Experienced and professional animal trainer provide their insights in answering this question :
A. Rear dewclaws are always removed. Many breeders remove the front ones also, but it is not critical to do so. Just be sure to keep them trimmed, or they can grow into the legs.

How to Identify Common Pet Problems ?

Our sources include academic articles, blog posts, and personal essays from experienced pet care professionals :

Ridgebacks are very intelligent dogs so respond well to positive, reward-based training from an early age. They can be wilful at times and are known to get bored easily if they`re not challenged enough, so it`s for this reason we wouldn`t recommend them if you are a first time owner.
Though not fond of being left alone, with enough exercise, the Rhodesian Ridgeback may be left for four to eight hours during the day—but boredom may give way to destructive behaviors. They prefer the company of their family. Crate training is recommended from an early age.
Puppies of every breed are evaluated for their potential to succeed in the show ring. For Ridgebacks, the most obvious marking evaluated is the ridge. Hips, joints, shape, movement and health are all considered as well. A puppy will be automatically designated as “pet” if it doesn`t meet certain breed standards.
Ridgebacks tend to sleep a lot – some have been witnessed to sleep up to 23 hours a day, though 15 hours is more common. Typically, they are happy to play when their family wants to, but equally happy to sleep, or at least lie down and watch the world go by with naps liberally sprinkled in their schedule.
Ridgebacks are protective of children and other household members. These are excellent natural watchdogs and family protectors, but they do need to know that the caregiver is in charge. Ridgebacks are not barkers, but they will be an alert watchdog to anything unusual.
Rhodesian Ridgeback Personality and Temperament

Ridgebacks can do well with other dogs, especially if they are properly socialized when younger. Many will enjoy being part of a pack and form close bonds with the other dogs in their family.

The length of time a dog can be left alone depends on the individual dog but we advise that they are left for no longer than four hours so they have opportunities to exercise, go to the toilet, and spend time with people.
The Rhodesian Ridgeback is a strong, powerful dog that can be determined and stubborn. Although quite friendly and confident at home, they are very wary of strangers – human and canine.
Rhodesian ridgebacks need daily physical activity and mental stimulation to keep them happy and healthy. Provide at least an hour of exercise per day in the form of brisk walks, jogs, hiking, play, and more. This breed also excels at various dog sports, including agility, obedience, and lure coursing.
The Rhodesian Ridgeback is highly intelligent with a strong-willed, independent streak. The breed needs patient and consistent training and a lot of positive motivation from puppyhood to avoid becoming a domineering nuisance.
Where Should a Puppy Sleep at Night? Your puppy needs to have their own sleeping space. A properly sized crate is useful for sleep training, and your pet will soon learn that this is where to go for a quiet and safe place to rest. Bonus: Teaching your dog to sleep in the crate also helps with potty training.
Ridgebacks know what they want and often whine to communicate that desire to their owners.
Dogs are instinctively wired to protect and rescue their owners, new study finds. Dogs are wired to protect and rescue their owners, a new study has found — and it`s more proof that they really are our best friends.
Though Ridgebacks undeniably enjoy their time outside in the sun, they do not do well as outside-only dogs. They want to be with their families, in the same room, on the same piece of furniture, on the laps of their loved ones.
Dogs sit on their owners` feet and lean on legs for many reasons. But dogs often perch on their humans because they are displaying or looking for affection, feeling anxious, seeking security, or guarding their owners.
Reprimand mistakes — one of the essential things to do is to link inappropriate barking with something that is unpleasant to the dog. For example, some dogs dislike noise so making a loud noise can work, or dogs that dislike water can be gently sprayed with water whenever the barking occurs.
“In my experience, the four most common breeds of dogs that exhibit signs of separation anxiety are typically Labrador Retrievers, Chihuahuas (both mixed breeds and standards), German Shepherds and Cocker Spaniels”, says Dr.
Ridgebacks are known for leaning into their human companions, a characteristic trait of this breed. If your Rhodesian Ridgeback leans into you when you`re sitting or standing together, they`re showing their affection and trust. Their lean says, “I love you and feel secure in your presence.”
If you notice a behavior change in your pet due to being alone too long, it could be a sign to take some action. Examples of behavior changes include increased lethargy, depression or disinterest in once-beloved activities, and destructive tendencies.
Most experts agree you shouldn`t leave your adult dog alone for more than eight to 10 hours, but some dogs (especially ones with small bladders) can`t last that long. DO prepare your dog before you go.
Begin by closing your puppy in the confinement area with a chew toy or other constructive activity, then quietly walk out of the room. Return immediately and reward them with praise and a treat. Repeat the process, slowly increasing how long you`re away each time.
The three types of ridgeback dog breeds are the Rhodesian Ridgeback, Thai Ridgeback, and Phu Quoc Ridgeback. These hunting dogs are agile, loyal, and protective.
Ridgebacks are an extremely active high energy dog and require at least one hour a day of energy-burning activity, but more is preferred. Two hours daily would be better. If they don`t receive the exercise they need to release their pent-up energy they can become quite destructive or develop behavior issues.
The Take Me to the Party Method

While your Ridgeback is a puppy, you can put him in your lap for a little cuddle time. The more time you can spend doing this, the more relaxed he will become. While you have your pup on the couch or in your lap is a great time to give him a good rub down.

Relevant Questions and Answers :

the most relevant questions and answers related to your specific issue

Q. How do I get my dog to stop chewing on things? I kennel her when I leave for a few hours, but I can’t go to the mailbox without her eating something.
ANSWER : A. If she’s young, then this is just normal puppy behavior. Don’t worry about it. The thing about puppies is, they explore using their mouths. If your puppy grabs a coat hanger, or a slipper, you should roll up a newspaper, and smack yourself on the head with it for leaving those things out.. your puppy is going to explore things, that’s normal! It is 100% up to YOU to keep those things away from your puppy when your puppy is unsupervised… even for just a moment.

Remember to never scold your puppy for grabbing these things. They are just curious little cuties, and they don’t chew things up to bother us.. Dogs do not have intentional thought, so they aren’t ever doing anything ON PURPOSE to us.. The most important thing you can do when your puppy is chewing something you don’t want her to be chewing is TRADE her the inappropriate item with a toy of hers, so she understands “no honey, that isn’t what puppies chew on… THIS is what puppies chew on!” and then begin playing with her using her toy to show her that TOYS ARE FUN.. Way more fun than a boring ol’ coat hanger.

Another helpful thing you can do is have two bags of toys. In each bag is many different kinds of toys. Lots of chew toys, lots of soft squeaky toys, lots of rope-type toys, a bunch of balls.. All kinds of things! For one week you have bag#1’s toys out for your puppy to play with.. At the end of the one week, you collect those toys, and you bring out bag#2! The toys will be more interesting/feel like new to your puppy, which will in-turn, make her chew less inappropriate things. Her toys are too fun to care about that dumb Wii-mote that you left laying around.

Hope this helps!

Read Full Q/A … : Stop Dog Chewing – Put A Stop To Your Dog's Or Puppy's …

Q. My puppy is urinating a lot. And the lady I gave one of the puppies to said she thinks her puppy has diabetes could my puppy have it to
ANSWER : A. It is not likely that either one of these puppies has diabetes. It is very uncommon for a puppy that young to have diabetes. If your puppy is straining to urinate or is urinating very small amounts frequently and cannot seem to wait for very long between urination, he may have a urinary tract infection. It is quite possible that your puppy is completely normal. I would suggest an exam with your veterinarian and discuss the behavior with them. They may suggest a urinalysis. Your puppy should be going to the vet at 3 week intervals for vaccinations at this age, so you can discuss it when he has his next set of vaccines. The other person with the other puppy should also be taking hers to a vet for proper immunizations and she should also discuss her concerns with her vet.

Read Full Q/A … : When my dog goes pee it is dark and thick. – Questions …

Q. From whom should I get my puppy? The local shelter, my neighbor, a breeder, or a pet supply store?
ANSWER : A. Many people believe that it is better to get a puppy from a reliable breeder. While there are benefits to this, there are benefits to some of the other available options as well. A reliable breeder will introduce you to the puppy’s mother and will allow you to see the environment in which the mother and her puppies live. Often, breeders will also supply background genetic and familial information, so you will know what to expect for your puppy’s future health and temperament. The same can be true for a well-known neighbor with whom you are friendly and familiar with his or her dog.

Alternatively, you can find a puppy in need of a warm and stable home at your local shelter. Here, the benefit is in knowing that you are supporting a worthy service, as you save the life of a dog that would not have had a chance without you.

Read Full Q/A … : Ask A Vet Online For Free 24/7 – PetCoach

Q. My puppy ate 2 peanut butter with chocolate chip granola bars.
ANSWER : A. It is important to know your pup’s weight, age, and breed. It takes a decent amount of milk chocolate to cause any issues in a dog. However, if it was dark chocolate, and your dog is very small (2lb small breed) then you should consider going to the vet. If your dog is a little larger, I wouldn’t worry about it too much. Keep a very close eye on your puppy for the next couple of days, and check each bowel movement.

I am hoping you didn’t scold your dog for eating the granola bars. I say this because you may have, when truly, it was your own fault. Allowing your puppy to get into trouble like that is irresponsible. A puppy should be crate trained, and crated when unsupervised. Not only that, but if your puppy had already eaten the granola bars, scolding is pointless. Scolding after the fact is always pointless. If you’re going to scold, or redirect your puppy, you should do is DURING the act, and not after. The puppy will only learn that you are scary, and unpredictable if you scold after he has done something bad and forgotten about it.

Read Full Q/A … : my dog just ate a granola bar with chocolate chips

Q. How do I tech my puppy to tell me when he needs to go outside to go potty?
ANSWER : A. I would suggest that you have a one on one consultation with a Petcoach consultant such as myself and I would suggest that you sign your puppy up for a puppy class. Puppy class Dog trainers help teach their students everything and anything concerning puppy care and training. They can help you with potty training, biting, chewing, toys, care, commands, ect. Also you will be able to socialize your puppy with other puppies at a young age which you NEED to do! If you have a dog that was never socialized with other dogs it will become fearful and even aggressive and bite other dogs later in life.

Read Full Q/A … : How to Teach a Dog to Tell You when He Wants to Go Outside

Q. My Beagle listens to me, but cries & whines when I’m gone & doesn’t listen to my parents. I adopted him just a couple days ago. Any tips for my folks?
ANSWER : A. I really highly doubt that your Beagle listens to you and has formed a connection with you in just a couple of days. It takes months to build up any kind of serious connection with your dog. You need to work on communication with your dog through training them to understand different cues. For instance the Leave-It cue: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R1TS5nA7z5Q

You have to work on bonding with your dog through mental stimulation. Training is very important. Luring each new behavior from scratch, and training using treats is how you form a strong bond with your new dog. No scolding is ever necessary… work on being calm, and positive, all the time.

If your dog is crying/whining when you leave, this may be separation anxiety. You’re going to have to separation train this dog from scratch. This dog needs to learn that separation can be a good thing! Tell your “folks” to NOT scold the dog when he is crying/whining after you leave, because that will make your dog MORE anxious when you leave next time. Your dog will be dwelling on the negative if your parents fuel your dogs negative feelings towards you leaving. FUN things should happen when you leave. Your parents should pull out the treats and start doing some basic obedience training with your dog. Your parents should stuff a Kong filled with awesome treats (peanut butter) and give it to him so he feels happy when you leave.

I have some excellent separation anxiety exercises you can work on. If you’d like, you can purchase a consultation with me, and I will go over how to separation train from scratch. It will make your dog comfortable being alone, guaranteed.

Read Full Q/A … : I Don't Like My Mother

Q. Husband shamed dog for having an accident inside, and now she won’t poop when he takes her out. Can we fix this? He realizes he erred
ANSWER : A. Good on your husband for realizing that scolding is not the way to potty train! Hopefully these tips can help both him and your pup get back on the right track and make pottying outside successful.

If your dog is still a puppy, that is good news as you may be able to more easily time your potty outings with your dog’s schedule. Even if your dog is older, this schedule may help. Dogs generally have to go potty about 15 minutes after eating, drinking, waking up or playing. Knowing this, get your husband to start taking out your puppy at these key times, so puppy gets used to going out with him, and the urge to potty may be higher than any fear to go. If the potty is successful, have your husband reward the dog with a favorite treat! For bowel movements, dogs may take a little more time, and you may have to stand outside for a while (sometimes even 10 minutes) to give your dog a chance to go. If she doesn’t go, take her back inside and play some, then try again in about 15 minutes. Again, a success equals a treat which most dogs will like right away!

For any indoor potty accidents that occurred, an enzymatic cleaner is great for cleaning up urine and stool. Not only does it remove the stain and smell, but it breaks down the enzymes in the urine and stool your dog can smell, which may deter her from going potty there again.

Read Full Q/A … : Port Manteaux Word Maker – OneLook Dictionary Search

Q. What solid food should I start 4 week old Pit Bull puppies on?
ANSWER : A. A puppy food designed for large breed puppies can help with rapidly growing bones and joints and can be given in a wet form easily to puppies learning to eat solids. You can also provide a dry kibble for them to try and should moisten it with water or some formula to make it easier for the puppies to eat and digest. As the puppies grow and their teeth come in, they will begin to eat and explore more of the solid food on their own.

Mom should also be on a Puppy formula while nursing her puppies as it will provide extra nutrients to both her and babies while they are in a very rapid stage of growth!

Read Full Q/A … : When to Start Feeding Puppies Solid Food? – Pets

joliana smith

My name is Sarah Smith and I am a dog owner, lover, and trainer. I have been working with dogs for over 10 years and have a passion for helping them learn and grow. I am a certified dog trainer and specialize in positive reinforcement methods. I believe that all dogs can learn and that the best way to train them is to build a strong relationship based on trust and respect.