Big Paws Only Dog Forums

We've taken all of our dogs through advanced obedience classes and Baloo, our 2YO Ridgeback, even earned his CGC certificate at the end of his last class. We've had 2 dobies (one passed on in March ) and now a second Ridgeback, and although we do train them at home starting at 8 weeks - have found that the dog socialization in a controlled environment is invaluable. It keeps us on task as well
The trainers we've gone to recently are all about positive reinforcement for the dogs and absolutely no hitting or negative "reactions". When the dog doesn't listen, you simply ignore them until they do what you've asked - they pick up on it pretty quickly as they really do want to please you  
And we've had to "alpha-dog" all of them from time to time, as they are incredibly smart and sometimes very stubborn - so they get rolled onto their backs and made to stay there until they give in and relax. Have found that it's important for both of us to do this so the dogs understand that we're head of the pack, so to speak.  
As soon as little (not for long) Zula gets all of her shots - she gets enrolled in puppy class.

Here are my babies - Baloo (dark red wheaten) is 2 years old next Friday and little Zula (red wheaten) is 8 weeks old in this picture. We are now the proud owners of 2 ridgeless Ridgebacks 
As we're not showing them, the ridge wasn't terribly important, the breeder here in Scottsdale has produced many champs though.
This is a truly wonderful breed - they are incredibly smart and affectionate - and not to mention really beautiful dogs, we get compliments on Baloo wherever we go.
And if you haven't taken your Ridgeback Lure Coursing yet - it is a must! Baloo went to a practice day a few weeks ago and had a blast, and it fun to watch them run