A Rhodesian Ridgeback may attack an intruder but as a defensive mechanism rather than from a possessive stance. The Rhodesian Ridgeback is a natural hunter but, when appropriately trained, will only act on its instinct under the right circumstances.
Have you ever wondered, “can a Rhodesian Ridgeback kill a human?” the answer is, of course, but it isn’t likely to attack or kill anyone.
The Temperament of the Rhodesian Ridgeback
Although they are of the same breed and even bloodline, each Rhodesian Ridgeback is its own dog with its own personality.
But, overall, the expected temperament of this particular breed of dog is very active and can get bored easily if there isn’t enough stimulation in its environment.
The Rhodesian Ridgeback is also independent and confident. But, of course, it is also very intelligent and can become uneasy around new faces.
However, once they warm up to visitors, they are warm and affectionate.
Take the Time to Train Your Rhodesian Ridgeback
Some Rhodesian Ridgeback can tend to be shyer, and it may be necessary to train your dog in order to help them become more sociable.
And since they can have a bit of a stubborn streak, it can be helpful to get at least some professional training.
Or, you will need to be able to invest some time training your dog yourself. They do pick up training quickly, though, and are very good at mastering skills thanks to their hard work ethic and determination.
On the other hand, they can be harder to motivate than other breeds of dogs, which means that they typically respond better to positive reinforcement than, say, treats or praise.
If you are thinking of getting a trainer, you may want to ask them about their training techniques. You want to ensure that their methods align with what you are looking for since every trainer has their own way of teaching.
They Need Lots of Activity
Because the Rhodesian Ridgeback is such an active dog, it’s important to make sure that it gets plenty of exercise regularly or daily.
Although it is ideal to have a big yard for your dog to run and play in, there are still plenty of ways to help your dog burn off its energy.
The important thing is to ensure that it is regular. Even a few minutes a day of rigorous exercise can help your dog to get its wiggles out.
Still, the amount of time and intensity of the activity will depend on the age and personality of your specific furry friend. In general, puppies will just need to burn off more energy because they just seem to have limitless energy.
So, as your dog gets older, you can scale back a little but be sure to read your dog to find what seems to be the right amount and intensity of daily exercise.
Walking is a great form of exercise, but you can also play with your dog. For example, you could play frisbee, tug-of-war, fetch, fetch, hide & seek, or even take your dog swimming at the lake.
For example, you may have to try a few different things to find what your dog’s favorite form of exercise is.
You may find that your dog loves swimming but isn’t much for playing frisbee. For extra at-home indoor play, there are plenty of food dispensing toys and gadgets that you can get for your dog to keep them stimulated between active times of the day.
Feed Your Dog the Right Stuff
A proper diet is as important as regular exercise. A diet loaded with sugars can make your dog more hyper and will counteract the exercise you are trying to give your furry friend.
There are different dog foods for different ages, so you need to buy puppy food if your dog is a puppy.
Be sure to check the label to see if it is an adult mix or formulated for puppies. Puppy chow tends to be higher in calories to help supplement their busy lifestyle.
Whatever food brand you decide to feed your dog should be made with whole ingredients such as chicken, beef, or fish and fresh vegetables.
Avoid anything made with byproducts or ingredients that you wouldn’t be able to spell in a spelling bee or even pronounce.
Many companies will try to deceive potential buyers by listing their ingredients in a certain way, so they appear beneficial for your dog.
Any ingredient that is listed with the word “with” before it, such as “with salmon” or “with beef,” means that it only has 3% of that ingredient.
Beef flavor or chicken flavor indicates that there is virtually none of that ingredient present. Look for the Association of American Feed Control Officials stamp of approval, or AAFCO, which has specific standards for the quality of dog food.
But be sure to still read the label so you know exactly what you are feeding your dog.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do the Rhodesian Ridgeback bark? Yes, but not often since they are not much of a barker. When they do, it is usually because they feel threatened or something is out of place.
When should training commence?
It is best to start training your puppy as soon as possible. You can begin training as soon as they have had a few days to settle into your home and right around two months of age.
Does the Rhodesian Ridgeback come in different colors?
The Rhodesian Ridgeback only has wheaten-colored fur, although they may be different shades, such as very pale or light flax, red wheaten, or an auburn hue.
Final thoughts
So, can a Rhodesian ridgeback kill a human? Although its ancestors were fierce hunters, the domesticated Ridgeback is more docile and has adapted to life as a pet and companion rather than a hunter in the wild. With the proper exercise, diet, and training, your Rhodesian Ridgeback is sure to be a wonderful addition to your family and will spend some of your most precious moments with you over the years.
