Rhodesian ridgebacks can definitely be left alone for a few hours. This varies from a puppy to an adult dog. The Rhodesian Ridgeback is an intelligent breed that does not like to be lonely.
It is not reasonable to let a Rhodesian Ridgeback get bored because there will be some unwanted consequences.
Look below to see how the age of a Rhodesian Ridgeback may affect the length of time it is left alone.
Also, keep in mind that an adult dog needs to be walked for a potty break every 2-3 hours. While a puppy needs to be taken out every 30min to 1 hour as their bladders are smaller.
So can you leave a Rhodesian Ridgeback Alone? Yes, but not for long. Read below for how long you can leave a Ridgeback alone and what are the possible consequences of leaving your Ridgeback alone.
Puppies
The Rhodesian Ridgeback, like all puppies, is adorable and needs constant care and monitoring while it is a young pup and still isn’t fully trained. If leaving a puppy to go do errands, take the puppy outside right for potty before leaving and once more when you return home.
If you are planning to be gone for one or two hours, consider using a puppy playpen enclosure and puppy pads to catch any accidents. Remember that Rhodesian Ridgebacks are very loyal dogs that form a bond with the family and other pets while young, and they require companionship with their family members.
Adults
Most Adults Rhodesian Ridgeback that have been trained and bonded with the family do best while in the company of the family. Though they may be left alone for a couple of hours. Walk your dog before leaving, and once you get back. Remember, a dog should not hold its urine too long as it is also possible for dogs to get urinary tract infections that will need a veterinarian visit and antibiotics to clear up.
Although, most adult Rhodesian Ridgebacks are fine being alone for a couple of hours. Each dog is different, and you may encounter a dog with separation anxiety.
Rhodesian Ridgebacks that are raised, trained, and live with the family form a bond that requires that they live inside and be in the company of their family for emotional well-being. The Rhodesian ridgeback breed does not do well when alone for extended periods of time.
A dog will become lonely, bored, and they may react in destructive behavior towards any furniture or item in the house.
Possible Problems With Leaving Your Rhodesian Ridgeback Alone
Separation Anxiety
Dogs with separation anxiety may exhibit excessive non-stop barking or howling. As the anxiety gets worse, dogs may chew, tear, and destroy furniture. Possible urination and defecating inside the house may occur.
There is evidence that dogs raised in a home since they are a pup are less likely to have separation anxiety. While dogs that have been abandoned or experienced trauma have a higher chance of having separation anxiety.
Loneliness and Boredom
Even dogs that don’t have separation anxiety can lash out when they get bored or are lonely. Though it is best to remember that all dogs have their own distinctive personality, and the Rhodesian Ridgeback is no different.
You may luck out with a dog that doesn’t mind staying alone for a short while -emphasis on short- as the Rhodesian Ridgeback prefers to be in the presence of its family and requires mental stimulation. A bored Rhodesian Ridgeback may act out in destructive behavior to the house.
Puppy Damage
Puppies will mind staying alone more than an adult. So limit the time to short errands. Remember that a puppy will naturally want to explore its environment.
Puppy teeth are needle-sharp, and some pups may be more aggressive with chewing household objects, furniture, bedcovers, the baseboard, a leather couch. This is from personal experience. I decided to replace the couch once my dog grew past the teething phase.
And this damage was not done while he was alone but while the family was in the house. Some dogs are aggressive chewers during the puppy phase and need chew toys along with supervision.
Aggressive chewing
Not all dogs are aggressive chewers as a puppy or keep the trait as an adult dog. All dogs have different personalities, and some dogs may continue to chew as an adult.
This type of chewing is different than the highly destructive chewing of separation anxiety. But both puppies and adult dogs may indulge their chewing if left alone unsupervised.
If well trained, a Rhodesian Ridgeback should not cause any damage to the house when left alone for 1-2 hours but leaving a Rhodesian Ridgeback alone for more hours can be problematic. The Ridgeback may act out and destroys objects due to loneliness and boredom.
If you are able, leave the Ridgeback alone only for an hour or two while you run a quick errand. If you must leave your Ridgeback alone for most of the day, consider a doggie daycare instead.
This may look a bit pricey at first, but well worth it for your dog’s mental health and well-being. It may end up saving you from having to replace furniture and fix walls.
Any dog with severe separation anxiety may act destructively as soon as you step out the door. Consult with your own veterinarian to find out if a medication can help your dog’s separation anxiety. Not all dogs can be helped with medication.
So if you have asked, can you leave a Rhodesian Ridgeback Alone? The answer is only for a very short time.
To sum it up, Rhodesian Ridgebacks should only be left alone for one or two hours, depending on the dog’s mental state. Leaving a Rhodesian alone for too many hours during the day can result in damage to the furniture and house.
If you don’t have an option and need to leave your dog, consider asking a friend to care for your dog, hire a pet sitter, or use a doggy daycare.
