Hello, my name is Sara and this is my first post here well actually it's my first time on a forum so please be kind as I'm nervous about posting this anyway. I own a Rhodesian ridgeback, he's 1,5years old. Before I jump into my problem I have to give you all a little bit of background information. He was bought by my brother who knew nothing about the breed and didn't do his research (but please don't judge him, because I don't want this post to be about that), he didn't take him to school and didn't work with him a lot until he got out of hand and he was forced to get help but the woman who he got help from told him the only solution is to hit him extremely hard which fo this breed is the worst thing you can do (I did my own research, but my knowledge is still very limited) but somehow it worked for a while. After some time there was a situation and my brother left the dog to our care. We are inexperienced because our previous dog was a Boxer/Malinois breed and was very easy to teach, but we are ready to learn, we want to do everything in our power to be the best owners we can be to him. So the problem we are facing now is that at home he is the perfect dog, just the sweetest, but when we go out for a walk he becomes impossible, so when we go he's gonna be fine for a while but then something will trigger him I really don't know what and he will start jumping at me and biting me, it's not aggressive biting but more like he grabs your hand and squeezes it, today this happened five times, at one point he got behind me and jumped at my back. Usually what in that situation is that I get him to lay on his side physically and detain him until he's calm because when he does this he does not listen to any command he gets worse if you don't somehow get him to stop and usually after that it's okay but today it wasn't and I feel like its getting worse. I don't know what's the right thing to do in this situation, I feel like putting him on his side isn't the best thing to do all the time and I am afraid of him getting aggressive. So please if anyone has any knowledge I would really appreciate any advice on what I should do. Note that I have been working with him on his commands and he knows them all and is very good learner and easily motivated with food, but when he has his outburst not even food helps like if i wanted to distract him and I have been giving him mind toys to keep him entertained and his brain active. And please no judging I am having a really hard time as it is, I love him to death but I really don't know what else to do. We will also probably go see a RR specialist soon. Thank you to anyone who will reply. -Sara
Hi there , I’m going to say something a bit out left field . So you can take it or leave it , If you get a piece of stiff plastic pipe that his lead can go through , and have a stopper (maybe a knot ) so it doesn’t press as far as his collar , then he won’t be able to reach you . I mean this will give you more physical control and rigidity over his direction and his closeness . this could ‘possibly’ help in the short term , while you get his corrections and commands in order , plus it will probably confuse him too . this is pretty unorthodox no doubt , I’m not sure what the dog is like and what the outcome will be , Like I said ‘left field ‘. I’d take the treats with you and act calm and see how he reacts , I imagine he will find it a bit imposing . the picture I got when you were talking is like when a car is towing another car by a strap and the cars run into each other when slowing down , however when you tow a car and you have a rod or pipe between them with the strap through , They can’t bump into each other and it’s safer . there’s plenty good people to give advice here , and I’m not the regimented learned dog trainer type , So like I said take it or leave it .
I think your gut feeling is right - this lying them on their side idea was popularised by Caesar Milan but has a negative effect on many dogs, who naturally object to being forced into a vulnerable position. Behaviour which is funny and playful in a little dog ceases to be amusing when the dog is nearly your own size. At 1.5 years, he will still be in his teenage phase, and his is an additional problem for you to deal with. If you could find some activities which let him use his mind, this may help to reduce his energy levels. I am thinking of things like tracking a person, or searching for articles - these are games that should naturally suit a hound. You might find a headcollar useful, but I would always use one with a double ended lead - one clip to the headcollar, the other to a flat leather collar, or a harness. Pulling on a headcollar can strain his neck. If it is possible for you to arrange a couple of one-to-one training sessions with a qualified trainer or behaviourist, I think this would be the way to go. You should look for someone who only uses reward-based training methods - I note that you have already realised that he responds best when you teach him this way. Hopefully, the training clubs will be able to resume activities in the near future, and he isn't too old to join a Beginner training class. Good luck.
Hello there I own a 3 year old ridgeback he is ver powerful and needs lots of exercise to get his zoomies worked out - he needs daily runs and play , knowing that most people do not have large spaces for this breed they are super active and I notice if I don’t give him time he is zooming all over the house at night like a crazy man. This breed is super smart and if you allow them to be top dog they will gladly take it , having said that consistent approach to soft disciplining is what they actually want. I think if you are consistent with love and soft discipline he will love you like no other but knows his boundaries and you are the top dog - hope this helps
