If you have ever wondered, “can a Rhodesian Ridgeback Kill a Bear?” the answer, in short, is yes. If given the right motivation, such as protecting its family or territory, almost any dog will be able to attack a much larger animal.
It is an unlikely situation, but possible. However, the Rhodesian Ridgeback is a very mild-tempered breed and especially with its family. They are also a competitive breed that can be challenging to beat.
The Traits of a Rhodesian Ridgeback
The Rhodesian Ridgeback is also independent, fearless, and courageous but is not considered dangerous unless it is threatened.
They may make an excellent guard dog and are a great line of defense against an intruder. Not only did they hunt in the wild plains of Africa, but they were also used to protect Boer farms.
Although they are not a breed that barks a lot, they can be a formidable presence and keep danger at bay.
What it Was Bred to do
This breed of dog was bred to protect its owner from lions and other dangers in southern Africa.
This majestic dog is loyal to its family and was bred to hunt for very large animals such as lions and could even protect its owners from leopards and baboons. They even had enough energy to hunt alongside their owners, who often rode horses in their pursuit of prey.
Their speed also gave them the advantage to overtake some of the fastest animals, such as antelope.
A Mixed Breed
The Rhodesian Ridgeback is the result of several different breeds bred together such as the Mastiff, Great Dane, Greyhound, and Bloodhound. These dogs, brought to Africa by European settlers, were bred with the native Khoikhoi breed of dog.
This unique mix of breeds created not only a majestic creature but an excellent hunter as well. The Rhodesian Ridgeback is naturally athletic and can keep up with some of the fastest breeds of dog.
Although there are many different variations of the Rhodesian Ridgeback, they all have in common the very distinct ridge that runs down the back, often with hair that runs in the opposite direction than the rest of the coat.
In addition, they always have mostly light or red wheaten fur, although their coats are made of various colors.
Their Winning Personality
The Rhodesian Ridgeback is a very intelligent breed as well as independent and sometimes strong-willed.
It is a good idea to train your dog while they are young so that they are easier to work with. Progress will also be much more expedient the younger the trainee.
Timing is Everything
The ideal time to have your puppy trained is right around eight weeks. This is the age where your dog can begin to learn some of the basic commands such as sit, come, and stay.
This is also a good time to do some indoor leash training. Don’t forget to spend lots of one-on-one time with your dog and especially if they are a puppy.
Puppies crave a lot of attention and need to adapt to a new environment and family. Your dog needs to get used to the smells and environment that will become their new territory.
Use plenty of reassurance. Your dog can become possessive due to feelings of insecurity. Reassurance will help dissolve any feelings of fear or any other negative reactions to the surrounding environment.
Train the right Way
If you are training your dog yourself, it is always best to use positive reinforcement such as praise or treats. Training sessions should also be kept short (no more than 15-minute sessions) and consistent.
Consistency is key, and if you stick to a fairly regular schedule, your dog will likely begin to look forward to your training sessions.
However, you should do your training sessions in different places such as the park, on the beach, or anywhere else that has some but not too much stimulation.
This will help your dog to develop its focus skills and confidence. If you are going to be your dog’s trainer, you will need to have some patience.
Training takes time and especially if your dog is naturally energetic as the Rhodesian Ridgeback tends to be.
Find the Right Trainer for Your Dog
If you are seeking out a good trainer, there are a few important things you should look for.
First, ask potential trainers what their training philosophy is and decide whether or not their way of teaching is in line with how you would like your dog to be taught.
Whether you want to have private lessons for your dog or have your dog be a student in a school with other dogs will depend on your dog’s temperament.
Private lessons may cost more, but you may need fewer sessions than lessons in a class with multiple dogs since it may be too much stimulation for your dog.
A dog trainer should be able to fill you in concerning their education and training as well as experience and any credentials that they may have.
They should also be a person who you can communicate with and trust to spend time with your dog.
Although not mandatory, if you look for a dog trainer certified with the Certification Council of Professional Dog Trainers organization, it is a good indication that they take their job seriously and have taken the time to go the extra mile.
In addition, this is likely an indication that they will also go the extra mile when training your dog.
So, “can a Rhodesian Ridgeback kill a bear?” The answer is yes, with the right motivation. If they are your loyal companion, they will do everything in their power to protect you.
Whether you want a Rhodesian Ridgeback as a faithful companion or for competitive shows, it is sure to become a highly valued member of your family. You may wonder how you ever got along without one.
