Rhodesian Ridgeback Training Guide

The best choice for training a Rhodesian Ridgeback? Let your dog choose for themself!

It sounds counter intuitive, but choice-based training is the single best system I've discovered for working with this independent minded breed. By empowering your dog to make their own choices, and positively rewarding them for the ones you want, you'll unlock the most effective technique for working with these wonderful (and stubborn!) dogs

[richardanderson]

Very often I feel so depressed. I have severe grief issues from children I've lost. Last year my oldest son shot himself. I really haven't been the same since. Watching your videos and listening to you talk is therapeutic for me. Thanks bro, you mean more than you know.

[jdove]

My dog learned which shoes i used for which tasks. Slippers were for in the house, athletic shoes were for walking and the shoes that smell like 1000 cats and dogs were for work (I'm a vet tech).
If I even touched the "wanna gomfor a walk" shoes, she would jump up and start hunting for the leash and collar combo she wanted to show off that day!
Dogs are so amazing. RIP Kali, I will miss you, baby!! 🐕❤️

[martinwilson]

I have owned Ridgeback on and off for over 30 years and it is so good to see this I learned it a long long time ago

[victoriavanderveen]

Best advice. Exactly what I learned with my two ridgebacks. They’re completely different than any dog, or even animal, I’ve worked with. Also, same here when it comes to the word” hungry”. They’re favorite words are hungry, dinner, breakfast, treat & grandpa 😂 most of the time my husband & I have to spell those words to each other so they don’t understand. Love all your videos!! Too funny how similar ridgebacks are to each other.

[erinheathermcintyre]

100% my RR is 8 month old now and she is the best behaved dog I have ever!
Structured traing classes, shaping behavours and lots and lots of love.
Consistency and clear boundaries

[laidbacktraveler]

One of the best (if not the best) guides to training and dealing with a Ridgebacks. Spot on!!!

[oxdyz]

I don’t have a pure bred ridgeback, he’s a ridgeback pitbull mix and I got him after he was already 2 and his old owner was a really bad dog owner, he was conditioned to stay away from you if you raise your voice because he would get hit, and not listen at all when you spoke friendly because no one paid him attention unless they where angry. It took a lot of time to gain his trust while also setting boundaries, but I’m happy to say he is the smartest, most loyal pet I’ve ever had.

[niallmacleod]

Great video! I have had Ridgebacks for as far back as I can remember - in Africa, UK and these days, the US. I have always felt that training them has always been a negotiation!

[kimberlywilliams]

I took my little guy to a class that operated on slip chain collars, no treats, & strict command adherence. I knew after the first session it was not the right class for his sensitive soul but continued on because, well, I'd paid for it. While it seemed to work on the labs & rottweilers, it was spirit crushing for him. I knew how to train my dog, I just wanted a class environment but it took months to overcome the damage. He's now a well adjusted, reasonably behaved adult & all he really needed was positive feedback & freedom to make the right choices.

[pnksmigge]

Had a Rhodesian as a visitor for a few weeks (and soon again), most well behaved, inside chill, outside active, polite dog I've ever met.

[thebigfs]

Excellent, excellent video! Our big guy is 9 now and you can still see the wheels turning in his head while he decides whether he’s going to do something. Somewhere along the way, we figured out to be patient for a moment to let him decide... often works out nicely. As always, you’re spot-on. Love love your entire family and appreciate all you do!

[AlexandraAndStuff]

I absolutely love the contrast between a destroyed piece of furniture and an Oscar-worth poker face our dogs are so great at putting on.

[theblueamen]

This is so true and how I worked with my boy. The end result, a well adjusted happy companion. You need the patience of a saint though. I like it that he has a mind of his own.

[hummeldumm]

Totally agree! And your videos of your family with kids and dogs are the best proof. 😊

[ORION]

Great info. My RR is well behaved, only issue we had was recall. I learned to tap into his instincts, I would start running away from him and he would immediately bolt back towards me.

[nicoleonfeels]

I am probably a few years out from getting a dog myself, I want to make sure they get the life and attention they deserve, but watching your videos is great prep / a way to get my dog fill in the meantime. Thank you for sharing them 🤗

[jj.l]

Our new family member is a lil ridgeback puppy, 11 weeks now and she is amazing...Her name is Zuri and she has so much energy...playing all the other puppies tired....stay healthy, we love watching your videos!!! ♥️

[EtherealGrows]

Great tips!

3:03 Tracking her eye movements reveals her carefully listening to you and recognising that sigh that gives it all away! 😍 Brilliant!

[missyoumeeko]

Another great video - watching everything you do from the UK

[kirishimaeijiro]

As someone who's owned plenty of dogs but is thinking about this one specifically thank you so much this will help so much