How to Herd With Rhodesian Ridgebacks

Humans began breeding dogs to perform different tasks centuries ago. Initially, hunting, retrieving and herding were important functions for companion dogs to help early humans find food. Today, most dogs are house pets and no longer need to work. Most dog training experts agree unwanted behaviors like barking and destroying furniture can be eliminated by exercise and giving the dog a job. Rhodesian ridgebacks -- with their characteristic line of fur down the spine which grows in the reverse direction and appears as a raised ridge -- were originally bred as hunters, but can be trained to learn herding skills.

Things You'll Need

  • Herding stock
  • Trainer
  • Individual or group classes
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Instructions

    • 1

      Take advantage of the Rhodesian ridgeback's genetic heritage. The breed originated in Africa from cross breeding European hunting dogs with African dogs. They were bred to find and corner large prey like lions, bears and boar. Pointing, retrieving and agility skills are present in today's breed, and the hunting instinct can be turned into herding ability.

    • 2

      Teach the dog basic commands. Sit, stay and come commands, readily obeyed, are vital for it to know prior to attempting to teach it herding skills. Use treats and positive reinforcement while training. Herding requires the dog to quickly and accurately respond to the owner. Obey commands are important to prevent the dog from becoming too distracted with the chaos of the stock and to help the dog concentrate on the task of herding.

    • 3

      Commit the time to teach the dog herding. Once a Rhodesian ridgeback has been introduced to herding and has demonstrated interest in the activity, the owner will need to devote several hours a week for months or even years to properly train the dog and to progress to harder tasks. Infrequent lessons and practice will disrupt the dog's learning curve, often setting him back to beginning stages. The dog ideally should be at least one year old and mature enough to practice and learn herding skills.

    • 4

      Find a trainer and take classes on herding. Unless you are a farmer or raise livestock for a living, herds of animals for the Rhodesian ridgeback to practice with are not readily available in suburban neighborhoods. Herding trainers offer individual classes and group experiences for owners and dogs. The owner needs to learn as well as the dog, so supervised, expert training is the first step to teaching the Rhodesian ridgeback herding skills.

    • 5

      Teach the dog stop and positioning commands. Once the dog knows the basic commands, moving onto more advanced and complicated orders, like stop and turn, will be easier. Use the same techniques that were successful for the basic commands. It is important to teach him positioning actions that will lead to herding the stock, rather than just chasing them. Having the dog in control will ease tension and help the dog learn more quickly that you want him to control the animals' movements. Rhodesian ridgebacks are intelligent and need daily mental stimulation and exercise. Herding will accomplish both goals.