About to adopt a Rhodesian Ridgeback...

[atheliah]

Hi guys,

My husband and I are about to adopt a Rhodesian Ridgeback. We live on 5 acres so we have plenty of room for her. She is 4 yrs old, trained, de-sexed, and apparently has a great nature.

We've read a little about these breeds, and found out that they aren't to great with strangers? What do you think? What advice do you have to help her in her transition to our home and family?

If anyone owns a R.R, got any tips, advice etc...? We have one other dog, and a cat. There is also another dog living on the property.


Thanks for your help,

Bek

[queenkarlata]

I would first see how she reacts to a stranger coming to the house (plan to have a friend come over at a planned time so you are prepared). Have her on the leash for safety. Once you see how she is with a stranger, then you can gauge if you need to work with her on it. if you decide to work with her, i would have different people come to the house on different days with treats in their pockets. Have her on the leash at first and have the "stranger" ignore her if she's barking or aggressive and when she's calm, pet her and give her treats for being a good girl. just do this repeatedly and also when you take her out and about, carry treats with you and if she meets a stranger out there, and is a good girl, give them a treat to give to her. hope this helps. this helped me with my dog when he would bark incessantly at people coming in the house or approaching us in the streets.

[atheliah]

thanks for ur advice queenkarlata. We met with the owners the other day, and the dog seems like a nice one. The owners also told us that they had taken her to training school... we r getting the dog on sunday.

I will definately do what u suggested!

Thanks again

Bek