We Love Pets SA Magazine

6 GIVE RAW A CHANCE CONTENTS 9 ANTBEAR LODGE 11 MARS & ELLA 13 5 TOP TIPS - PREPARING PUPPY FOR BABY 14 RHODESIAN RIDGEBACK WINES & GUESTHOUSE 16 FOR THE LOVE OF DOG? 18 BREED FEATURE - RHODESIAN RIDGEBACKS DIRECTORY 19

WELCOME We Love Pets SA & The Dog Box are CONTACT US collaborating to bring you our first Pet Friendly Magazine / Directory. 062 521 0106 [email protected] I am a Dog Mom to five Ridgebacks. It explains why this first edition is packed with a lot of PO BOX 572, Ridgie stuff. One of my many challenges as Bronkhorstspruit, 1020 owner of The Dog Box - is to effectively reach customers, as advertising is expensive. This ADVERTISING opportunity presented itself and before long, what started as a small idea, grew into what I am Interested in presenting to you here. It is my heart's work. and advertising with us? only the start. Contributions have been made by Please contact me and friends of The Dog Box, who also believe that this is a worthy endeavour. let's work out something that suits Starting a business is hard work. Starting one in these economic times, even harder. If you your business. believe in yourself and in your product & want to add value for your customers, then I say, \"Let's do 3 the work\". So far in my journey I've learnt that there is enough room in the pet market for all of us. I've learnt that by supporting each other and collaborating, we can create a win for everyone. There are some really clever people with amazing ideas and products who are passionate and driven to do the best for the Doggies and their owners. I have seen so many excellent examples of great customer service. With this magazine small local businesses has an opportunity to reach more people who will appreciate their products. Some of these friends are featured in our first edition. The Magazine will be bi-monthly and evolve as it responds to your needs as readers. My head is packed with ideas! Enjoy this read and let me know what you liked and what should change. Thank you for joining the journey. ANTONETTE VAN TONDER

WE LIKE THIS! Khakib& oyosur pets BECAUSE EVENTS WITH DOGS ARE BETTER khaki pawsWith summer around the corner, we will soon find unwelcome visitors (yes, we are talking about you by Nicole Noppe co-founder of Khaki PawsFLEAS) in our homes and on our pets. They seem to be immune to everything we throw at them, and sometimes force us to consider unnatural or toxic products out of desperation. But flea control is season long, and they will soon be back unless you adopt a maintenance system. Khakibos is an ideal, cost effective solution for those who want to stay on the natural path. It repels ticks, fleas and pests while being gentle enough to use on your pets’ skin. Because Khakibos is natural flea repellent, it is safer to use in a frequent manner. It is also safer in compromised animals such as cancer and auto-immune patients, the very young and the very old, small breeds and liver shunt patients. Khakibos is effective not only for topical application on Beudene Oosthuizen your pets but can be used all around the house and garden for a thorough flea control practice. It is most important to Withdogs takes the average event or workshop and target the areas where your pets spend the most time. turns it into a dog-friendly event. Enjoy fun activities with like minded dog-people, while your dog joins other For a safe and effective way to banish ticks and fleas, try doggies, running and playing off leash in a safe washing your pets with Khaki Paws’ natural Shampoo & environment. Conditioner bars, or spraying your pets and their bedding with a natural Khakibos Spray. If you live near a field, try Past events includes a Chocolate Pairing! What can be wild harvesting for some fresh Khakibos to put in bags better than combining your two favourite things? Dogs around your garden and house. The strong scent will soon and Chocolate! Indulge your guilty pleasure while your drive all those pesky fleas away and leave your pets itch- doggy runs and plays with the other doggy guests. free. DOGA! Yoga with your Dog. Another great event organised by WithDogs. [email protected] If you are looking for an Event WithDogs contact Beudene to find out about the next Event! Be quick though, these events are very popular and do sell out quickly! 4

THE DOG BOX Puzzle Toys from Nina Ottosson is also available from The Dog Box. These interactive toys SPOIL YOUR HOUND stimulates your doggy's mind and helps eliminate unwanted behaviours. Best of all, you also get to The Dog Box loves to spoil Doggies of all sizes and play, which helps strengthen the bond with your ages. We celebrate Birthdays or Gotcha Days and Dog. add to the festivities, by delivering a fun filled box that is just perfect for your Pooch. But hey, even if The Dog Box loves supporting Local Pet Business you just want to spoil your Fur-kid, get them a Friends. From time to time we will collaborate to specially curated box, because you can. bring you a special Box. So keep your eyes on our social media accounts for special announcements. It is my belief that Healthy can also be Yummy! The Dog Box choose treats that are healthy and The Dog Box is not a monthly subscription Box. preservative free. This means the Furries can You may order as often as you like and you can indulge without you feeling guilty. choose what you would like in your Dog Box. The Grooming products selected for The Dog Box is both natural and gentle on your doggy's skin. \"Birthday, Gotcha Day or just to spoil your Doggy. Some dogs are tough on toys! This is why The Dog The Dog Box is there for you.\" Box choose tough robust toys that last longer when used correctly. BY ANTONETTE VAN TONDER [email protected] 5

give raw a chance by Dr Sophia Moosa BVSc MRCVS The ‘raw food’ debate is one that has been on my In my experience, while it’s fantastic for some, raw radar ever since I started my studies as a feeding is not for everyone. Animal nutrition is veterinarian in the United Kingdom, over 8 years complex and better left to the experts. I regularly ago. Since moving to South Africa in 2017, I have recommend veterinary associated commercial dog become increasingly aware of the rising number of food brands to my clients. Brands that have spent clients opting out of feeding their pets many years, with entire teams of specialists, conventional wet or dry food diets. researching the exact quantities of each mineral, protein and vitamin that our furry friends require. In Instead, many people are looking to feed their the past, my issue with raw feeding was that it pets a raw diet, and more often than not, these often encouraged owners to take their animal’s clients look to vets as a source of information and nutrition into their own hands, with some choosing guidance. to home cook their food. 6

However, with the recent rise in reputable raw food brands, many of my clients are exploring their options and it would be naive for me to bury my head in the sand. So, I decided to give raw food a chance with Raw Love Pets by putting my own dog, Taco, on an 8- week long food trial. Meet Taco Taco is a 13-month-old, small crossbreed who sadly lost his left eye as a pup. He is generally healthy, other than having a condition called atopic dermatitis – a frustrating allergic condition that causes itching, poor coat/skin quality and can sometimes lead to secondary skin infections. At the beginning of the feeding trial, I had started Taco on treatment for this condition using a drug named Apoquel, and his symptoms were starting to reduce. Disclaimer The Trial This was in no way a scientific trial. The My first impression was that raw is not for the conclusions I have made from this faint-hearted. To those with squeamish experience are completely based on my tendencies, this may not be the food for you, it personal opinion and all ‘evidence’ is really is in its most raw, ‘natural’ form. However, to anecdotal. I am not a nutritionist, just my pleasant surprise, there were no bad smells your regular run-of-the-mill, skeptical vet. associated with the food at all, something that can’t be said for many of the commercial dry or wet foods I have fed in the past. The second thing I noticed was how palatable this food was for my dog – Taco went crazy for it. One of my main concerns throughout this whole process was feeding raw bones. As a vet, intestinal obstruction due to bone impaction is one of the most common complications we see from improper feeding. When I mentioned this, Raw Love were amazing. 7

They recommended specific bones that would be The cynic in me blamed the change in weather or safe for him to eat – we avoided any small bones the fact that I wasn’t being objective enough, but such as venison or chicken that he might eat too all I can say is, it made a big enough difference quickly and choke on. The larger bones acted as a that I am probably a Raw Love Pets convert from fantastic source of entertainment for him, and I this day on. could see he absolutely loved them. Fish were a particular favourite of Taco’s, and I’m sure the Since starting the trial I have recommended that a omegas helped enormously with his skin. few of my clients try raw feeding and have since put my other dog onto Raw Love as well. I am still About two weeks into the trial I actually stopped very cautious about bones – and I urge people to treating Taco for his skin condition. His coat was be very careful about the bones they choose to looking amazing and his scratching had almost feed their pets. Raw Love were great at discussing totally stopped. Atopic dermatitis can be a options with me, and they have some very useful seasonal condition, and we were heading into information on their site. winter, but I could really see an improvement in his coat quality and general demeanour already. His Quite honestly, if you had asked me a year ago stools were much smaller and less frequent whether I would consider recommending a raw than when on kibble, and despite looking much diet to one of my clients, I would have laughed. leaner, he actually gained 1 kg by the end of the Now, I look forward to being able to have a 8th week. During the entire trial Taco was a happy, balanced discussion with my clients, giving them healthy dog, with no diarrhoea, vomiting or any of fair information and the option to research for the signs I expected to see on a raw food diet. His themselves. energy levels were up, he was loving his food and even other people were commenting on how well https://www.rawlovepets.co.za/ he was looking. When I started Taco back on his regular dog food, it was only a matter of days before the scratching started again. I couldn’t quite believe it. Raw food is nature’s medicine! Now available in Western Cape, Gauteng and KwaZulu Natal 8

ANTBEAR LODGE Staying in luxury in your own cave, glass doors opening onto a wooden deck furnished with hammock chairs, overlooking spectacular views of the Drakensberg Mountains.  All the while enjoying a private dining experience on the deck, by candlelight.  Sampling the organic produce of the lodge and afterwards star gazing at the Hammock Camp, while the local villager tells Zulu childhood folk tales of the stars.  This fairy tale escape is Antbear Eco Lodge, only 4 hours from Johannesburg and 2 hours from Durban. Antbear Lodge is situated in the Drakensberg region tells his Zulu childhood folktales of the stars, while of KwaZulu Natal near Giants Castle.  What makes you relax in a hammock, wrapped up in a warm the lodge particularly special is that they offer blanket with a hot water bottle on the colder accommodation in a luxury cave. Accommodation nights.  This is part of the community entrepreneur units built under a rock.  Glass doors open onto a development program.  It is the Villager’s own wooden deck with hammock chairs and a spectacular business, supported by Antbear Lodge.  The view of the Drakensberg Mountains.  This is a luxury Villager picks his guests up after dinner and takes eco experience.  The cave is cozy and comfortable them down to The Hammock Camp.  It’s a really with features such as a Jacuzzi spa bath and a lovely way to experience a little bit of Zulu culture. fireplace with authentic rock art on the walls.  This small owner-run Lodge offers 15 accommodation Antbear Lodge is one of the few pet-friendly places units and you have a choice between Mountain View in the Drakensberg.  Beautiful, vast views of the suits or Garden View suits. Drakensberg with plenty of ground for your dogs to roam.  Walk for hours.  Your dogs will be happy!  Sustainability and responsible tourism is a huge part There are lots of dams for them to swim in and of the ethos of Antbear Lodge as they subscribe as horses to discover. Two of the accommodation much as possible to the “farm to plate” concept. units at Antbear Lodge is fenced in, which gives Meals are cooked from scratch using the vegetables you an opportunity to leave your dog behind, if from their own organic garden. They have their own you would like to explore some of the sights where chickens for eggs, cows for milk and bake their own pets are not that welcome.  For smaller dogs where bread.  Antbear Lodge even makes their own cheese.  a fenced unit is not required, you can book any of Imagine enjoying this fresh country fair during a the other units.  Antbear Lodge does not have a private candlelight dining experience on the deck of policy that requires your pet to be on a leash, as your own cave! long as you know your dog wont chase their sheep, chickens, turkeys, ducks, cats, horses, donkeys and The newest attraction at Antbear Lodge, is a Star cows.  Please bring your own dog food, bowls and Gazing Hammock Camp, where a local villager  bedding. [email protected] 076 441 2362 WWW.ANTBEAR.CO.ZA 9

ANTBEAR LODGE The scenery is Breathtaking! GGGiiivvveeeaaawwwaaayyy 2 Nights for 2 Persons in a Pet Friendly Mountain View Suite Breakfast & Dinner Included CLICK HERE Valued at R8200 TO ENTER Subject to Availability outside of Peak Season. Competition Close 31 October 2020 10

EllaMars & When Sophie & Jamie got the happy news that they will become Human Mommy & Daddy, they realised they had to come up with something resembling a plan to prepare their Rhodesian Ridgeback puppy, Mars, for the arrival of his Hooman Sister Ella. Sophie tells us what they did to help prepare their ginormous puppy for the arrival of Baby Ella. A few short months after We involved him in our prep We took him to the vet bringing home our 10 week old Rhodesian Ridgeback puppy, Mars, I Whenever we were in the baby’s for an unrelated issue a few weeks found out that I was pregnant and room setting up the cot or before my due date. I spoke to the the panic set in. The Baby was due unpacking clothes, Mars was in vet as I had some concerns that shortly after Mars’ first birthday. In there with us. He sniffed and licked Mars might be anxious when the all likelihood he would be in the everything – the pram, the baby arrived. The vet gave us a throws of some terrible teenage cot, the car seat, EVERYTHING. herbal remedy for anxiety. I phase. should’ve read the instructions a We never told him to get out of the little more closely at the time. I Mars completed 6 weeks of puppy baby’s room. would’ve realised that the tablets school, I’m still not sure who trained work best if you start using them who. As part of our plan, I signed I'm all for letting him sniff and lick for a couple of weeks before the Mars and I up for Elementary stuff but sometimes you’d just want anticipated stressful event. Obedience which was the logical to sort a few things quickly and next step after puppy school. We Mars would walk all over the piles of The 9 months flew by and Baby Ella also considered specific at-home clothes on the floor before lying was delivered by caecarean. I spent training sessions to “baby-prep” the down in the middle of it. Instead of 4 nights in hospital. dog but quite honestly, formal telling him “out” we’d say “let’s go!” training wasn’t really for us and we and all leave the room together. The Jamie continued our routine as took the decision after finishing EO clothes could be sorted another day. much as possible – he walked Mars that going forward we would wing it. every day and was home each So armed with little more than good We never shut the baby gate on him. night. Following the usual advice, intentions and a puppy school Jamie took some worn baby clothes mantra “don’t tell him what he can’t If we were all in the baby’s room, and a dirty nappy home for Mars to do, tell him what he can do”, we set the gate would be propped open so sniff. about prepping Mars for the baby’s Mars could come and go as he arrival. wanted. 11

We probably should’ve taken some We kept visitors to a minimum and Our little girl has just turned 7 of my worn clothes home too – I’m just warned them that he was very months and the pair of them are so sure I smelt different to him after the anxious. They all seemed to get the sweet together. The first thing he surgery. He was very anxious when unspoken message – please don’t does every morning when she joins we came home from the hospital and stay too long, keep calm and don’t us in bed, is give her a thorough lick his anxiety seemed to be directed at mind the 50kg Ridgeback trying to all over her face….and she returns me. He’s always been a bit of an have his way with your leg. the affection by licking him back. enthusiastic greeter, but the usual We try not to exclude him from what bounces were replaced by some we’re doing. If Ella’s playing on the fairly persistent humping, which was floor, Mars is right there with her. totally out of character. Inevitably there’s more sniffing and licking, but we’re not too concerned It was really hard to see him so by this. anxious. Panting, licking, humping, and he had a couple of stress-poops He has a blanket in most rooms in in the house. Jamie took him for a the house so once he’s completed light walk to see if removing him from his initial probe, we encourage him the situation helped but it had little to lie down on his blanket and he’s effect, nor did the herbal remedy. I happy just being with his pack. was convinced that he just needed to crash and fall asleep, and he’d feel Concerned that the nibbling on an Like any small baby, she reaches out calmer in the morning. The problem insect bite was stress-related, to grab things, including the dog. was how to calm him enough to lie indicating his anxiety wasn’t being Mars has been amazingly tolerant on down and fall asleep. Since neither managed effectively, we took Mars the odd occasion she’s grabbed a of us had a better idea, I YouTubed to the vet. Our vet is wonderful. After fistful of fur but we’re vigilant “calming music for dogs” and he fell a thorough consultation we switched whenever they’re together. When we asleep listening to classical music. Mars onto stronger medication to see her reaching for him, we’ll take help with his anxiety. A few short hold of her hand and show her how Over the next couple of weeks Mars weeks later, his leg had fully healed to stroke him gently. During car settled, we continued the herbal and he had stopped the anxiety journeys, he’ll travel with his head remedy, stuck to his usual food & medication – he simply needed a out of the window, and more often exercise routine, and kept the house little extra support during those early than not I’ll look in the rear-view as calm as possible. His anxiety days. mirror to see Ella holding his tail and would peak when visitors popped in, merrily sucking on the tip! but we didn’t want to shut him out in the garden fearing it would only add WRITTEN BY to his stress. Sophie Croly Mars & Ella are the best of buddies.  A very lucky girl to grow up with a Rhodesian Ridgeback. Raising a puppy is challenging. Having a baby even more so.  Ask for help.  Use all the resources available to you to help your dog settle into the new family structure.  Consult your vet and seek help from qualified positive reinforcement dog trainers & behaviourists. 12

5TOtPips Preparing \"Puppy\" for the arrival of your New Born It is such an exciting time waiting for the arrival of your First baby. So much to plan and prepare for before the big day. But what about your animals? How does one explain the new arrival to them, and how Arranging for your puppy to meet other babies for a few months before the bigbest to prepare them for the addition to the household? Introductions and daily routine will be different day would be a good way to start. Thisbetween puppies and adult dogs, and the dynamics change yet again if there are more dogs or animals in the way you can gauge what your puppy’sfamily. However, for ease of reading, we are going to presume you have just one puppy (under a year of age). There are a few things that you can do to help settle your pets as well as making you feel more relaxed about response is going to be. the forthcoming meeting. 1 2Ifyourpuppyordogshowsany anxiety about the above two Apart from meeting other babies, scenarios you could put in a bit of timerecording the sounds a baby makes and train it to settle on a blanket. The puppy should learn that the blanket is (gurgling, laughing, crying ) and a safe place (combine a crate with this playing it back to them at odd times and you’ve really got it nailed). Thisand from different rooms, can help 3 creates a safe place and one where it can go to escape if things get a bit acclimatise them to sounds that 4muchforit. they’re going to encounter. Most importantly, you need to teach your child to respect the dog and its space. Environmental enrichment is a good way to keep your dog entertained 5 Children should never be allowed to pull the should it need to be left outside. Mental activity is far more important than physical activity. If you can make the garden where your dog lives more exciting, it will be way more beneficial than for example taking your dog for a walk dogs tail or poke it in the eye. The puppy will probably accept it until the baby grows up a bit, but don’t be surprised if the baby is given a nip for (what the dog considers to be) 13 unacceptable behaviour.

RIDGEBACK WINES SOUTH AFRICA Situated in the Heart of the Cape Winelands, just outside the pristine town of Paarl. The Estate boasts a Wine Tasting Centre, The Deck Restaurant and Ridgeback House, a 4-Star Guest House. www.ridgebackwines.co.za 14

Ridgeback Wines, founded in 1997 by current owners Ridgeback Wines has two distinctive brands. Vernon and Lesley Cole, is a family owned medium Ridgeback is the Premium Icon range of wines, sized winery. Having moved down to Paarl from whereas Lion Hound is their innovative Lifestyle Zimbabwe, they arrived here with their two children Range. The overriding policy at Ridgeback Wines is and their Rhodesian Ridgeback dogs. Back then the that of quality. It starts from the vineyards and farm was a working fruit farm with no vineyards. In carries through in the production process, right the years that followed, Vernon was inspired by the through to the final packaging and presentation of changing agricultural times in SA and in his drive to their wines. This quality philosophy is evident establish something innovative on the farm, decided throughout all tiers and their wines consistently to pull out all the fruit orchards and started planting carry medals and awards of distinction and are well the first vineyards. received in the global market. Their approach to wine making is \"terroir\" driven, with a \"minimalist In 2001, Ridgeback Wines had their first influence\" belief, as they endeavour to keep the breakthrough in the form of a Platter 5-Star Award process from vineyard to wine as natural as possible. for the Ridgeback Shiraz. This prestigious award was the catalyst to fully develop the estate and Ridgeback Wines is an \"off the beaten path\" establish Ridgeback Wines as it is known today. experience and synonymous with both Quality and Shortly after receiving the award a 300-ton cellar, Consistency. tasting room and restaurant was built and more With every bottle of Ridgeback Wine their story vineyards planted. The pride of Ridgeback Wines, continues. Definitely a must visit destination! the 4-Star Guest House soon followed and completed Vernon's dream. Tasting Room 021 869 8068 The exclusive tasting centre and restaurant is Guesthouse 021 869 8988 peacefully situated and overlooks a little dam that is home to about 25 different species of waterfowl. The [email protected] Guesthouse has 6 tastefully furnished en-suite bedrooms and is situated in the middle of the estate, surrounded by vineyards. The estate is 62ha of which 38ha is currently under vineyards. The grape varieties include Shiraz, Merlot, Cabernet, Cabernet Franc, Mourvedre, Petit Verdot and Grenach. The white varieties include Sauvignon Blanc and Viognier. Apart from the vineyards there are also dedicated natural Fynbos areas. With this in mind, they joined up with the Department of Wildlife and Conservation to ensure the protection of the natural environment. 15

FOR THE LOVE OF DOG! WRITTEN BY RENATA DU TOIT We cannot deny that dogs are wondrous creatures. But what exactly compels us to have such a deep-rooted passion and love for our furry companions? At first you might think that this Then, there are forbidden words such Even the biggest one can Houdini question is rhetorical, that the answer as “cookie” or “park” that one can only himself into a little lapdog. At least, is easy and straight-forward. That was utter at the right time. It will cause that’s what they think. Your grunts of my perception anyway. Every time I incredible excitement and literally have pain are confirmation for them to get thought I put my finger on it, the her jumping up and down with joy! You even more comfortable, and in all truth answer seemed ever so slightly off cannot say these words and not they are the best snuggle buddies! target. deliver; they will torture you with hurtful looks of disappointment. Dogs have been integrated into our Sometimes I watch the simple act of my lives over many centuries. They provide dog drinking water, and the enjoyment Each dog is unique and has their very a special type of fellowship to mankind she gets from this causes my heart to own personality; at times they will act and studies have proved that they burst at the seams with happiness. like complete goof-balls and then do it possess stunning stress-relieving When she is snuggled up in bed - warm some more when they hear your elated abilities. So no matter how horrible your and cosy with soft blankets and her laughs. And ooooh, they know so well day was, when a dog is put into the mix favourite toy - her contented sigh is how to be cuties by turning on the you cannot help but see the light at the music. charm and showing those puppy eyes! end of the tunnel. 16

Despite all of this, there are people who Rather it’s a conglomerate of Now, if you have your four-legged say that they aren’t \"dog-people” - a everything they are and everything friend nearby, take some time to do statement I believe to be false. Can it they do out of their selfless, love-filled each of these things and meet your be that they just haven’t found the one hearts. zen… (if you do not have a furbaby, yet to steal their hearts? In turn we can give them the most adopt one or volunteer at your nearest spoilt life possible - packed with love, shelter and your zen will be met!) Those of us that grew up with fur- toys and treats. The kind of life that friends take for granted the natural each dog deserves. Rub your hand over their unique love and camaraderie, because we fur and truly feel the sensation on your don’t know life any other way. In that, \"Sometimes I watch the palm and fingers, allowing those perhaps the affection we have for simple act of my dog endorphins to be released (in your mind these allies stems from a mastered and the fury’s). understanding of the mutual benefits of drinking water, and the the relationship - a door still to be enjoyment she gets from Look deeply into their eyes - see unlocked by many. this causes my heart to and feel the admiration and love as burst at the seams with your souls connect. So... what exactly compels us to have such deep-rooted passion and love for happiness.\" Give them a big fat kiss on the our furry companions? With so many head,taking note of their scent and let reasons why they bring us joy, love, them return it with a pink tongue happiness and fulfilment, there is no planted on your cheek. single answer. Not only do you have a cheerful skip in your step, your pup is over the moon too! 17

BREEDFEATURE RHODESIAN  RIDGEBACK DID YOU KNOW? Contibuted by Liz Penprase The Rhodesian Ridgeback is South Africa's National Dignified, intelligent, athletic, agile, stubborn, loyal, loving and Dog. sensitive, are probably the most common descriptions for Rhodesian The Kennel Union of SA Ridgebacks.  Once you have lived with them you can also add to the uses the Ridgeback in list, counter surfers, masters at the art of stealing the couch and their Logo. making YOU feel guilty for wanting to sit on YOUR couch. Even The Ridgeback was bred for over 200 years in though bred for the African bush, I challenge you try and make them South Africa, before ending up in Rhodesia, go for a wee when it’s raining.  That’s our Rhodesian Ridgebacks in a where FR Barnes registered the breed in 1922. nutshell. Named for the strip of hair on their back, growing in the opposite direction. Ridgies for short.  Once they have trained you, Ridgebacks have their own wine label. you will be enamoured by them for the rest of your life. Some Ridgebacks are born without a Ridge on You often hear it said that a Ridgeback is not for everyone.  They their backs. They are called Ridgeless or were bred to work independently of their owners, which makes them Slickbacks. great problem solvers.  They are also very loyal to their owners and this bond is strengthened by making them part of your family. Ridgebacks are both Sight and Scent Hounds. A Ridgeback left to their own devices and not mentally stimulated, Health Issues will become destructive and you will lose many shoes & gadgets to \"frustration chewing\" and your garden will be a minefield of holes Generally a well bred dug out of pure boredom. That is if the Ridgie doesn’t escape the Ridgeback from a reputable yard or scale the 6 foot fence you put up to keep them in. breeder, does not suffer from serious health conditions. Ridgebacks do not respond well to harsh training methods or Their Average Lifespan is coercion. Work with them. Use consistent positive reinforcement.  Let between 10-12 years. them think it’s their idea. Jip almost like training Hubby. Dermoid Sinus is sometimes found in Ridgebacks. They are pretty laid back dogs.  Not aggressive and not prone to lots This will be identified at birth and corrected by a of barking.  Great with kids and if introduced properly, will pretty qualified vet who will remove the Dermoid Sinus. The much live a happy life with any other furry creature. pup should live a normal healthy life. Pups identified with DS should be sterilised at the appropriate age. 18 Ridgebacks may be prone to minor issues such as hip and elbow dysplasia. A reputable Ridgeback Breeder will health test their dogs to ensure only the best dogs are used in breeding programs. SARRC South African Rhodesian Ridgeback Club (SARRC) has control over the breed standard of Ridgebacks worldwide. SARRC is the Parent Club. Rescues SA Rhodesian Ridgeback Rescue - South Africa is recognised by the SARRC to rescue and rehome Ridgebacks. A group of volunteers working with shelters and rescue agencies to rehome Ridgies.

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Raw food is nature’s medicine! Now available in Western Cape, Gauteng and KZN









\"Everyone thinks they have the Best dog. And none of them are wrong\" - WR Purche