Nalaridge

It's starting to seem like a protective thing but it's hard to tell. Shes all over the shop and a little hard to read. Today at the beach it was like she was guarding us. Anyway that walked past us within 15-20 metres, she would get up, approach them from behind and sniff them out, if they made any sudden movements she would bark. It's very strange because usually she can't get enough of strangers, she'd want to lick them and get pats. Though different people got a different reaction today, whoever walked past we just told them to ignore her. Some she would be alert, others she would try initiate play. Rhodesians arent known for barking much, but she recently discovered hers. When we left her at the kennel/trainers last month she started barking at the trainer, so they decided to put a shock collar on her to try stop her (without asking us) It did while she was there, but once she was back home she started again. I'm not sure if this might of effected her, but there's a few factors contributing to her behaviour at the moment. She's being moved around a lot during the Xmas break, staying in new places, seeing many people. Her whole routine has changed and that's why it's so hard to determine the cause. I'm trying to ignore the most of it, but it's the children thing that worries us the most. Anyway sorry for long post, just an update and also more info to add to get a better idea. Cheers!

Thanks Julie, we live in Geelong also, so I'll get back to you when we return from our camping trip in the new year. We have some pulling issues that need help too. Thanks everyone and SecretKei,, your answers are always helpful. I went to get coffees just before and my wife said she started growling at one of the girls when she stood by the car, almost territorial. The girl did nothing. It's unusual because she won't do it to older people. And she also did when I took her for a walk earlier and the girls were nearby. It's something about these girls, but they're very gentle and friendly. She's been acting slightly different ever since my wife got pregnant. We're confused.

Hi, We camping at the moment for the next week with our 12 month ridgeback in Port Fairy. She's started showing fear signs toward children, in particular girls. She's always been good with kids, but this has come from nowhere. Not sure if it's all the new surrounds,smells and living arrangements (it's her first time camping). But we're very concerned as my wife has just become pregnant and we want to nip this in the butt before we have a child. I've been trying to teach the girls nearby to approach her slowly (they're really fond of Nala) and to back off if Nala shows signs of being scared. We've just started a treats program for the girls to be involved so that Nala gets treats from them when she approaches them. Soo the aim is for Nala to come to them and not let them rush her. It's worked so far but we've only started it today, as soon as one of the girls get jumpy, Nala will jolt back and bark (tail between legs). There's no point telling her off because it's a warning signal (so I've read) and it's her way of saying I'm scared, punishing her might make the problem worse as she will have no warning. Can anyone please help with some solutions or who have been in the same situation? I'd hate to give her away once we have a child because we couldn't control the problem. Thanks in advance.

http://www.geelongadvertiser.com.au/article/2011/10/12/285001_news.html

Lady at my fiancees work just lost her 2 year German Shepard the other week from a snake bite. Not sure what species it was as the dog had wandered into the bush. Location: Barwon River, Geelong VIC Date: Early September My Ridgey is definitely staying on her leash at the moment. Too adventurous at 9 months!

There you go, I've learnt something today. Thank You!!!

Hi, My 8 month old Ridgeback's nose is changing colour. Now I know you can get Ridgebacks with either black or brown noses, but those with dark muzzles tend to black. I selected a pup with a dark muzzle and a dark nose, but recently I noticed her nose has turned brown and it's not dirt, even though she digs occasionally LOL. Anyway I'm not alarmed or anything but I was wondering if this is normal or what do it mean? Any other owners experienced this? Thanks!

as a growing pup, she doesn't really need this starchy stuff. perhaps make up some thick chicken broth (no salt) just boil up chicken bits(skin, bones,gristle) - when cooked, take out the bone . then add some pieces of kibble .. maybe two or 3 liver treats to get some good scent in there. let broth set in the fridge overnight plug the end of the kong with peanut butter ..pour in teh broth, and freeze. MUCH more dog- appropriate food - and the smell will attract her . the best bones for dogs are those which can be completely chewed up and eaten (they are also the ones which may not upset her tummy) I find I need (and have been recommended) to feed her sweet potato or rice to help reduce her diarrhea, it's not everyday, but only when she has reacted to bones or a change in diet. It's worked for the past few months, so I'm happy sticking with it. Your broth suggestion sounds great, I might give it a try. we have boiled some of her hard toys with chicken broth before. As for the bones, we've decided we can't give her any. Her stomach is just too sensitive and it runs in her bloodline. Her mother couldn't have bones either.

Thanks Arielle, My partner and I discussed it last night and did some research. We agree that rawhide is no good and will more than likely buy another KONG. Yes we do freeze her current Kong with sweet potato mash or a rice blend with veg.

Sorry, I mean her attitude is a little different. Like a sick child that becomes really needy. She's just not her usual self. I've tried legs, necks, frames, brisket. And I slowly started eliminating them realising her stomach is just too sensitive. BCPuppy: I've been advised not to feed Ridgebacks cow hoves and I'm pretty sure I've read it somewhere too. I might try the roo tails and see how she fairs. Otherwise I'll find the rawhide because I know she doesn't react to it. Thanks!

Hi, My 8 month old Ridgeback might have a bone allergy or is really sensitive to raw bones (beef, lamb, chicken), she normally develops diarrhea after having a bone and she becomes a little funny too. I started scraping out the marrow because it's so rich, but she still has problems. So I was hoping there was something else I could give her to keep her amused for most of the day to chew on. A normally give her a filled Kong and also fill up one of the balls with dried food, but she needs something extra because those items plus her toys aren't enough. Pigs ears and pork sticks last only 5 minutes. Any suggestions please? Thanks!

^^^^Good advice. Thank you very much.^^^^

Yeah I've tried cheese, she normally responds well to it. But not if she's more interested in tackling other dogs.

Hi, I'm going to jump on-board/hijack this thread slightly (sorry), but it also relates to my 6 month old pup that loves treats, but sometimes she loves playing more than her treats. The other day nothing would get her attention, even when I did try reward her with a treat for doing the right thing, she didn't want it, she just spat it out. These are treats she usually loves too. She just wanted to play with the other pup her age. Eventually I had to use water as an incentive in order to get her to do anything because she was so thirsty from playing. So, how do you train/control them when treats don't work? And how do you make them more interested than you, compared to other dogs? Thanks.

She's been getting a heap better. I've been teaching a heap of recall and stay. She's also picked up the "leave it" command very quick, nearly instantly. Once again I won't be over-confident about it because she's only 18 weeks old. Nala use to pick up pieces of bark and rubbish during our walks, now with only little training she already knows what "leave it" means. She loses interest or stops sniffing at it and expects a treat. She's funny like that, with each new thing she learns she gets quite obsessed with it and thinks she'll get a treat everytime (that's something I mix up though, because I reward her with verbal praise or pats too). I've been teaching her a lot of down, stand and stay. So now instead of running up and sitting when she see's me to get a treat. She runs and dives into a down position, it's extremely cute. I'm searching for a very long lead at the moment so I can practise more recall, she's getting the hang of it from a few metres and around the house, but I want to slowly extend the distances. Thanks for all the help so far. I'll make sure not to let her loose for a little while until we're both confident with the recall and leave it. I've been reading alot about it and from what I've learnt "You need to set the dog up for success." There's no point trying to train recall with her if I can't act on it or can't get her back.