Rhodesian ridgeback puppy

[Midnight herald]

Hi I have had my pup a week and he's coming on great, hes a rhodesian ridgeback,but was wondering if anybody has had any experience with them. He sleeps an awful lot which is understandable at his age, he is 9 weeks old, he is playful but seems to have to be really coerced to play even then it's not for long. He seems just happy to laze about and does not seem to get excited when we come in after being out!! I find this really unnerving for a puppy. He is totally fit and healthy I know they are known for being aloof with strangers but with us too???? Any advice would be appreciated.

 

[banana]

Hello - Welcome to Dog Forum! I am Anna

Is he aloof or just laid back? When you say he doesn't get too excited - does he get a bit excited?

I have only ever met one RR - which was an adult and they are magnificent dogs.

Piccies please?

 

[Oreo]

Difficult one as puppies get tired quickly.

If you are at all worried I would seek medical advice just to rule out any medical problems.

Is he eating/drinking ok?

 

[Midnight herald]

Hi thanks for the replies , he eats like a horse and drinks fine and we have had him checked over by a vet and all is well, he seems to get excited and playful when new people come in for a few minutes and he does like to play for half hour here and there, but he never follows you from the room he just lays in his bed and looks at you and maybe has a wee whine and then just lays as if he's not bothered! Maybe he's just mega laid back! When you come back its like oh it's just you... Snooze!

 

[Oreo]

He's a cutie.

If he's been checked out and he's eating/drinking ok, it maybe that he's just one of those dogs who loves to sleep! He's got a lot of growing to do yet so he may change a little.

 

[banana]

Maybe he is just adjusting to leaving his Mum and litter mates..?

I could come and get him and keep him for you until he livens up if you like?? :lol:

He is ADORABLE!!!!

 

[Midnight herald]

Thanks for your reply guess he's just different! Probably should be happy he's not hyper! It's just thrown me as I have never met a pup like him! That said he loves a hug or to lie on you

 

[pippywhippet]

Awww I love RR's and had a beautiful Ridgeback girl some years ago. She was always a very chilled out, laid back girl, although she did go through a manic adolescense for a few months and I came back one day to a completely destroyed settee!! She was a typical Ridgeback in that she was very aloof as a rule but she was very good with children and loved my daughter when she was born, and followed her everywhere when she started to toddle! :huggles:

Your pup is lovely :wub: and I wouldnt worry if hes been checked by a vet- maybe like you say, he is going to have a very mellow temperament. Did you get to meet mum and see what her temperament was like? He looks like he is going to grow into a big, handsome boy; best of luck with him :luck:

 

[Midnight herald]

I met the mother and father who were both friendly the mother would greet you then leave you the father on the other hand would greet you then turn his back on you like you we're invading his sleep time! I guess my guy is going to take after his dad, who was happy to meet you then liked to get back on the sofa and sleep! My pup is lovely and very affectionate it would just be nice to see him get excited have never met a puppy quite like him! He's really smart have only had him a week and he can sit when asked and has almost got the hang of down...though learning his name is proving a challenge h just loves his crate and bed bless him. The attached photo is tonight he's been in bed since 4pm an no amount of toys or treats will get him up...we have taken his bed out of the crate with him in it and......nope he isn't moving! Little horror!

 

[hanneroon]

haha thats brilliant! What a handsome chap, sounds like you got the pick of the litter there, give me a calm and confident dog any day. Not being bothered that you have gone and come back is a good thing, (though it feels a bit offensive), better than the thought they were worried without you. That last photo is ace, he looks shocked! How dare you drag me out of my crate!

All the best

 

[banana]

he is so lovely - I think he just sounds very laid back....

Lucky you!! :lol:

 

[Midnight herald]

Thanks for all the replies. He's my first dog after losing my beloved rottie to cancer last year. Am still finding it difficult to get over him and maybe over sensitive about the new guy ignoring me! Was starting to think he didn't like me but you have all made me feel better...laid back he is lol

 

[banana]

Its so hard losing a dog that meant so much.. you can never replace them and thats so hard in itself!

Is that your lost rottie in your avatar?

 

[Midnight herald]

Yeah that's him, he was so happy and loving never a days bother, he just loved being with you and gave me so much joy, he was special to me and I always felt privileged to have known him. I know my new pup will not be like him and I don't want him to be I guess he will b special in his own kind of way

 

[banana]

It took me ages to feel that way when I got Blaize after my beloved Blu...

Both Golden Retrievers which was a mistake as I think I always compared them, I waited over 18 months between losing Blu and getting Blaize but they just aren't comparable - Blu was almost human and my dear friend and I adore Blaize but its taken me ages to adore her as much as I did Blu....

That sounds like the rambling of a mad woman! :lol:

 

[Midnight herald]

You have summed up exactly how I am feeling about things it's the main reason I didn't get another rottie. I have been feeling awful as am finding it hard to let my new pup in and he is lovely but he's so unusual for a puppy from any I have ever owned come to that! But all the books do say they are very aloof tho not usually with their owners and apparently you have to earn their respect...... Guess am not there yet :/

 

[murphyrules]

What a gorgeous puppy, I can't help giggling to myself thinking give that baby a couple of weeks and I bet he's a cheeky, bouncy, ball of fun that you will be wishing would go to bed and lie quietly so you can have 5 minutes of peace (w00t)

All the best with him he is beautiful, :luck:

I understand why you changed breeds, I diddn't do that I stuck with beagles after I lost my beautiful little Babycakes, but I will never have another bitch as I would constantly be comparing any other one to her. I have two stinky Beagle boys now totally different to my princess girl but an amazing amount of fun and naughtiness which makes me laugh every day!

 

[Midnight herald]

He is fab and he is playful and loving when he wants to be, he loves to get on you knee and snuggle in its just he doesn't greet you when you come in or on a morning, never follows when you leave the room just like so unlike any other pup have had, you have to really make him play ..... We managed to get him out of bed to play for 20 mins then here he is all comfy

 

[hanneroon]

teehee! Murphyrules is right, i bet he's calmly watching and learning all that goes on in your house, then when he's grown into those enormous paws a bit, he's going to be up to allsorts. I can't wait to hear and see how this pans out, cuddly calm puppy sounds amazing, wish i was at your house! More photo's please!

 

[Midnight herald]

Perhaps you are right...he goes to bed at 10 pm and wakes up at 5 for the toilet ..never gets up in the night to go then has an hour play at 6 til 7 then he's toddled off to bed and its almost lunchtime and he's still there! Have tried tempting him out with treats and toys he just opens his eye gets up and turns his back on you as if you are totally disturbing him...to be honest am not sure whether to laugh or cry about it lol....if anybody comes in he's there all excited but me or my partner...nope just ignores us. They do say that you have to earn a ridge backs trust and respect...perhaps we don't quite meet his standards!