As i have just got my Rhodesian Rigdeback i would be interesting in hearing from anyone who has ridgebacks or is familiar with the breed. I have read lots of literature but would appreciate some advice from someone with first hand experience. He has a few personality quirks that i think are normal with the breed, such as not really being keen on other people, and i'm having a bit of trouble with toilet training. He is 18 weeks old and i've had him for just over 3 weeks. So if anyone can help i would be very grateful.

It could be that as you did not have him till he was 15 weeks old he may not have been socialised by his previous owners, R/R's do need to be well socialised and used to different people and dogs or they can be a problem and are powerful dogs.

Don't know why you had the pup so late but the breeder should be able to help you and if they are not helpful try one of the breed clubs, the last think they want is another rescue dog.

Dont get me wrong he isn't causing huge problems, just don't want to do the wrong thing by him and confuse the poor boy. I have put him in to lots of dfferent situations with lots of different people and think he has coped quite well. He just takes exception to some people and won't go near them, seems to be namely loud people he doesn't like. I got him from an advert in What Dog? magazine and didn't know what age he was till i rung up. He was exatly what i wanted so i bought him, and now love him a ridiculous amount (in fact think my boyfriend is a bit jealous :-)).  We are starting a training class on Sunday and i hope that helps with his socialisation.
Just wanted some tips really. The toilet training i know will take patience and i don't mind, the poor boy was in kennels for the first 15 wks of his life and he is getting better but with the help of doggy chocolate drops and i wondered if there was a more diet condusive method. (of course he gets a big fuss when he does go outside and i never tell him off his accidents, just quietly clear it up).

Think the fact that her has been kennelled when he should have been out and about meeting people and being house trained is your problem. You will get there, it is just going to take longer than it would with a pup that was being trained since 7 weeks.

Hi Lauren

Congratulations on your Ridgeback puppy - they're gorgeous :)  You are just going to have to start at the very beginning with housetraining as he's been brought up in kennels.  Take him outside after meals and when he starts sniffing and circling about and at regular intervals.  When he does something outside then choose a word to associate eliminating outside and use it while he is going to the toilet.  Lots of praise when he does and your chocolate drops for a treat.  He should catch on quickly.  Wouldn't start altering his diet to try and cope with this as it's just a training issue.
He needs socialising now and lots of it as he's a little catching up to do.  Take him out and about in busy places like shopping centres etc... where he can see lots of people wandering about doing their own thing.  Don't worry too much if he won't go up to some people and don't try and make him.  Gradually keeping him used to having lots of people about him won't worry him as much over time.  Take him near busy roads so he gets used to loud noises and traffic - take him everywhere you can. 
Good Luck
Lara x

Out of interest do you know how much exercise i should be giving him? I know they say just exercise in your garden is ok for about the first 6 months but my garden is 25 acres and not safe for him to wander around off lead as it has a river flowing alongside it. He has alot of energy. I take him for a walk round the grounds everyday and let him go at his own pace, which is actually quite fast, i'm definatley getting fitter but don't want him to overdo or underdo it.

It's a growth thing really for the first six months and its hard surfaces you should avoid exercising him on to avoid causing his joints any problems.
How long do you walk him for at a time? 

Maximum about 20-30mins. Its all on soft ground as am surrounded by lakes and woodland. I have him with me most of the day as i work from home and he runs around like a looney all day and seems bored without the longer walk to break up the day.

My neighbours have four ridgebacks and i took our puppy over to see them yesterday for socialising. she's a leonberger and found them a little scary but they were sooo good at letting her into their house.  They are very wary of strangers, but it makes them excellent guard dogs. if the owner isnt there they wont let anyone near the house that they dont know. i think even with lots of socialising they are still always going to be wary as its in their nature. they are the most gorgoeus dogs though. lucky you!

Whilst on the subject of Ridgebacks, what are they like generally with other breeds?  I have a 5 month old male Staff and when he is mature I would love to introduce another dog/bitch.  Perhaps it would not be wise to introduce an RR though?

As long as you bring your dogs up correctly and they are happy and well socialised - most breeds will accept each other and live harmoniously.  Ridgebacks aren't an exception and they are fine with other breeds.

Hi Lauren

20 mins walk is fine for him as long as he is getting lots of rest in between going out.  Puppies tend to be loonies so as long as he's not overdoing that and straining himself he should be fine.  The main thing is to get him socialised and trained now so you have a happy settled obedient dog for the future.
Good Luck
Lara x

Hi Lauren, congrats on your new puppy.

I've had 2 ridgies, and they are wonderful dogs - as long as they are well socialised and understand the rules.

RR's are VERY loyal and can be very standoffish, particularly with people as you are already finding (they make excellent guard dogs for your home and person).  To a small degree they also prefer to be with their own kind, but that can be over come by good socialisation and puppy classes.

Make sure you fix the ground rules and keep to them.  Ridgies are very good at taking a mile if you give an inch!!!

Enjoy him

Madmarchare - in my experience they let the stranger in - but wouldn't let them out again!!!

Hi Lauren

A friend of mine has a 9 year old RR and he really doesnt like strangers and more so people that wear hats as we found out the first time we met him , he lunged at my hubby because he wore a beenie hat for work and they started shouting take your hat off repeatedly and when he did he was fine .

Hi everyone

Sorry i haven't replied to you was away on business yesterday, first day of leaving my boy (with my mum to dog sit) it broke my heart, really am to soft. Just wanted to say thank you for all your help and good luck messages, he really is the most fantastic pet i've had and although i may be biased the best looking dog i've seen. Can't beat the feeling every morning when he is so pleased to see me he nearly wags his own bum off!!.