If you are looking for a Rhodesian Ridgeback, why you plan on having one and what you plan on doing with your pooch can affect who you buy your dog from. If you are traveling, you may need to have certain papers to take your dog with you. Be sure you know what you need before you inquire about a potential dog so that you don’t waste your time or give up your hopes.
If you’re wondering where to adopt a Rhodesian Ridgeback, there are a few different options to choose from depending on what you are looking for.
Give the Shelter a Try
First off, many animal shelters are trying to find good homes for the animals they are caring for.
The adoption process will vary depending on each shelter, but many shelters will allow potential dog parents to walk walk, and spend time with the dogs they are considering adopting.
This allows both the dog and the adopting parents to bond and help decide whether or not the chosen dog will be a good fit. Shelters want to avoid having dogs returned after adoption since this can be very difficult on the returned animal.
Your local shelter may not have the exact breed you are looking for, but you could always contact them and tell them that you are looking to adopt a Rhodesian Ridgeback. If you are adopting from a shelter, you can feel good about homing a dog seeking a loving home, which is something to feel great about.
Search Your Local Classifieds
Another way to become the proud owner of a Rhodesian Ridgeback is to look in the local classifieds. Many papers and other publications have a “pet” section where people can post dogs that need homes.
You could also place an ad that tells readers that you are seeking a Rhodesian Ridgeback. Just be sure that you are searching within an area that you are willing to travel to. There are many online classifieds as well, so don’t forget to check those.
Ask Family and Friends
Be sure to get the word out and ask friends, neighbors, and family-they may know someone who knows someone that has the puppy you are looking for.
Sometimes you will see people selling puppies outside, such as in front of the local mall or another area of town.
Just be sure to ask lots of questions and get some contact info from the seller in case you need to ask the previous owner a question you hadn’t thought of.
Go to the Pet Store
The pet store may not have your Rhodesian Ridgeback, but talk to the owner-they may be able to have one sent in from their supplier or another pet store. It doesn’t hurt to ask.
Buy From a Licensed Breeder
Some people breed and sell specific breeds for a living. A breeder needs to complete and file the correct paperwork with the local authorities where they have their business and should be able to provide you with copies of any needed paperwork.
A legitimate breeder should also have a license number and don’t be afraid to ask to see it. If you travel a lot with your dog and need to show the proper paperwork to authorities when you travel to other countries, it is much easier for you.
You should find out what you need to travel when you take your furry companion beforehand so that you can make sure that your seller has what you need. A simple online search should help you to find just the right person.
Just be sure that they are a legitimate and licensed seller. If they are, they should be able to provide you with the papers as well as the history of your dog’s parents.
They should also be able to tell you a bit about the history of your dog’s lineage. This is important if you plan on breeding your dog and selling the puppies.
Buying from a professional breeder has many advantages. The seller will be able to tell you a lot more about the temperament and tendencies of their dogs than if you bought your pup from a pet store or another seller.
This can be helpful when you begin to train your dog and can make the progress of your dog’s training go much faster and with less frustration.
When you understand why your dog acts the way that it does, it makes it easier to correct their undesirable behaviors. The person you buy your puppy from should also be able to tell you any health issues that may run in your dog’s particular family line.
Buy From a Private Seller
A private seller should also be able to tell you more about your dog but may not have any paperwork for your dog.
If you don’t think you will need to have a papered dog and just want a family pet, this may be the less expensive way to gain a new furry friend since papered dogs tend to cost more.
No matter where to adopt a Rhodesian Ridgeback, just be sure you are ready to commit to a new furry relationship. Dogs, no matter what breed, do require at least some attention on a daily basis in order to be happy and to stay healthy.
Rhodesian Ridgebacks are also more energetic than other breeds and do need a good daily dose of exercise. If you are unsure whether or not you can keep one happy, see if you can borrow a friend’s dog and puppy sit for a while.
Chances are that this will make you want one more, but it will give you a better idea of how your schedule may need to change to accommodate a new addition to the family.
