The Ridgeback’s nature requires training done is a fair, firm, loving, and consistent manner to be done correctly, but also is a breed where training can be difficult at times because they are know to be stubborn and can get bored very easily, unless they are at the side of their owners at all times. They are considered one of the most intelligent of all the breeds. They are very much people dogs, and owning one requires a total commitment to time and energy. The correct training is required with obedience, agility, and jumping as demonstrations that they can be successfully trained for shows – clear on down the line to basic commands as a household pet.
This is a breed that very much wants to think on its own, do it on its own time and then to do what it wants once it makes up its mind. This is the attitude that a person will face when beginning the training of a Ridgeback, so beginning training for this powerful dog at a young age is mandatory. The training should be firm and gentle at the same time, as the breed if very tender-hearted and crumbles at the slightest harsh word. To much harshness, verbal abuse, or physical punishment will destroy the dog’s nature and its essence of who it really is.
A very strong breed of great endurance, they make excellent watchdogs or family pets, as long as they are trained to mind. Exercise is a high requirement for the Rhodesian Ridgeback. Very hardy dogs built to run and hunt, this is a breed that requires constant and very consistent exercise. Owners such as runners or joggers, would make excellent owners for this breed as they can run for very long distances without tiring.