Rhodesian Ridgeback Training - Hiking and Canoeing Session Example

In today's session, Uncle Stonnie is training a Rhodesian Ridgeback to hike and canoe. Everyone knows Rhodesian Ridgebacks are supposed to hunt lions, but we found out today that they are pretty good at hunting snapping turtles also!
For more information on Rhodesian Ridgebacks, be sure to check out the Rhodesian Ridgeback Club of the United States: www.rrcus.org/
"THE RHODESIAN RIDGEBACK is a dog of formidable power, dedication and courage. He claims an ancient heritage, yet is of relatively recent lineage in terms of standardization of the breed.
Today's Ridgeback is descendent from a variety of breeds which were crossed by settlers of South Africa and Rhodesia with the native dogs of the Hottentot tribe. The ridge became his identifying mark.
The Rhodesian Ridgeback survived in various forms through the years because of his superb hunting ability. In addition to trailing and tracking large animals, he was also used to hold his quarry at bay. He was the protector of game wardens, farm families and hunters throughout South Central Africa, where the breed developed into its present form.
From its origin in Africa, the Ridgeback has lost none of its abilities as a hunter and guardian and he continues to be an excellent companion. The Ridgeback is a devoted family dog, totally loyal to his master. He is rather aloof and undemonstrative towards strangers.
This is the Rhodesian Ridgeback, a dog of incorruptible, independent character, who takes his responsibilities of companionship, protection and family dedication to heart. He never forgets love and understanding, nor does he lightly forgive harsh treatment. He is a dog of noble bearing, whose physical attributes should reflect his role as guardian, companion and hunter."
I hope you guys enjoy!
If you would like more information about my services, heres a link to my website: kentuckycanine.com/
If you would like to see some cool photos, here's a link to my instagram: / stonniedennis
#stonnie #rhodesianridgeback #ridgeback

[@StonnieDennis]

Are you a fan of my training style, but can’t travel to Kentucky to see me in person? No worries! I offer an awesome online dog training course, which includes access to an array of exclusive videos and content, personalized coaching, journaling, and in-depth mentoring and evaluation by yours truly! If you just need some an advice or have a couple questions you need answered, I also offer professional consulting by the hour. Both of these great services can be found here: www.KentuckyCanine.com Thank you all for your remarkable support over the years! I cannot express enough how grateful I am for your appreciation and patronage of this channel, my training style, and my kennel. Always remember, it’s a great day for a puppy-sized adventure! -Stonnie Dennis

[@Sgt-xw5lx]

My Service Dog Caine,is a Rhodie..We’ve been together about 6 years.. One of our sayings in the Army was,if it ain’t raining We ain’t training.. Caine stays off leash..Only time he is leased,is when go into stores or restaurants..People are amazed at how calm he is..Especially around the food..I, would be lost without Caine..He has helped me to be out around large crowds of people and not be on constant or hyper alert..Caine has taught himself to sit watching my 6..I don’t have to worry about someone walking up behind me..He knows his truck..When we leave somewhere,I unleash him and he will walk towards the back driver side door waiting for me to open it..He always lays on his pillow,behind the passenger seat and watches me as We travel down the road..

[@fatkiefbowls]

I have a ridgeback, I took him kayaking when he was a few months old and he just slept in it. If you expose dogs to things consistently when they are really young they’ll be fine with it when they are older. As long as you are calm and confident and don’t create some kind of traumatic experience for them. Labs and ridgebacks are some of my favorite!

[@RatdogDRB]

That rapid recall is Stonnie's reward for the day. That's a good girl, that Murphy. Those puppies wanna be just like Mr. No Name. He's got the life.

[@ginalopes6083]

I am a rescue ridgie mom and they are wonderful dogs. Their recall leaves something to be desired but they are learning and high value treats work a charm.

[@qdav5]

Those R. Ridgebacks are impressive dogs. When my Doberman was a pup, his favorite playmate was a Ridgeback of the same age. Every time they would start playing a little bit rough, that (female) Ridgeback would kick my Dobie's ass. They were about the same size, but she was just so much faster and better coordinated than him.

[@PaganPunk]

My RR has just turned 3....Had them all my life ....Best Breed in The World ❤🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🇬🇧

[@MB-lf8rm]

Of all the dog names I have ever heard, the most memorable is no name. I am certain Mister No Name loves his name and is proud of it.

[@devanriley3014]

I would love to see your kennel set up. Any way you can do a walk through video?

[@holi6293]

Ridgebacks are stunning PS: I had such a good time binging on your puppie series, brought back memories to my childhood when my family bred Norwegian Elkhounds

[@StonnieDennis]

I’m glad you enjoy our content!

[@InvisibleJiuJitsu]

my RR is about to turn 3 years old now :)

[@kaiyaalt6702]

My ridgeback just turned 7 months! He’s great but the only thing he struggles with is recall. Thanks for the vid!!

[@markharnett9389]

I have a 7 month old RR / working line Springer mix here in the UK. Best dog I've ever had and super athletic. Thankfully his recall really is great, for his age. Awesome dog with my kids and family. Looks like a black RR but I keep getting asked if he's a lab mix.

[@tarkovfights]

I have a Great dane/lab X GS. most loyal obedient dog i've ever owned. You get out what you put in with training dogs. love the videos!

[@cerberez1]

I wanted to say i got my puppy swimming for the first time yesterday and i owe it all to you, stonnie! The first few times i took him out he got spooked, but yesterday i copied what you do with the dogs on the leash in the pond, and he took to it perfectly and started swimming out to retrieve sticks!

[@mandyluna]

Rhodesian Ridgeback is my dream dog! I love intelligent and high energy pups. I can't wait for the challenge. Hopefully in a few years.😍

[@alternateperspective5]

Your videos are a good experience . hanks

[@SamuelRottman]

Fine animals

[@Watchdog287]

Great dogs but need a lot of consistent non boring training. I had my first (dog) RR in the 80s go trough K9 police training (working K9 security among all GSD, the only odd one except for a black Labb) + competitive obedience + service dog + Sheep herding + a lot of fun tricks. Could free park her anywhere even in the middle of a busy city centre She could walk straight in to stray dog pack territory (abroad) with all of them, sometimes 15-20 ruff and hardened dogs, immediately respecting her. She could play roll & tumble with 2 yo kids loving it and play with tiny Italian hounds like in feather light slow motion. But 3 times 3 hour duty training a week, competition obedience in the weekends except for exercise and the everyday life opportunity training. And yes, in industrial areas, in the woods, in kids playground walking jumping climbing on any surfaces. But you get a great dog. One problem was other ppl's pet puddles terriers Flats GSD and more coming full on from distance " attaching" themselves to her when she was just still sniffing minding her own business. Just shook them off and walked on. That's a thing you have to look out for to protect your RR from. Always a lot of great takings in your videos. Much appreciated.

[@terrydodson9884]

How green! I’m from Odessa, Texas, & needless to say, we don’t have water or green grass , lol!!enjoy! I have 3 mixed pit & Shepherd mixes & my main boy is my 9 year old Great Pyr who is mainly a house dog now because of his severe arthritis. Wishing I was there!

[@obliolepoint8371]

Ridgebacks are such incredible dogs! I'm in the market for a puppy right now

[@mindycrocker]

OMG! so fun, thank you! we needed that!

[@jennjackson4386]

My 9 month female ridgeback is great off leash. We aren’t stupid though, I keep a 15 foot line attached to her so I can grab or step on it if needed. It’s strange because if I get out of view, she comes to find me which isn’t typical of their breed. But ever since she was a baby we played “hide and seek” and taught recall by me running away and treating her when she caught me. Better to work with the breeds traits instead of against, that’s what I’ve tried to do

[@jasonschwanke916]

That is a great training game. I feel similar with my 7 month female RR. She wouldn't leave me and wants to stay close, but I don't trust the recall enough yet to go fully off leash regularly. More of a safety concern for if something unexpected happens and I NEED her to listen and come when called, but not worried she'd run off and I'd never find her. She knows to keep each other within eye sight.

[@8474Starscream]

We have a 1 year Rhodesian female 95lbs and all muscle. We live in the High Sierra Nevada Desert 🏜 lots of hiking and mountain lakes. Rio's recall is not good and we keep on a leash for the most part. She does love the water & likes to swim.

[@mitch0467]

Thanks Stonie!

[@GingerBear22]

Super fun! Thanks Uncle Stonnie

[@PaganPunk]

Love the way you are with your pack x

[@cerberez1]

Magnificent!

[@garfieldgreen9253]

i love your videos

[@phracture]

I really wanted to get a Ridgie for their confidence, sensitivity, and guarding traits. In the end I felt I may not have the time to fully excercise one properly(4 young kids) so I decided to get a mastiff lab cross. She is fantastic. Super sweet and loving but still very protective of our family (in a calm and wise way). Ironically, she is built just like a male Ridgeback. Big because of the mastiff in her, but more athletic because of the lab in her. I ended up getting an athlete that can chill like a champion! Still love Ridgies tho, and may get one one day. Another great vid Stonnie!!

[@sleddog8]

Wow! I am looking at the same two breeds for my next hiking buddy. There is a KZbin channel made by a hiking couple from Alaska that has both a Mastador and a Ridgeback. They are both beautiful. kzbin.info/www/bejne/jna7daKGgdd4hbc

[@sleddog8]

Ha. I sent you the video, not realizing that I already had a chat with you on the video I sent to you!

[@joseethibeault2449]

Very interesting vidéo 💯

[@thekingofrhodesia]

Very cool.. I like your videos.I did a small rafting trip with my Rhodesian a while back.. I just started a Rhodesian ridgeback KZbin channel.

[@rday710]

Love your videos! What kind of microphone are you using? It's great.

[@shellymb]

So nice... great to have a nice training field available... that’s probably a MRS snapping turtle... the females travel up from the ponds and creeks to lay eggs this time of year. The ticks are crazy right now... any recommendations?

[@yvonnewyles5686]

Just look at the little labs. We had a horse who’s name was “Unknown “ you can imagine the confusion that caused

[@stephenhiker9807]

Looks like heaven out there. Would be pulling a hundred ticks off my dog in Pa

[@garyknock5915]

Advantix works a dream over here in Nova Scotia, without it it’s a nightmare bro

[@margaretcole6264]

I knew nothing about ridgebacks. Thank you.

[@robert48044]

Great dogs, just a little bit of a strong personality and high prey drive.

[@margaretcole6264]

@@robert48044 nice.

[@DanKlein_1]

I have a 6mo GSP. She will never be a lab but at least she is black. ;-) You are making a nice dog out of that ridgeback. surprised with all the weight shifting with 3 dogs that you are able to stay afloat. Nice work captain. I would have been soaked and flipping a canoe right-side-up in knee deep pond muck with a snapping turtle stuck to my trousers while I was praying for thunder.

[@silasmarner7586]

hah hah hah that made me laugh!

[@lyleloomis3493]

I have a awesome black lab that’s 1 year 3 months old. He is pretty good with playing, fetching, staying with me , riding in cars . 4 wheeler, but I have not had him with me in the canoe or boat . To get him use to it should I put him on leash and tie to seat so he can move but not jump out till use to it

[@whodis5774]

Hi Stonnie, I was wondering if you could make another video that's longer than an hour about black labs 😄

[@pachohybsky6154]

Stoney, I could feel ticks and chiggers in that grass😲. What do you recommend for dogs and also what do you use as a true outdoorsman for these parasites? When dogs come to you for training, do they need to be neutered? It's dog paradise to be near Stoney and family.

[@MrBorntobehappy14]

Uncle Stonnie :) How can i get rid of anxiety of snike bite in tall grass? :) There was a time when i was mounterring in short shorts like you,never had any kind of fear :) In last years, i've developed that anxiety,which is not the cause of bad experience with reptile friends ,thank God :) Watching you in that short shorts and casual shoes in that tall grass is such a relief for me :) Dogs are great by the way. I have one at home ,one silly german shorthaired pointer :) Cheers pal :)

[@lunayogini21]

Hi Stonnie, What are your thoughts about trail running for 4 or more miles with a 7 month old Ridgeback?

[@emzhk6621]

hello buddies...🐕🐕🐕🐶🐶🐶🐶♥️

[@shredct3118]

I have a Fox Red Lab and everyday someone asks me if she’s a Ridgeback. It’s usually because their dog comes running up on us and her fur on her back stands on end.

[@tjava2338]

👍

[@howdyfellas920]

My puppy used to have a flawless recall and now that she hit the adolescent phase she ignores me a lot, is this normal? Any advice for me?

[@PeterHartman1]

At 3:22 was there a treat reward or a click for that good recall?

[@StonnieDennis]

At this point the recalls are self reinforcing.

[@sleepinggiant882]

Do you have any experience with Boerboels or Cane Corsos?

[@StonnieDennis]

Yes, I’ve had a few of each stay with me. I’m far from an expert though…

[@tessrussell4662]

Okay, crazy coincidence! No dog yet, but I've got dog PLANS for a Rhodesian Ridgeback named Murphy. The only difference is my Murphy would be male

[@kevinneumann3845]

I am thinking of being a Ridgeback owner. Are they good alone or a pair.

[@jasonschwanke916]

All of the above. I have a 7 month female RR who is growing up with our almost 9 year old miniature Doodle who can't stand the giant puppy. RR at this point is not phased whatsoever with our older dogs grumpiness and very independent. She loves other dogs though and has stayed a few weekends at our friends' house who have 2 adult RR's that grew up together and are well bonded. This breed can be independent but still love other dogs, or grow up as a pair and really bond together. Our friends' 2 girls are inseparable.

[@ginalopes6083]

We have two and I wouldn't have it any other way. They met at the rescue where we adopted them from. No one plays like a ridgie and they are pack creatures. If their family (pack) aren't around then they have each other. My two (girl and boy) are best friends and best playmates. I will never only have one.

[@TheChizzletube]

Candy crush 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@VisualEyesVideos]

Canicross 😀 www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/canicross-goes-beyond-running-with-dogs/

[@djdidbdhzbzvxnsiei3366]

man my RR hates water, a little drop of rain and she is like NOPE

[@tiger66667]

Will No Name get a Name? I vote for Boston Blackie.... or just Blackie

[@MB-lf8rm]

No Name likes his name :)

[@Mitch_Ryder]

Mr No Name is a great name !

[@MB-lf8rm]

@@Mitch_Ryder It certainly is. And of all the dog names we have ever heard, Mr No Name is probably the most memorable.

[@WhEE443]

I asked this once before. He said that he actually does have a real name that his family calls him, but for whatever reason he doesn't use it in the KZbin videos.

[@MB-lf8rm]

@@WhEE443 But the dog responds to "No Name." When Stonnie calls out "No Name!" the dog comes running to him, and he responds to "No Name" when Stonnie gives him retrieve directions.

[@LoveMyDoginc]

While confidence is important, going out and being confident with a dog that has never practiced recall or is very dangerous information to give to people. I get it you're country, im from the country but new time dog owners with their aggressive dog practicing this is gonna get someone hurt.

[@StonnieDennis]

You should definitely produce some content expressing all of your safety concerns. I’m sure viewers will flock to hear your admonitions...

[@Lambrosavgerinos]

I have a few pages successful in their own rights. I’ve considered starting a KZbin channel. Don’t you think that blanket information can be dangerous?

[@StonnieDennis]

@@Lambrosavgerinos I'll never understand how our society has produced so many negative people. I produce fun, wholesome, content that encourages people to get out and do fun stuff with dogs, yet it never fails that some Can't Doer such as yourself shows up in the comments section and proceeds to piss and moan about all the things in life that could possibly go wrong. Here's an awesome video of dogs playing and adventuring and all you can do is complain; people like you disgust me, on a very personal level.

[@DCarloss]

Have you ever taken a dog out doing off leash work and they just run off and it takes forever to find them? How can you just be so calm? Geez

[@MB-lf8rm]

All the dogs I have raised from a young age (8 to 12 wks) grew up to have excellent, and reliable, recall. I think that is a result of having them, from a very young age, off-lead most of the time.

[@jaykebrwn]

@@MB-lf8rm I'd like to have my dog off leash but I'm concerned he just wouldn't come back, I try him on long lines at the beach and he comes pretty often, but off leash I'm not sure.

[@MB-lf8rm]

@@jaykebrwn The concern is understandable. I think he would certainly want to come back to you. Now and then one does hear about a dog who ran such a great distance he got himself lost. But seems that is rare. Probably much has to do with the breed of the dog, and his age. I had an Australian Terrier who stuck to me like glue his whole life. Now I have a 5-month-old Lab. We ramble in the woods and fields every day, off-leash. I watch her like a hawk, though -- call her back if I see another dog approaching, or if she turns in the direction of the road. The most nerve-wracking is when she swims far out in the lake. But she only does that when there are other dogs swimming. How old is your dog?

[@jaykebrwn]

@@MB-lf8rm He's a 14wk old Ridgeback cross, I'm pretty sure I could catch him if I had to so I'm considering letting him off next time, I have an older dog who comes when called off leash pretty reliably.

[@MB-lf8rm]

@@jaykebrwn Only 14 wks -- So young. You have plenty of time to work with him. I'm sure you know that, and a lot of other things, since you watch Stonnie's videos. Last resort (as we know) to catch a pup is to run the other way, or, lie down on the ground. He sounds like a really good pup. Best of luck to you, Jayke.

[@coleparker11]

so jealous... puppies are like 3 grand like wtf

[@StonnieDennis]

Take it from me, one doesn’t need to spend a lot of money to have a super nice dog!