Finding a reputable breeder and choosing a pup that isn't too shy or overly aggressive are only two aspect of the "homework" you will have to do. Bear in mind that many top breeders have waiting lists and if you are committed to the breeder whom you've selected you will wait. Don't be too hasty to resort to your last choices as there usually is a good reason if a breeder doesn't have a waiting list. Temperament in a Rhodesian Ridgeback is of utmost importance as, fully grown, a Rhodesian Ridgeback is powerful, even stronger than he looks. He has very strong jaws which, should the need arise can be used very effectively. Before buying a Rhodesian Ridgeback puppy be absolutely sure that this is the right breed for you.

Ask the breeder whether the sire and dam are registered. Ask to see the sire’s and dam’s KUSA registration certificates. Check the bloodlines and that the correct name of the owner of the dogs is on the certificates. Ask for the KUSA registration certificate for your pup and be sure that the breeder has signed the certificate before taking it home. Look at the sire and dam before selecting your puppy. Ask if your puppy has been microchipped. Ask for the inoculation book showing all inoculations and deworming dates. The price of your puppy should include: de-worming every 3 weeks from the age of 2 weeks, 1st inoculations and microchipping at 6 weeks. Ask the selling price and have a good idea beforehand of the average recommended price for a registered or unregistered pup. Find out if there is a Breed Club to join as you will find the support of other Ridgeback members invaluable.

Choose a puppy that is friendly and attractive. Find out whether the litter has been well socialized with other dogs, people, children, different environments and noises. See breed standard for more information on the physical characteristics. Look at the general condition of the puppy i.e. is it covered in fleas, dirty, under nourished etc. The gender of the puppy is a matter of personal choice, bearing in mind a bitch is busier throughout her life and gets into more mischief around the house. A dog is usually more difficult to handle though, especially when he reaches maturity between 18 and 24 months.

Raising a puppy properly is a demanding job and he/she needs plenty of loving care and lots of attention. A Ridgeback puppy likes to "belong" in the family. It takes at least two weeks for your puppy to become accustomed to his or her new surroundings. Once your Ridgeback gets used to his/her new home, he/she will fall into place in the family quite naturally. You will have a very loyal friend with an intelligent, independent and sometimes stubborn spirit.

Find out about your puppy's diet requirements and see what brand of food they have been fed. Feed three or four times a day - enough to fill but not to bulge the tummy. While still young, soak the puppy's pellets in hot water prior to feeding. Cool, clean water must always be available. Ridgeback puppies grow as a tremendous rate from four to six months. At six months the puppy should be eating two meals a day. A fat Ridgeback is a serously sick Ridgeback - he/she should be maintained in a slightly "lean" trim with at least two ribs showing.

Ridgebacks are lively and can be very mischievous if bored. Be firm but never violent as this will destroy the puppy's trust in you. It is natural for dogs to chew so watch your furniture and shoes. Let the puppy have its own collection of toys, big bones (never chicken or chops) and things to chew. Squeeky toys are not suitable. Hard nylon bones are a safe choice.

The natural curiousity of a puppy finds him/her exploring their environment. Be aware of the dangers such as toxic plants, chemicals, electrical cords etc. A puppy needs plenty of rest and its special place to sleep. Many people use a crate for this and it will become the dog's retreat.

The Rhodesian Ridgeback has a short, dense coat and does not shed hair excessively. It is easy to maintain with a monthly bath. A brush and wipe with a wet cloth is usually adequate in between baths. Get your puppy accustomed to being bathed as it will become like second nature by the time he/she grows up. Remember to protect the eyes and ear canal from soap and water and make sure the coat is rinsed properly afterwards as shampoo left in the coat will cause a skin irritation.

A puppy should not be subjected to too much exercise - play sessions in the garden are adequate, however, from two years of age they will enjoy a long walk once or twice a week. Exercise is good for both keeping the dog fit and for his mental stimulation.

A puppy must be socialised from a very early age. He/she should be exposed to other dogs as well as as many humans as possible in the first 12 weeks. The puppy should also be introduced to new experiences such as travelling in the car and different everyday noises. The importance of formal training for your puppy cannot be over emphasized, especially in today’s world where we face a myriad of challenges.

ITS ALL IN THE GENES

TRAINING

The SARRC endorses the trainers listed below:

JOHANNESBURG:

GEORGINA PICKETT
Puppy Socialisation and obedience - Classes in Pretoria
Telephone: 073 144 1473
Contact: georgina.pickett@gmail.com

JOE & CAROL FIELD
Sunday Show Training at 09h00
Goldfields (when there is no show scheduled)
Contact: field.rosheen@tiscali.co.za

* Once a puppy is ready to be socialized , it should be enrolled in a well—run puppy class.

* Owners who fail to realise the importance of training during their dog’s puppyhood will likely face problems when the dog reaches maturity.

* If an adult dog does not live up to expectations, owners must examine how they failed to develop a mature, responsive, well behaved dog from the raw material of a puppy.