WHAT A RESCUE RHODESIAN RIDGEBACK DESERVES
 

A home where EVERYONE gives the dog an opportunity to live up to its potential as a great companion. A few of the rescue Ridgebacks come from good, loving homes that had to give them up to due major life-changing events. Most, however, have lived difficult or sheltered lives. In either case, they often go through an adjustment period when they join a new home, which is sometimes difficult.
 

Owners who are committed to the dogs needs... exercise, obedience training, socialisation, understanding, patience, and plenty of "quality" time. Sometimes this means you will have to re-arrange your work or other schedules to attend to your dogs needs, or arrange for someone else to do this for you. If you work 9, 10 or more hours each day away from home, then this might not be the best time for you to have a dog ... regardless of how much you love dogs.
 

A comfortable "place" ... a place of its own where the dog can retire to sleep or eat or feel secure.
 

A fence. Normally a minimum five foot/l .5 metre fence is necessary to contain a Ridgeback.
 

Regular exercise. This does not mean simply putting the dog out in the backyard. It means your commitment to a regular schedule of walks, runs, playing with other dogs, and playing with you! Not only will this interaction help to strengthen the bond between you and your rescue Ridgeback, it will help to make a happy, healthy, well-socialised dog!
 

WHAT A RESCUE RHODESIAN RIDGEBACK IS NOT

It is not for the entertainment of your children. Rescue Rhodesian Ridgebacks are rarely less than one or two years old, and rarely have perfect temperaments or manners. While most Ridgebacks love children, you must keep in mind that they are large dogs and can accidentally and unintentionally knock down very young children while playing.
 

It is not a cheap alternative to a well-bred, purebred dog. There are many expenses to consider, including your adoption donation to the Rescue Service, sometimes initial veterinary care, neutering/spaying, as well as the ongoing care of the dog (training, feeding, healthcare, etc).
 

It is not an animal that you can expect to act like it has lived with you all its life. Rescue dogs frequently have separation anxiety, or were disposed of by their former owners because of destructive behaviours, lack of socialisation or lack of obedience training. They usually require large amounts of attention and patience to help them adjust to their new home and family. NOTE FOR CAT OWNERS: Not all rescue Ridgebacks will be good with cats.
 

To contact our Rescue Officer, click here.