Rhodesian Ridgeback Training Failures

"I have not failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work." - Thomas Edison
"Oh, I have failed. Yeah, and a lot more than 10,000 times." - Me
For more Rhodesian Ridgeback adventures, check us out on instagram (@markingourterritory) and at our blog: MarkingOurTerritory.com

[@memeguyTM]

I feel you man, Ridgebacks are a challenge to train but a challenge that is worth it.

[@djamison9r]

One of the many things I've learned from my Ridgebacks is that usually (99.9%) when they do something "wrong", it isn't their fault, it is mine... They have made me a better person. They are awesome! (And I don't just mean my dogs, I mean all dogs...)

[@brynmitchell5774]

David K , one thing I learned from my dogs is that they will get it right , every time , any environment , right up until I want to show off with my Dog's skills , then they make me look a right nob head !

[@jpnoobieeiboonpj858]

Cute vid....but around 3 min in...that crap ain't cute- go get your dog under control...or were just filming a chick in a bikini under the guise of "my dog is expressing itself"...at her expense of course

[@robertnewman668]

Fantastic as usual, my own Ridgeback is just the same, excited, friendly and happy. Your videos are well just great, thank you.

[@LisandLou]

Your dogs are so beautiful also a Rhodesian Ridgeback parent ❤

[@serkanister3620]

Damn why would you dislike this video?

[@cillalundstrom4064]

Can't stop watching your videos. Your humor and love spreads such a sunshine.

[@Poordirtfarmer]

😝😁💪👍

[@Jackulator77]

As a Ridgeback owner I have to admit, there are no videos out there describing our daily life even nearly as perfect as yours. Been there, done that and I love it! Never want to miss any of the moments with my Bud good and bad! And in my opinion, they have the cutest way of showing you your own failures !!!

[@KN-ev1tq]

I don't know who you are or why this video was sent as a notification to my phone, but the very best of this video is the fact that you recognize your part in the mistakes ("failures" seems a little condemning, so I'll stick with a milder word) AND you CORRECT your approach. As someone who has done dog and cat rescue for 4 decades, I can say that, despite our belief in our superiority as a species, probably 60% of pet owners (and their neighbors and government) blame and punish the dog/cat/animal for not doing what their human expects/wants them to do. It's the reason that hundreds of thousands are put to death in shelters all over the world.

[@Ins0mniac.c0s]

The one who disliked is probably jealous he doesn't have a ridgeback

[@peterguildford2133]

Hi, I've been watching your videos for years and as a owner of Ridges for 22 years I feel your pain! lol Me and my wife watch and laugh at your trials and tribulations with your pack. We've been there and done that ourselves so many times. And we felt for you when you lost Eko. We have lost two Ridgebacks and each time swore never again, but the love for these remarkable dogs and their undying love for their owners brings us back again and again. We have two girls at the moment Shona and Megan. And they reflect your two girls. Shona the princess (loves cuddles) and Megan (a irresistible force of nature). Our lives (and yours) have been enriched with the love of such wonderful, mad, loopy, insanely annoying and loving dogs, and life without them would be intolerable. Keep up the good work mate and all the best for the new year.

[@ifv2089]

_There are amazing, wouldn't live without a Ridgeback in my life_

[@ronflying1374]

Thanks so much for showing the failures. We have a Ridgeback mix. Only this morning she harassed a stranger for fun. At least she had fun…

[@ino7604]

I just got a male Ridgeback, almost 3 years old from someone who couldn't take care of him anymore so I got him for free. He's my first personal dog (just mine) and my second dog ever (had a racoon hound growing up). He's a bit of a handful but I love him to death. He's such a sweet dog . And he absolutely lights up with excitement and joy when I get home from work. It's proving a bit of a challenge keeping up with his energy especially in the cold of winter like we have right now here in Wisconsin. But I'm making it work and couldn't be happier. What a great breed these dogs are.

[@demelzabrooks1899]

Why do ALL your videos make me laugh and cry ?

[@bruceabrams5997]

There is a huge difference in training a male and female Ridgeback. Not wanting to be sexist but from my experience with two females and one male there was no question which was easier to train. My male dog was incredibly smart, protective and no problem off leash. The two females would jump on a kitchen counter to eat anything they could get. You drop off the male 5 miles away from home and he could go through the woods and beat you home. The females would take off on their own and you had to hunt them down as they couldn't find their way home from a short distance away.

[@orioles1971]

I got my ridgeback in 11/20 and my dog Bruno has never torn up anything or even taken food off the counter. I believe my success come from following Cesar Malian the dog whisperer. His two rules to live by, rules boundaries and limitations. The other is not to humanize your dog. One ridgeback is enough for one man to handle three would kill me. I do enjoy your videos and started watching them after deciding a ridgeback was the dog for me.

[@inezschmaltz5219]

Ich liebe das hund und mench. Sehr gute video👍 my german is bad...love it!! I got a rodesion, such an inteligent dog..i am amazed. So happy with my Rango got him from pets smart and h e is smart!!! Ha ha! 🐶

[@jfoster851]

I consider myself a strong Ridgeback leader….and yet, I’ve seen all of these. 😂

[@PaganPunk]

I Absolutely Love This Video x

[@helenwhite4100]

So cute❤❤😍😍

[@fchomse210704]

Wie immer ein geniales Video.😃 Ich liebe es, euch beim Alltag zu sehen 😍👌🏻 viele Grüße aus dem Hochsauerland in Deutschland 😜 Very nice video, as always. 😃 i love it to watch your daily life 😍👌🏻many greetings from the Hochsauerland in Germany 😜

[@johnwesson6440]

I want to get a German Shepherd and train him in German commands.

[@johnwesson6440]

So far my German is like talking to a magic 8 ball. I can only answer yes or no questions , and it's probably the wrong answer anyway hahaha.

[@jamesgarner346]

@@johnwesson6440 Why not get a Shih Tzu and train him in Chinese? Honestly, what advantage do you expect from training a German Shepard in German?

[@weedygarden]

Dogs will be dogs, and RRs are hounds, sniffing and playful, with endless energy! We sure love our ridgie, no matter how she may not be perfect in her behavior.

[@womastergda1st]

Nice video bud I have a 6 stone male and after basic commands I gave up and let him be himself #crazy #goof

[@lazy4369]

If I see this I think I am really lucky with my one we didn’t even train her that much but she is just so easy dog and so smart that’s why we don’t train she understand it all it’s crazy

[@kaopointmanneil5862]

You have beautiful Ridgebacks. After our puppy (Shelby) of 13 years finally passed last year.....were finally ready to bring another Ridgeback into our family. We pick up Bentley on the weekend and we're SOOO excited. That's why we're watching your Vids :)

[@Ryan-zr6yb]

Nothing is more intelligent than Ridgeback trying to get treats

[@monicacopeman1975]

Love the video! That breed of dog is so beautiful!

[@dudeitsmedweeb]

I love your videos. I’m in New Orleans and I ave a boxer /Rhodesian , his name is Tubbs

[@bladerunnerr57]

This may be the best video I've ever seen! A spectacular success. I've had the thought that a Rhodesian will be my next dog. Maybe your videos will help me decide. Thanks for posting.

[@rainbowcitizen4897]

If so my neighbor is thinking of bringing there's to the pound. It ate there new rug. Why cause the do zero, nothing for this intelligent smart dog. So much so it refuses to go inside the house with them and lives in the garage. I can go on about this dog. He is so above them and they are so asleep. I so wish people who should not get a dog stop getting them.

[@MrNiroshan01]

1:40 is gonna be my wallpaper

[@gardenharvesttable7057]

Great video! I really enjoyed it. I have two ridgeback sisters from different litters. And we love them to pieces! I actually saw a friend of mine in your video - looked like a dog show/dog event with a tent.

[@Jm-mp9mr]

Love the old thumbnail! So glad that you can still incorporate Eko into great videos. Dont know what else to say but thanks for the inspirational videos over the past couple years. Always appreciate it

[@MarkingOurTerritory]

Thanks for watching them! Love that I'm fortunate to be able to share the journey with so many great people

[@peaceandlove5214]

How do they do in extreme hot weather?

[@alejandrawang7998]

Your dogs are great! We are getting a Rhodesian Ridgeback soon and really appreciate all the videos :)

[@MarkingOurTerritory]

Thanks! Glad you like them

[@leahjvr3245]

I have also lost shoes, you don't want to know what our couch looks like! I also lost a few of my toys! All because of the Rhodesian ridge back!!

[@lotek5825]

there are no bad dogs

[@lesleyhamilton423]

Thank you so much!!!! I feel better already.

[@Bolgernow]

Your honesty and kindness are very apparent. It's never the flaws that make the day bad, that's the Really good Stuff. They are such wonderfully soulful fun dog

[@brosales8966]

Bold so of due due due did ex at

[@brosales8966]

For of km play day due km play day due km play day due km play day more km Mr he

[@brosales8966]

To in more of FM due me end in type

[@paigebrooks1627]

What do you recommend for training classes for a Rhodesian?. Mine is 9 months old and I know he needs some basic training but I’m unsure where to go for it. Any advice would be great

[@MarkingOurTerritory]

The best classes are the ones you go to. My favorite places are ones that have gym-style membership where you can go multiple times a week. If not that, look around for weekly positive-reinforcement based training and set aside each day to practice. Consistency is key

[@jchapmanaz]

Thanks for asking that Paige, I had the same question! Mine is just a bit younger, about 5 months, and there's not a lot of choice in our area so we've been trying to do things on our own... with less than perfect success haha

[@mlueva1]

Great video! We love our fur babies but we're not perfect and always learning.

[@waynelisa8570]

hi, we are in the uk. we have a beautiful Rhodesian ridgeback boy, who is now 7 months old. we have loved watching your videos for a long time now! we know how hard work they can be...but the flip side the most loving, loyal, fun and amazing dog ever.

[@carloruesics]

Hello, being on a waiting list for a Rhodesian Ridgeback i get really exited and loaded with lots of respect not only for the high quality videos, but also with your sincere and sometimes really funny attitude. Great job, truly apreciate your contributions. Carlo

[@healthyfitmom]

Since getting my pup 4 years ago I wad trying to figure out what breed she is. Just saw pictures of RR at Westminster and thought omg this looks like my pup!! She is probably a mix and doesn't have a ridgeback she resembles your dogs so much!! She has the energy and independent intelligence (stubbornness??) and mannerisms of your pack. What s bunch of cuties.

[@trailokyasundari]

😄

[@jacquelinejocks1748]

Just love your videos!!! Thanks for sharing so much of your lives!!!

[@MarkingOurTerritory]

Thanks, glad you like them!

[@cookiemonstertana297]

Hi i have one of the clowns ....my fear is of all the times she's sometimes a sweet angel but suddenly I am not sure if I will get killed or she will hurt her bones ....that i fear more ....than my bones been broken .......do they settle down sometime in life like when 2 years? ....I was always a German shepard person . ...she found me a ridgeback I love her but it's a lot lot of work.....she still 8 months now ...by the time she 16 I will be in broken bones icu atleast 160 times but yes I love her so she stays ....any chance on settling down ?

[@JessicaGhali]

This is everything! Thankyou.

[@brynmitchell5774]

Lovely Vid Dude , Don't be so self deprecating, there are millions of us , all making a hash of things on occasion, it;s called life and only those who TRY can fail a few times .Loved this Vid from start to end .

[@lotek5825]

i live on a farm. ridgebacks come into their own with open spaces. my ridge,wolf hybred,border collie and two hounds are murder on the local coyote/feral hog populations. the local ranchers are happy to see them. as long as they don't mess with the cattle.

[@BornAHawkEye]

I would like you to look at my dog he's on a post of my channel I work at a pet resort and adopted him almost over a year ago. He's Rhodesian definitely but mixed with something else maybe Black Mouth Cur which is what he was listed as..

[@piggylover4808]

Very enjoyable video!!

[@bazman666]

hey mate i know your pain... ridgebacks are the best dogs in the world to own as they are so easy to bring into the family but god dam it their habbits are un canny . mine will eat ONLY my shoes no one elses . nearly out run a grey hound and is the size of a small OX but thinks he can sit on your lap!! great Vid man

[@phracture]

I've had 2 beagles. One insanely high drive, Sadie. The other super chill and loving, Allie. I love Ridgebacks and I am committed to as many hours as it takes in training..... but I am nervous about a few things. I have 4 kids, 8, 3, 1.5, and 20 days, lol. 1. Amount of exercise and time needed to keep a ridgy calm and well behaved. 2. Off leash ability, so I guess recall. Having 2 hounds previously I know they kind of do their own thing. 3. Tempermant with kids... What I like about them is the protectability/alertness, athleticism and their sensitive/intuitive nature. I camp in pretty rugged country and my kids will start to come with as they get older. My wife has her own business and is home alone with baby all day... Any feedback is appreciated.

[@robertmiguelpantaleon236]

They're good with kids. As far a training and excercise I would say everyday atleast 30min or every other day at least 1hr for those with busier schedules.

[@nausikaya]

I have one 4yr old boy and a 6yr old ridge back girl.. she’s mental always jumping and almost took his eye out with claws one day in a playful way. She’s heavier than him so can easily push him on his back and hit the floor with the back of his head.. I keep them apart as much as I can until she grows up. I’d suggest not to get this dog. She’s beautiful though, but why create problems when you don’t need to? Get a different dog..

[@phracture]

@@nausikaya I ended up getting a 1/4 lab, 3/4 mastiff cross. She is 14 months now and simply an awesome fit for our family. Similar to a ridgie in some ways, but less excercise requirements, and higher guarding instints. She is super sweet.

[@nausikaya]

That’s a wise choice.. I realised your post is 2yrs old once I’ve pressed reply earlier. Glad you went for that mix, you dodged a bullet! Take care

[@BornAHawkEye]

My ridgeback always Walks Behind Me with the chain under my ass dragging me forward! Constantly have to twist around and correct that.. haha 0:15

[@beaulot3574]

I’m 100% loving this!

[@thierrylerinckx1340]

Thank you, thank you, thank you....... for the reminder. Five weeks with our Mojo pup and that's all I needed to hear. "if I can do it, so do you". Oh man, oh man, talking of a "work in progress". Love from Belgium.

[@robertwood6297]

enjoyed!!

[@sandrareich2762]

Oh thank goodness!!! I really thought you make it look sooo easy! So glad that you and your Dogs are NORMAL! Love the video as always, thank you !

[@MarkingOurTerritory]

Haha video editing makes it look easy! As always, a lot more effort, frustration and failures in real life.

[@louisewallace6434]

...yes the "fails" are def the best lessons with our dogs...as in life...🙊🙉🙈🐕😉

[@jennifercartyscola5756]

Do you have suggestions on collars or harness for walking your dogs. Our 5 month old is not very polite on her lead lol

[@Rebella28577]

Hahaha, THANK YOU! :D

[@simone19655]

hai una bella famiglia, complimenti, e 2 Rodesian stupendi. io ho Blu, un grosso maschio di 3 anni, bellisssimo, bravissimo e intelligente, by

[@pattibrown1809]

Thanks for this one, brother! It makes me feel a lot better🙂😆✌💕

[@dylan02837]

I lost 3 pair of shoes! Ahahah so cute, i never brush their teeth tho, i give them raw meat, eggs, fish, vegetables and fruit. He is getting everything he need. But i m not giving hime Chunks, sometimes as a present if he did good.

[@wandacarlton7495]

awesome. thank you

[@chrisp.916]

Finally a video from an owner telling it as it is ...! Thanks

[@fatkiefbowls]

Hey man, I love your videos, and I just got my first Rhodesian Ridgeback puppy. Some of your videos have been a lot of help. I have a question though. Why do you actually give your dogs treats in training? I can understand holding food to get their attention and teach a new command at first, but I'm not understanding why I would ever want to give my dog a treat for completing and action. That seems like I'd be creating a whole new problem in itself. I haven't dont a ton of research but my gut instict tells me a puppy learning to do things for treats creates a lousy, inconsisent, excitement based dog. I'm going to try to use treats as a lure to teach a new command, but I will never actually give him a treat for doing something. Just a ton of repetition and praise each time, I'll let you know how it goes. Just wanted to share this because I think it could possibly the one of the main causes of incosistancy/failures. The breeders I met had 2 Ridgebacks and I have never seen such responsive and consistent dogs. I asked what treats they used in training and they said they've never used treats, thats what got my mind going.

[@MarkingOurTerritory]

I would like to hire you for a job using a good salary as a lure but never actually pay you. Just keep promising one! If you offer nothing, you'll get nothing. Now, treats certainly aren't the only form of payment, but I guarantee your breeder doesn't teach their dogs to sit by just saying sit. Conditioning only works based on positive reinforcement. That reinforcement can be love/affection, a favorite toy or a whole number of things. But if you don't pay your pup, they're not showing up for work! You wouldn't and neither will they. Paying a Ridgeback with treats is usually easiest because they are highly food motivated. Once you have conditioned the behavior you can fade the treat out and offer other forms of payment, but if you keep promising a dog food and they never follow through they will quickly learn to ignore you since it doesn't matter what they do.

[@fatkiefbowls]

​@@MarkingOurTerritory Thats what im saying. theres other forms of payment. Its all muscle memory and they learn through repetition. So If I can get my dog to repeat a command over and over again with a payment other than a treat(love, toy, ect) I just dont see why I would ever give him one. Check out "Peter Caine Dog training" I have never seen such complient and consistent dogs. I've also never seen him use food, unless he's teaching a dog a new command, but he never gives the food.

[@fatkiefbowls]

@@MarkingOurTerritory its working great without treats he's got sit and heel down in a week. dogs dont think so the treat as lure to teach a new command made sense to me, after that just lots of praise. short sessions lots of repetition. gonna learn how to properly use an e collar so I can have safe off leash adventures with my best friend

[@cristineo9920]

This gives me hope with my new puppy thank you for sharing.

[@thathumancalledkitty5933]

we have had 3 Ridges, they live outside in our garden in South Africa. (they are all girls 😂) And, our family says this as a fact, Ridgebacks are virtually untrainable 🤣 They are excellent gaurd dogs, and one of my favourite things about them are their personalities! They are unbelievably loving, and it's almost like they can read minds! Many a day I have cried into their fur, they comfort you. If you are sad, they know. If you are frustrated, they know. If you are sick, they know. If you are tired, they know. My mom, dad, and sisters love our Ridgebacks with all our hearts, and I encourage anyone looking for an amazing companion to get a Ridge. 😊💫❤️

[@jonathanbosco8458]

Thank you, We appreciate your sharing with us

[@doinok1149]

Peace man and love that was gold👍👍🐾🐾♥️

[@tarncoleman7854]

You are an amazing Dad your parents must be so proud

[@timbogreen3517]

Very cool stuff 😊✌️

[@lmsoefie]

Loved the video!

[@90soldier]

Goid boy :))

[@nicstarrr]

👍🏼

[@intelprise.brasil]

amazing!

[@alanzosonny]

LOVE THEM I'M GOT ONE

[@brandonh7798]

My ridgeback of nine 9 years past away this month of cancer can you or anyone offer advice how to deal with this loss????? Thanks

[@sisutrucks]

lost my 7 year old doberman girl the same way a week ago. sweetest dog you can imagine. there is no good way, only sorrow and memories. miss her so much..

[@LKauf279]

Honestly? My grandpa said it best, “get another dog.”

[@MarkingOurTerritory]

Hey Brandon, we each have to suffer the loss of our best friend in our own way. No one can take away the pain and heatbreak we've earned. You will have to find your own way, but know there are millions of empathetic hearts out there. If it can offer any help, here's the beginning of my own journey through loss - markingourterritory.com/2016/10/26/on-losing-my-dog-and-finding-my-way/

[@drymoonproperties]

I lost three best friends and my mother in a two year period politely putting the pain is the same as losing a best human friend my dog of 20 years has all but killed me then one day I had a choice to make rescue a terrified three pound puppy of let my pain win that beautiful three pound baby has now been with me for two years while the loss is still there the pain has been replaced by wonderful memories! Rescue an animal be it a dog,cat or other animal in need and watch your pain blossom into love once again.

[@KN-ev1tq]

I'm very sorry for your loss, Brandon. I think it's a matter of time but two things have helped me in the past: There are many, many "rainbow bridge" support groups online where others understand and empathize with the pain. You might search to find one that clicks with you. Also, the fact that I do rescue means I have many of them at once, and because those who're still living need me to be there for them, it helps immensely. I suggest going to a shelter or, if you're in the U.S., go to a Petsmart or Petco on Saturdays when the rescue groups are there. Don't go with the intention of adopting but think about fostering or just giving time to those who are suffering from neglect and loneliness. If you happen to find another best friend, then go with it. If it feels too soon, then you've given them your time and that means a LOT to lonely and depressed animals living in cages. Best wishes to you!!

[@angel06xx]

Your videos never fail to make me smile, take a step back and appreciate what is. Even the heartbreaking videos after Eko died were still a reminder of the never ending love that's in this world and that dogs give. I love following your story; seeing the dogs living life happily and Lincoln growing up. And I can't wait until I have a pupper of my own! But for now, thank you for making these great, touching videos :)

[@MarkingOurTerritory]

Thanks! I feel fortunate to have this place to share both the joys and pains o this wonderful journey

[@dinouroci]

Thank you, I needed this.

[@mlgraney60]

Hi! I appreciate your candor, but having been a professional dog walker for the past ten years, I must say that you're idea of being "nearly killed" by Penny is the palest example of that phrase I've ever seen. I would think that most people who have spent anytime around dogs would find that almost insulting. You live a sheltered life, laddie.