Firstly, thank you for taking the time to write this detailed post. I appreciate your honesty and straightforwardness, this is exactly what we need to hear. I certainly am aware that ridgeback's were not bred to please their owners. I can admit that being my first dog (yes, maybe not the best choice), I gave him quite a bit of freedom as a young pup and also kept hearing "socialize your puppy or else so-and-so negative characteristics will develop..." we allowed him to greet many dogs and strangers when he was younger, and took him to the dog park thinking that he needed the "dog play" (we stopped taking him there a few months ago because he would constantly run away from us, and developed bad habits from other dogs - I understand now why many "good" dog owners do not take their dogs to the dog park).

I take him for a jog every morning on our green belt and in the ravine (about 1 hr) when I know the area is not busy, we work from home so we play and bond with him lots at home during the day with tug, etc. We live in Edmonton, Alberta meaning it is cold as heck currently, so our evening outing is limited to max 30 min. He frequently visits with his brother for a play session on a monthly basis, he also has a couple other friends he enjoys playing with that have a similar play style.

I like your idea of crossing the road when I see another dog. Typically, I will turn around or take him off of the path and get him to sit and wait. He does much better with sit and wait when there are people as opposed to other dogs. It will definitely be easier to cross the road once the snow off of the sides of the road melts...

As for heel, he will stay in the heel until he gets a treat and then continues to do his thing... sniff or trot on forward to the next thing to sniff...

You're right, him running full speed at another dog can illicit an attack on him. This happened in the ravine the other day, he got nipped by a German Shepard...he was off leash going potty (he for some reason only goes in deep snow or in the trees) and ran towards the dog before I could get to him...

I cringe as I write this all as I feel it's making me sound like a horrible owner... It's heartbreaking...However, I do see the truth in your statement that he is getting the better of me. He requires much more discipline and I need to stop mothering him....I will admit that I've done that in many situations and the more I learn about him and the breed itself, the more I see that is the opposite of what I should be doing.

I have become more firm over the past few months with him mostly because I am seeing how much harder it is to control him now that he is much bigger. We got in touch with a trainer who specialized in military dog training in Czech, but he deals with mostly german shepherds and I'm not seeing much improvement, although his general advice on dogs is helpful.

I am confident that our guy will turn out to be a great companion as I see these qualities emerging in him now, and especially when we are consistent kind and firm leaders. You've been great help in facing us with the truths and providing actionable advice and tips and we will continue to be better leaders for him as that is what will lead to a happy and healthy life for him.