To help you best deal with Rhodesian Ridgeback care, it would help if you knew what to expect. For instance, like a lot of puppies, your little Rhodesian Ridgeback will cry when it wakes up in the middle of the night cold. After all, the little one was so used to the warmth and companionship it got out of the puppy pile and any place you put it need will pale in comparison to that, hence the crying. Not to mention that your little Rhodesian Ridgeback probably also needs to be pee. Don’t worry. Your dog will become more self-sufficient and independent as it grows so you’ll hear less and less of the cries in the night as the days pass.

Some other things you have to take note of about Rhodesian Ridgeback care include:

  • Like most hounds, Rhodesian Ridgebacks are very low maintenance. They next-to-nonexistent grooming requirements outside of the routine brushing once a week.
  • However, they are athletic, energetic dogs so Rhodesian Ridgebacks need a lot of exercise so Rhodesian Ridgeback care schedules should include activities like runs.
  • All dogs require proper crates when travelling. Rhodesian Ridgebacks like warmth and privacy so they do best in airplane crates for when they head out with you.
  • Rhodesian Ridgebacks have a reputation for growing fast so be ready for that. Just how fast? An 8-week-old, 12-pound puppy can grow to 30 to 40 pounds in just four months and double that within four more months. And in order to keep up with the right growth rate, your Rhodesian Ridgeback needs to eat.
  • Come up with a feeding schedule. Not only will this ensure your Rhodesian Ridgeback is eating enough, it will also help prevent overeating and fussiness. If your dog doesn’t want to eat when given food, give it 15 minutes and then take away its bowl when it still won’t eat.
  • There are health conditions that the Rhodesian Ridgeback breed is prone to but you can protect your dog generally against sicknesses by ensuring complete vaccination. Your vet should have a vaccination schedule for you to follow but the most crucial period when your dog should get vaccinated is within its first four months.
  • Dogs are generally pack animals but Rhodesian Ridgebacks are particularly so because they are hounds. Rhodesian Ridgeback care should include socialization to ensure that your dog is able to interact well with everyone and you won’t have to worry about dominance and aggression.