Hiking with a Mastador and Rhodesian Ridgeback in Alaska ...Meet Finn & Rüna

Alot of subscribers have asked about our dogs. So I wanted to properly introduce our hiking buddies to the world. This was such a fun video to make. Scrubbing over more than a year of footage to find just the right clips. These two are really amazing characters and I hope you enjoy.
Correction to Finn's Breed...He is Fox Red Labrador.
#petersburg #dogs

[@ronaldmponda621]

Ridgebacks in Alaska!!!!! Wow!!!

[@clivelinsenbardt6826]

Awesome looking dogs the both of them. Thanks for sharing.

[@MarissaCollison]

I appreciate you watching!

[@jayzee160]

We have ourselves a six month mastador! He is a dream dog! Of course he’s still learning proper manners, but he is so chill and easy going once he’s had so fun playtimes!

[@MarissaCollison]

Finn is seriously the best dog we have ever had!! He has 3 siblings in our small town and they are all just as well behaved and mannered. After being around so many high energy labradors his chill temperament was so nice to be around. You are gonna have so much fun with your boy! Working on another video this week to get out just on Finn and Runa.

[@abhijithbalachandran9656]

Awesome video. I love it🥰🥰😘😘

[@MarissaCollison]

Thank you!

[@RHP-pw8xt]

I had a RR for 13 years, what a dog, I can't think of a single negative aspect. They give 100% of themselves and they expect as much from you. They're demanding but what a relationship!

[@MarissaCollison]

I can't imagine life without her! She's so different than any dog. Literally my spirit animal in a dog.

[@zero_meercat8624]

Stunning area and dogs!

[@MarissaCollison]

Thank you so much for checking out the video. I think it's beautiful here too.

[@chadmarr7708]

Those are some beautiful companions you have there. I have two Ridgebacks and they are AMAZING dogs. Thank you for the great video, God Bless you and your pack

[@MarissaCollison]

Thank you for watching!!

[@Kiddcandelita1nOnly]

FINALLY! SOMEONE WITH REAL DOGS.

[@MarissaCollison]

They are 100%real! And as Ron Swanson would say, "any dog under 40 lbs is useless and is a cat"

[@tomdunn541]

Awesome video and watching Runa go from 0 to 100 reminded me of my ridgeback too. They are such cool dogs. I loved watching the scenery of Alaska too, what a beautiful spot.

[@MarissaCollison]

I appreciate you checking out my video!! Today we just did a hike and nothing makes me happier than seeing her get the zoomies out in our open muskegs. She is so happy to sprint around.

[@chitterlingsrtasty]

Awesome doggos!

[@MarissaCollison]

Thank you! I'm quite taken with them

[@fatrabbit32]

Awesome video!, Love your dogs! We plan to get a Ridgeback soon. Good luck in your adventures!

[@MarissaCollison]

Thanks for checking out my video! You'll love your Ridgeback! They are one Amazing emotional investment.

[@jimothyj2638]

Both very beautiful and fit! Their coats are lovely

[@MarissaCollison]

Thank you! We work hard to keep them healthy, fit, and strong! Smoked salmon skin helps their coats!

[@eljefe5536]

You deserve ten times more subs. Good luck.

[@MarissaCollison]

Thank you for checking out my channel! I'll get there.

[@milancollin1819]

Beautiful video and so amazing to see them so free in the wild. When we've got our RR it was winter, she was 9weeks and didn't like the cold and the wet at all. Only when she became bigger and stronger she start loving it. We just moved to Portugal from Amsterdam and now we have to leash our RR Lucky (11months and first heat) much more. New area, new dogs and new roads. Soon when we are settled she can be strolling the mountains and beaches here.

[@MarissaCollison]

Runa still doesn't like extreme cold or really rainy days. I can't blame her!! Even with a jacket her thin coat just doesn't acclimate well. Letting her run free is the highlight of her days!!! We usually do a morning walk on leash to get out the wiggles and then once or twice a week we get a hike in where she can run off leash. Porcupines can be an issue but she's getting good about backing off. Portugal seems like a beautiful place! Are there alot of trails and such for hiking?

[@robertwood6297]

Enjoyed that! Gonna watch it again

[@MarissaCollison]

Its one my favorites to watch.

[@robertwood6297]

@@MarissaCollison Two beautiful dogs

[@Lozo505]

This is a fantastic video, really well don! Your positive and calming nature made my morning. Beautiful dogs! Take care from New Mexico!

[@MarissaCollison]

Wow!! Thank you so much! It was a long time coming in this video and wanted to encompass my love for my dogs. I appreciate your feedback. Enjoy your day! It's a drizzly one here in Alaska.

[@Lozo505]

Well you captured that really well! I’m adopting a Rhodesian ridgeback male tomorrow which is why I was searching the breed and found your video. New Mexico is still in the upper 80’s and sunny 320 days a year. I’m sure Alaska is rigorous! Stay safe!

[@MarissaCollison]

@@Lozo505 that's awesome! I know you'll love him. I'm excited for you!

[@hanskirk-hiking9697]

Nice dogs - I like the VoiceOver thing and awesome footage - me and my wife are going to Norway on Saturday 🇳🇴

[@MarissaCollison]

Thank you! Tried something different this time. Norway! Can't wait to see footage from that!

[@Janeway1269]

I love RRs. But wow! Half Tosa and half lab. And he turned out gorgeous and looks very stable. That's really something. I love him! And I'm glad you do so well with free lead hiking. I always heard you can never let RRs off lead yet I see so many successes with them that prove otherwise. I suspect their loyalty helps.

[@MarissaCollison]

Rūna has taken a lot of patience and recall training with treats. And did I mention patience? If we are completely off trail I don't bother with a leash. She's been really good with Porcupines lately and getting energy out she's easier to recall. In any heavy dog used path I always have her leashed or keep a close eye on upcoming traffic. Sometimes she's very instinctual with deer or birds but does come quickly back. I would say we started with 20% recall when she was 2 and at 4 1/2 years she's at 80%. I always have treats for positivity when when she returns.

[@dennisheimdahl4414]

Very well put together. Beautiful dogs and very pretty girl. 👍👍

[@MarissaCollison]

Thanks Denny! You could never give a negative comment 😊

[@dennisheimdahl4414]

Marissa Collison - There is nothing negative about Jere and you putting these vids together. Each one is better than the last one. I visualize you two moving to Hollywood soon. 🙂

[@jeffreynealon9301]

Nice dogs - lucky dogs

[@MarissaCollison]

Ha thank you! We try to give them the best we can.

[@tamera6477]

❤️❤️

[@MarissaCollison]

Thanks for checking out my channel!!

[@X_explorer]

Very good vid!

[@MarissaCollison]

Thank you! Had alot of fun making it.

[@sleddog8]

A tremendous video. You are living the dream and your dogs are magnificent. What a life you are giving them. My next dog will definitely be a hiking buddy, and thus this video was not only entertaining but informative for me. I basically want a dog with a personality of a lab but perhaps a bit more formidable in case of wildlife encounters. Ridgeback was atop the list but now due to your video the Mastador certainly deserves a look.

[@MarissaCollison]

I am happy that this video helped!! Our mastador is amazing, not only because of his athletism but his earnestness to keep an eye out on us. Of course, Runa has treed a bear for us also. haha. I recently had a long conversation with someone who was also looking at choosing between a mastador and ridgeback. By the time we were done he had also decided a mastador would be the better choice for his lifestyle.

[@sleddog8]

@@MarissaCollison Fantastic. I can't wait to see your next adventure.

[@phracture]

This was me haha! Mastador was a better fit for me after talking with Marissa (young family, busy life) but I still have a soft spot for Ridgies :)

[@MarissaCollison]

@@phracture ha That's awesome. I wanted a Ridgeback for our first dog, but I'm glad I waited. Worth the wait for the right timing. My boys are older and have the patience for her needs.

[@sleddog8]

@@phracture Our kids are all grown and I have had experience with independent minded dogs. (30 years with Alaskan Malamutes) Still, a change to a still formidable but more more naturally obedient pup is would certainly be an interesting change. . Are ridgeys like Mallys in their selective hearing?

[@SceneYoTu]

💖🤗😺😊

[@Simplypinay60]

You are 100% right on RR. I had one and I won't trade her for anything else. RR are one of a kind dog.

[@MarissaCollison]

Something about them pulls on your heart.

[@Simplypinay60]

@@MarissaCollison they are very protective and intelligent. a lot of people are intimidated by their looks but inside they're little softy :) I miss mine soooo much. BTW, they do slow down when they get older so hang in there. :)

[@MarissaCollison]

I kinda don't want her to! 😅 gets me up and out the door.

[@frederic1019]

What a wonderful loving film, thank you! I so like how you tell your stories. Your experience has helped confirm my decision to get a mastador. Would it be too much to ask if your breeder is in Alaska?

[@MarissaCollison]

THANK YOU SO MUCH! When we got Finn, it was actually an unplanned tie up with the neighorhood dog. Haha . Best thing ever. But I'll keep my eye out. We have been trying to find a lady dog or Finn to be Breed with but haven't found one yet.

[@hdjmiller]

Beautiful pups! I have 2 female Full Bred Ridgebacks! I got one from a breeder, Lulu, who will be 3 Jan 31st. My 2nd, I rescued from Rhodesian Ridgeback Rescue when she was 5.5 months old. She turned 2 on Jan 9th. They are crazy and stubborn like only Ridgeback owners can know. They go at each other like they are in an MMA championship match (without hurting each other). They are loyal and super protective, ESPECIALLY, the rescue girl. I think she has something to prove. She's also the bigger of the 2, coming close to 90lbs. my other girl is about 80-81lbs. She was actually the runt of the litter. I love them to bits.

[@MarissaCollison]

Runa is very loyal to me also. I get off work around the time and she waits for me on the steps every time until I get home. If I'm doing stuff around the house, she is searching me out keeping me in her sights. This May will be 2 years with her and I can't imagine not having her. She is so independent, yet relies on myself and Finn so much. I wish there was another dog she could really tousle with here. Finn doesn't put up with her crazies, ha.

[@hdjmiller]

@@MarissaCollison yeah, Ridgebacks have CRAZY energy and they love to roughhouse. I have a couple of videos on here that show that. Sometimes, I think my neighbors must think I'm running a dog fighting ring in the backyard because Lola, my rescue, is SOOOOO vocal when they are roughhousing...lol

[@MarissaCollison]

@@hdjmiller her spontaneous bursts in house was really an adjustment. But she's 3.5 now. Maybe her age, maybe Finn and his demeanor, but she now figures out to save her energy for our outtings. We get outside and let her run at least 2 times a day. Often we hike for 2 plus hours and that has made an enormous difference.

[@RunwithBrad]

Beautiful dogs!!! I subscribed

[@MarissaCollison]

Thank you so much for checking my channel!

[@RunwithBrad]

I love this type of content!!

[@MarissaCollison]

@@RunwithBrad hoping to do more dog videos. But wanting to keep the flow of my channel. Any advice?

[@RunwithBrad]

People love Alaska, gives a sense of adventure. Join some groups on Facebook and advertise your content. Your editing and content is great!

[@MarissaCollison]

Thank you!! I'll get to work on that

[@mh-ey4wf]

Great dogs! How is RR during Alaskan winter? I have doberman ridgeback mix. Took him hiking last weekend, it was snowing. While running he is fine, when we take a break he shivers a bit (so we have shortend the hike)

[@MarissaCollison]

Oh our hikes are definitely never longer than 2 hours. This winter has been pretty temperate. 40s, so with her jacket she can go a while. If we stop, she shivers. When we get cold here in the teens, it's no longer than an hour ever. We really cater to her and what she can handle. I get it, if I'm cold, I'm miserable. Finn acclimates a lot easier. He's never had issues and powers thru for long long hikes.

[@prefersoxygen9373]

bears and porcupines ! ha! childs play to the rhodesian ridgeback aka lion dog of africa. lol I have 5 of these wonderful beasts, they are incredible in every way. Run around just like in your video. My pack guards my place, goats, and chickens from the coyotes without any issues. actually, the chickens chase the dogs sometimes !! Great video and i will view more.

[@MarissaCollison]

Thanks for checking out my video!! Yes Rüna has no fear for sure. Her instinct to go after bear is amazing to watch. It's the mother bear's encounter I worry about, but she's so quick and nimble!

[@sam12587]

I got a rodisian mix and she has flushed out every mole and ground squirrel in the neighborhood! I’ve never seen such natural honed tracking skills. Very bouncy and joy filled breed.

[@cassandramyrick6735]

My favorite dog ever was a Rhodesian ridgeback who taught me the true meaning of positive reinforcement training. I have never felt so close to a dog or felt so much devotion from one. Since he died, I have not had the courage to have my heart broken again, but if I ever get another dog it will definitely be a ridgeback. My question is, is your ridgeback a "counter-surfer" and have you been able to train her to stop sniffing when it's not appropriate?

[@MarissaCollison]

I would get another Rhodesian in a heartbeat! I very much agree. Something about her devotion and strong will just pulls on me. She isn't so much a counter surfer as I have heard their breed can be. She is a huge foodie, and will look at your plate on the coffee table but does really good with self control. I have seen some licks if it is left there for hours which is understandable. The main thing we have worked thru is if she feels she isn't getting enough attention she has eating food on the counter, usually bread or something left out. But those were extreme cases of acting out and only has happened a few times, maybe 3-4. I know exactly why she did it and very preventable. The sniffing, no. She is very invasive and has no boundaries where her nose goes!! Gentle reminders is all I can do. Hope that answered your question!

[@rockymountainruckus1041]

Loved you video ! I subscribed too ☺ I would love to live there too oh my gosh

[@MarissaCollison]

Thanks! It's a bit cold this week. Got down to 3 degrees! Runa couldn't handle much of a walk over minutes even with a coat on! But she LOVES running in our muskeg!

[@rockymountainruckus1041]

@@MarissaCollison she sounds just like Nala 🤣 so funny how they all of a sudden become panseys in the cold but I dont blame them I would be cold too! We are gonna be that cold here on Friday 🥶

[@MarissaCollison]

@@rockymountainruckus1041 I'm just thankful it sucks out the energy too. But it's a bummer because our hikes are definitely cut a lot shorter. I can't leave her home and miss out.

[@mariacallas9962]

Hi there,question if I may?which kind of mastiff played a role in your beautiful black one? Take care & viel spass !

[@MarissaCollison]

Finn is part Tazo Mastiff. A more sleek and athletic build than the English mastiff.

[@mariacallas9962]

Looks like it (even if I have no idea what is a Tazo mastiff (gonna check 😉)) Wish u the best.danke.

[@trevorgostlin7473]

Hi Melissa can I ask where you purchased your beautiful mastador?

[@MarissaCollison]

I apologize this comment just showed up! A friend of ours had a little on our island and I picked Finn from that litter. Once in a lifetime dog for sure.

[@paulsegura4738]

Do you put boots on their paws to protect them from the cold or ice etc? If not, why not?

[@MarissaCollison]

At this time l, no boots. I’m still looking for a decent boot for them. They are larger dogs and on my island there is no boots to try on. So it’s trial and error. I have tried a pair that we borrowed and not completely sold on them yet. And I’ve asked around a lot on social media and no one seems happy with any they have tried. But……. I am looking at some soon. Any ideas or suggestions?

[@tammytroche8966]

Did you get Finn from a breeder? If so, could I have maybe the name of the breeder, Finn is gorgeous, I love his look. Beautiful, beautiful dogs.

[@MarissaCollison]

Finn was from a local family in my hometown. I was super fortunate to get one of the 5 pups. He's the best dog ever and his brothers are just as amazing.

[@phracture]

Hey Marissa! I spoke to you on the phone about your pups 6 months to a year ago. Just wanted to say thanks for taking the time to chat about them. You helped me fine tune what I was looking for! I ended up getting a beautiful girl who looks exactly like Finn. She is: 25% chocolate lab 25% tosa inu 25% cane corso 25% presa canario Her name is Mazie and she is almost 4 months old. Her temperament is exactly how you describe Finn's....eager to please and already guarding and making sure the family is not too far apart on walks and hikes haha If I still have your number I'll fire you some pictures! Thanks again for your valuable input!

[@MarissaCollison]

Sorry I didn't recognize you in the first conversation! I'd love to see a picture of her. Looking forward to your adventures with her!

[@phracture]

@@MarissaCollison I had her at work with me today :) m.kzbin.info/www/bejne/inKlq6OhfbeZarM

[@JeffSanchez19]

They are so magnificent. I'm not that much into dogs, but I like them. Also, here in Panama, is prohibited to bring your dogs to the trails. Some people do, but I find it a bit risky for both, the dog and for the wildlife we got here. Once in a camping place, I got my breakfast stole by another person's dog, so most of the time people don't even have the consideration to use a leash when it's necessary.

[@MarissaCollison]

I appreciate your feedback! Our trails are so rustic that it's not an issue. And you want a dog to alarm you for bear. It's a smarter move than hiking quietly and startling one. We take leashes on groomed trails to be considerate. That's always important because not everyone is a dog person.

[@JeffSanchez19]

@@MarissaCollison yeah, I totally understand. Trust me, if I was living in Alaska, I'll be hiking with a whole pack of dogs. The biggest predators we got here are* the mountain lions and jaguars, but very few encounters. Sometimes they kill people's dogs in farms and very remote little towns.

[@MarissaCollison]

@@JeffSanchez19 see those scare me! Lurking in the bushes 😶

[@panth89012]

Does Finn ever point or flush anything out? How much lab do you see out of him?

[@MarissaCollison]

Finn has extremely good self control when we are out and about. He will flush us geese in the muskeg, but usually they are nesting there in the summers so we leave them alone. When we have gone hunting for fowl he does a great job retrieving even tho he doesn't love swimming as much as a labrador. How much lab? Well he is alot more mastiff than any labrador I have been around. And I've been around a lot! He will swim but doesn't have the love of water like labs. His temperament is very chill and regal unlike a lot of labs also. Hope to put out more videos to showcase his personality and characteristics.

[@seang14]

You should breed these two, would make some phenomenal puppies

[@MarissaCollison]

I wish! Runa came to us already fixed. Still looking for a lady for Finn. Single and ready to mingle.

[@seang14]

@@MarissaCollison Dang, yeah those would've been some serious hiking dogs.

[@MarissaCollison]

I agree!

[@russfoster1470]

We have a 3 year old Ridgeback that gets cold. At 73 degrees at night she moans until we cover her with a blanket. My wife made her a sweater that she wears in the air conditioned house. Do you have any problem keeping your Ridgeback warm in the snow?

[@MarissaCollison]

Our snow time can be very limited. Sometime only and hour tops. We have a jacket for her and want to try booties but haven’t yet. I notice at night she loves a blanket on her too.

[@guardianhounds]

did you train them to tree a bear? or how does that work? I have 2 RR we hike alot in Southern CA, my boy will chase coyotes like mad and I have wondered what would happen if we happened upon a mountain lion or something.

[@MarissaCollison]

Runa wasn't trained at all to do that. It is so instinctual. Last summer she chased off 3 bears. And most of the time I am unaware they are there. She just smells then and BOOM she's off to chase then away. Fortunately we don't have mountain lions. I wonder if anyone has a situation out there with one and their RR.

[@guardianhounds]

@@MarissaCollison ok nice, if I happen to come across one I will let you know lol

[@MarissaCollison]

@@guardianhounds yes please!!

[@Remi-bt7tp]

Are Ridgebacks typically pretty affectionate dogs ?

[@MarissaCollison]

Runa is my first real experience with a Ridgeback. I watched a lot of videos when we adopted her to get as much info as I could. In our experience and what I see on KZbin, absolutely. Runa adores her pack, Finn, myself, my husband and two older sons. She wants to be anywhere I am and would rather do errands with me than be at home. If I am doing Yoga she is right there finding a spot to cuddle.

[@aardhond]

Tree a bear whit a ridgeback,,, feck i am jealous

[@MarissaCollison]

There isn't much she's afraid of!! At least nothing I can think of.

[@aardhond]

@@MarissaCollison a senior whit shorts and white socks wearing sandals ….. ? 🤣🤣🤣

[@peaceandlove5214]

Does your Rhodesian Ridgeback do well in hot weather?

[@MarissaCollison]

Rūna loves hot sunny weather. Petersburg can be really temperate. Last summer was extremely wet and rarely over 60 degrees. This summer was more heat and hot dry days. She was just bask in the sun on our deck our windows. However I also noticed that she would cool off in muskeg holes on our hikes and she doesn't love water. Our humidity is very high also. I'm curious how she would do in say Arizona or more dry heat.

[@jonnyboat2]

I thought you were going to say, if you see Runa running at you with her teeth showing, that’s just how Ridgebacks say hello before they take a bite out of your leg. I’ve had dogs run full tilt at me barking like crazy when I’m out walking or hiking only to sniff me and turn around. I don’t know why they do that in that manner. I don’t think I’ve ever been bitten at least not by a dog.

[@MarissaCollison]

We have only had Rüna a year and her behavior has improved a lot. However if she sees another dog, she feels she must say hello and generally comes running back excited to tell me who she met. Usually with people she's not as determined to meet them. Her play is a bit teethy but we are working with her on that. Finn is perfect for her in deescalating her excitement level.

[@prefersoxygen9373]

@@MarissaCollison Runa will calm down as with all ridgebacks. My pack love to mix it up sometimes, teeth glaring, snarling, growling , leaping, grass and dirt flying about, yet no injuries. I have never stopped any of the Ridgebacks I have had from doing what is natural to them mainly because they need it. It also keeps them in shape when a threat does arrive. No strange living creature comes anywhere near my yard without being met by my 5. You picked a great rescue. Does Runa get the use of a couch? My 5 have 2 couches. Ridgebacks love couches and cuddling.

[@MarissaCollison]

@@prefersoxygen9373 I have yet to find a dog here on our island she can really tussle with. But she gets her energy out running and hiking with us. She loves running in our muskegs so much. Yet I do recognize her playfulness and it isn't aggression, just hard to explain to other dog owners. Thank you tho, rescuing her has almost been like seeing more of me. I am so much like her in many ways. As for couches, she never has gotten on ours. We have multiple beds throughout the house for Her and Finn to share and I'll often lay on the floor and just snuggle. She loves my yoga mat, especially when I'm trying to use it. Very Affectionate. Your insight is very helpful!! Thank you so much.

[@prefersoxygen9373]

@@MarissaCollison most welcome. Jealous of that island of yours. 🤣🤣

[@MarissaCollison]

It's always here to visit!

[@purpelfrog761]

You should breed them, their offspring would be magnificent.(to each other)

[@MarissaCollison]

If only! Runa was fixed when we adopted her. But I'd love to find a pretty lady for Finn. There aren't alot of ladies on our island that don't get fixed or aren't Retrievers or Full Labradors.