Sunday, April 02, 2006
DOTW - Rhodesian Ridgebacks
This week's DOTW is actually a breed - the rhodesian ridgeback. Michael introduced me to this breed shortly after we started dating. This was the breed of dog he wanted if he would ever get a dog. I was unsure, since I didn't know anything about them and (at the time) I was afraid of large dogs. In California, we have "met" a few when we've been out for walks, and as I've learned more about them, have grown to learn that a RR might make a great family dog. Here's something I grabbed off of www.sdrrc.org: Breed Characteristics
Possessing many of the characteristics generally associated with hounds, the Ridgeback has a quiet, gentle temperament, rarely barking. While able to enjoy lazing around in a patch of sun, or in front of a winter fireplace, a Ridgeback can be instantly alert if a stranger should appear or he is in pursuit of legitimate prey. Where he gave the impression of a big, lazy, slow-moving animal, the Ridgeback can be a threatening presence as a watchdog. Developed not only to hunt, but also as a family protector, his affectionate disposition makes him a trustworthy companion for a small child. He is easily trained, being, more than many hounds, of above-average tractability. However, because of this intelligence, an untrained Ridgeback can become a terrible nuisance! Trained, he is a pleasure as a companion, a hunting partner, or as a show dog or obedience competitor. Because of his innate abilities to protect his family, a Ridgeback should not be trained as a guard dog but rather the natural protective qualities should be supplemented with elementary obedience training for control.
Yesterday we had a wonderful opportunity to meet 20-30 rhodesian ridgebacks. The San Diego Rhodesian Ridgeback Club was holding a Fun Day at Rainbow Hill Ridgebacks (breeder. above). It was wonderful to mix-and-play with these animals, and learn more about how a RR may fit into our small, but growing family. There were even three puppies (12 weeks old)!!!
We now need to figure out if we should:
(1) Get a puppy now while we have time to train it and before we get our new furniture for the house.
(2) Get a puppy when we are back from Russia, after we've adjusted to having two children. This would also mean that the puppy would "grows up" with small children and might be a better adjustment for the dog than #1.
(3) Get a rescue dog whenever a good match becomes available.
Of course I want to go with #1 right now, but the sensible side of me says wait for #2 or #3. If we wait, we would still have "our freedom" now and would not need to worry about the dog when we are making our trips to Russia.
I told Michael last night on the couch that I wouldn't be upset if he went back on Monday to collect one of the puppies. I guess we'll just see how things go...
5 Comments:
Adopt A Child.orgAdopting from Russia
Eastern European Adoption Coalition, Inc
Embassy of the Russian Federation
Families for Russian and Ukrainian Adoption
Karen's Adoption Links
Older Child Adoption
Russia Adoption Blog
Russian Adoption Medical Services
Russian Family Search
Russian Toys
Vernissage Press
And ridgebacks are gorgeous, there was one in a dog run around here and he was very agressive...I guess training is key.
1. Deal with a reputable breeder. I got Rufus from Betsy Metcalf (http://www.geocities.com/arrarabsridgebacks/) and the could not be happier. This not just a question of breeding, but also of the care and socialization your puppy will get. Rufus had a collar (in the form of a ribbon) put on him the day he was born, and was handled frequently as an infant.
2. Socialize, socialize, socialize - Within the first two months you have him, your puppy should be exposed to old people, children, men, women, infants, cats, loud noises, big dogs, small dogs, other puppies... In short, everything that might spook him later on. Consider this as vaccination against "shy or hostile dog syndrome". If RRs have a flaw, it is that they can become too owner centric, and extensive socialization helps prevent this.
3. Training - RR's are EXTREMELY intelligent, and will train you if you don't train them first. You should begin working with him as soon as you get him home. Start by reading Ian Dunbar's book, Before You Get Your Puppy (you can get it here for FREE)