond OR!!create long -term problems. The RR will never be an obedient dog that blindly follows orders If you wish a such a dog dont pick a Ridgeback. In his first 7to 12 months is when he must learn to live with you and obey the rules you set him. So teach him gently and firmly but make it FUN. EVERYDAY CARE OF YOUR
Rhodesian Ridgeback
Dietary And Feeding Considerations
Today the choices of food for your Rhodesian ridgeback are many and varied. There are simply dozens of brands of food in all sorts of flavours and textures, ranging from puppy diets to those for seniors. There are even hypoallergenic and low-calorie diets available. Because your RR’s food has a bearing on coat, health and temperament, it is essential that the most suitable diet is selected for a RR of his/her age. It is fair to say, however , that even dedicated owners can be somewhat perplexed by the enormous range of foods available. Only understanding what is the best for your dog will help you reach a valued decision.
Dog foods are produced in three basic types: Dried, Semi-moist and Tinned. Dried foods are useful for the cost-conscious for overall they tend to be less expensive than the other two. These contain the least fat and the most preservatives . In general tinned foods are made up of 60-70% water whilst semi-moist ones often contain so much sugar that they are least preferred by owners, even though their dogs seem to like them.
When selecting your dogs diet , three stages of development must be considered : The Puppy stage, Adult stage and the senior or veteran stage.
Puppy Stage
A puppy should be fully weaned within the first 7-8 weeks of its life. Ridgeback puppy’s should be put on a healthy food/diet recommended by its breeder. (No Additional Additives are required) It is important to insure a slow and steady bone growth.
Adult Stage
A RR is considered to have reached full maturity by the age of 2 - 2 and a half years of age. Despite their size RR are low-Maintenance . It is important to make sure that you do not over feed a RR as they are prone to put on weight. Again it is recommended to seek advice on the amounts you feed your dog and to chose a quality food suitable to your dogs requirements.
Senior Stage
As in all older breeds the RR will become less active and a change in diet will be required.
WATER!
It is very important that the dog has a constant fresh water supply. Water is an absolute necessity at all times and even more so if you are feeding your dog on a dry diet.
GROOMING
Like most dogs Ridgebacks moult in the spring and the autumn.Their coat is very short and is easy to care for.Regular grooming with a rubber curry comb or hound glove is ideal.
NAILS
Regular road walking is the best way of keeping your dogs nails trim. As most Ridgebacks don't like having their feet handled is a good idea to handle the dogs feet often so that they get used to it, rewarding them with a titbit.
EVERYDAY CARE OF YOUR
Rhodesian Ridgeback
Dietary And Feeding Considerations
Today the choices of food for your Rhodesian ridgeback are many and varied. There are simply dozens of brands of food in all sorts of flavours and textures, ranging from puppy diets to those for seniors. There are even hypoallergenic and low-calorie diets available. Because your RR’s food has a bearing on coat, health and temperament, it is essential that the most suitable diet is selected for a RR of his/her age. It is fair to say, however , that even dedicated owners can be somewhat perplexed by the enormous range of foods available. Only understanding what is the best for your dog will help you reach a valued decision.
Dog foods are produced in three basic types: Dried, Semi-moist and Tinned. Dried foods are useful for the cost-conscious for overall they tend to be less expensive than the other two. These contain the least fat and the most preservatives . In general tinned foods are made up of 60-70% water whilst semi-moist ones often contain so much sugar that they are least preferred by owners, even though their dogs seem to like them.
When selecting your dogs diet , three stages of development must be considered : The Puppy stage, Adult stage and the senior or veteran stage.
Puppy Stage
A puppy should be fully weaned within the first 7-8 weeks of its life. Ridgeback puppy’s should be put on a healthy food/diet recommended by its breeder. (No Additional Additives are required) It is important to insure a slow and steady bone growth.
Adult Stage
A RR is considered to have reached full maturity by the age of 2 - 2 and a half years of age. Despite their size RR are low-Maintenance . It is important to make sure that you do not over feed a RR as they are prone to put on weight. Again it is recommended to seek advice on the amounts you feed your dog and to chose a quality food suitable to your dogs requirements.
Senior Stage
As in all older breeds the RR will become less active and a change in diet will be required.
WATER!
It is very important that the dog has a constant fresh water supply. Water is an absolute necessity at all times and even more so if you are feeding your dog on a dry diet.
GROOMING
Like most dogs Ridgebacks moult in the spring and the autumn.Their coat is very short and is easy to care for.Regular grooming with a rubber curry comb or hound glove is ideal.
NAILS
Regular road walking is the best way of keeping your dogs nails trim. As most Ridgebacks don't like having their feet handled is a good idea to handle the dogs feet often so that they get used to it, rewarding them with a titbit.
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