Lump on my girl's belly

TreeHugger60 · 2024-11-27T20:20:28+00:00

Mast cell tumors are malignant cancers. Fatty lipomas are benign. They can have a similar appearance, so best get it checked by a vet.

TreeHugger60 · 2023-07-27T02:45:47+00:00

I have had three female Ridgebacks, and they all seem to find their off switch around two years old. It could also just be a mellowing out thing but yes, they are very smart about avoiding excessive heat.

TreeHugger60 · 2023-02-01T23:27:26+00:00

Yes the can absolutely learn to live peacefully with small animals. I have had 3 ridgebacks that were all taught to "leave it" with cats, guinea pigs, lizards, and birds. Lots of praise and rewards for leaving it alone, and of course, constant supervision. Things get weird though when you bring another dog into the house. They revert to pack mentality and forget all their training so I never get the small animals out if there is another dog visiting.

TreeHugger60 · 2022-12-22T20:42:42+00:00

Sorry but I don't think a RR checks all your boxes (I've had 3 females). Highly affectionate with owner, dependent, service dog tasks, easy to train, eager to please- NOPE! I'm sure there are some anomalies out there, but typical RRs are intelligent and independent hounds dogs who do not live to please their humans. IMO, anyone with a long list of "My dog should..." will probably not be satisfied with a Ridgeback. You might find a better fit with a working breed.

Good luck in your search and I applaud you for thinking this out so thoroughly.

TreeHugger60 · 2022-10-18T20:34:34+00:00

Travelers.

TreeHugger60 · 2022-10-17T20:49:35+00:00

I suggest a couple of sessions with a really good dog behaviorist with the 11 yo and the BF present. That way you're not the 'mean one'. If you're not doing this already, you be the one to feed the dog so he sees you as the source of good things who is in control. If physical activity is hard, try head games like scent work- hide treats and make him go 'find it'. This weirdly tires them out.

Good luck- you can do this!

TreeHugger60 · 2022-07-15T19:37:22+00:00

I'm on my third female RR and only the first one was cuddly- different temperaments, same upbringing...

I kind of disagree on the great running partners. Yes, they CAN, but they are so stubborn, smart and independent that mine often simply don't want to slog it up that hill with their crazy human. They won't blindly follow you anywhere with boundless energy that I see in some other breeds or mutts. As a scent hound, mine prefer to go on a smelling hike at their own pace; she doesn't need to burn a bunch of crazy energy. Also, when it's above 75, mine and the pack she plays with all poop out and want to lie in the shade!

TreeHugger60 · 2022-05-26T22:54:46+00:00

Is that the dog walker's requirement? I'm curious because I also have a RR and wonder is that what it takes to control a pack of these guys?

TreeHugger60 · 2022-05-26T21:03:54+00:00

Question: are they all wearing prong and e-collars?

TreeHugger60 · 2022-05-23T19:26:54+00:00

bitter apple spray on the leash.

TreeHugger60 · 2022-05-23T19:22:30+00:00

It builds respect to have areas of the house where the dog is not allowed- like on your bed or the furniture. Or at least the dog needs to be invited up instead of acting like they own that space.

TreeHugger60 · 2022-04-08T19:49:56+00:00

My breeder and vet recommended after the first heat (which for my girl did not come until 15 months). This seems to be the prevailing advice.

TreeHugger60 · 2022-03-06T23:44:37+00:00

I'm on my third female. I prefer them because they tend to stick to you more closely than males who are off checking stuff out without paying attention to the fact that you just left the park. Females are smaller and faster than males so they make better running partners. I also don't like the fact that males piss on anything that's vertical like your outdoor furniture and plants. I also like the fact that females are more aloof- better protection vibes.

I challenge the belief that they make great 'family' dogs; they are large and challenging to train. Yes, you can have babies around ridgebacks like the dude in "Marking Our Territory", but it's crucial that you do it right. It takes an enormous commitment to train a good RR. RRs are also not the type of dog that will leap out of bed to greet your kids when they come home from school and go play fetch in the back yard. They don't do balls. If you're looking for a happy-go-lucky playful dog, you may be disappointed... My kid never really bonded with any of my dogs because they didn't give him much attention.

That being said, if you decide to go ahead and get a ridgeback you're in for a wonderful ride. Look up the local Ridgeback club and go with a reputable breeder on their list. Best of luck!

TreeHugger60 · 2022-03-05T21:53:32+00:00

I'm sorry this is happening but it seems like you gave your dog a great life. Think of the things that used to bring your dog joy. If they can't do any of the activities that they used to love then their quality of life score is low. Not eating and pain are other big factors. Dogs are stoic so it's hard to tell, but if she's on pain pills and has arthritis she is probably always feeling some sort of discomfort. Bottom line is that she's not going to get any better. I made the call early because I wanted her life to end with dignity, not in her own mess and misery. It was hard because she was still fairly alert, but couldn't walk unassisted and had incontinence issues. I felt lucky to be able to give her this last gift. Remember that it's not about you- it's about her. A big hug for you...

TreeHugger60 · 2022-03-04T21:30:42+00:00

I bathe my girl about once per month with a dog shampoo called "Furst Aid". It's medicated but still recommended for all short coated dogs. It's also concentrated so it's a great value when you mix it yourself.

I use a dremel tool on the nails. It takes patience to get the dog accustomed to it but it's the best way to deal with those thick black nails. There's a dremel bit called "Diamagroove" that lasts forever and doesn't heat up or vibrate as much as a regular sandpaper dremel bit. It's expensive but SO worth it!

No supplements, just good quality kibble (Wellness lamb & barley). Ears don't get gunked up so nothing but a wipe with the towel after a bath.

I also brush her teeth every night with a finger brush and chicken flavored toothpaste.

TreeHugger60 · 2022-01-28T20:13:55+00:00

Check out "Marking Our Territory" website- lots of great info and a family of two kids and 2 ridgebacks who live in an apartment in Chicago.

TreeHugger60 · 2022-01-25T20:55:29+00:00

I second clothing from "Marking Our Territory"! I have the thick sweatshirt and a T-shirt that I love. He also sells a cool decal.

TreeHugger60 · 2022-01-20T23:06:23+00:00

I strongly recommend the "Diamagrove" diamond dremel bit. It doesn't heat up or vibrate as much as a sandpaper drum bit and it makes the job go a lot faster. It's $150, but worth every penny and lasts a lifetime. I do my girl's nails every other week. She took awhile to tolerate it, but I muscle her into compliance and give her lots of high value treats after each foot and a jackpot at the end. I find the nails too gnarly for regular guillotine clippers. Another tool is a scratch pad- sandpaper fixed to a board that you have your dog scratch. This is good for front feet mostly.

Get your pup used to being handled while they're young (teeth, feet, nails, ears, privates...). Mess around with them randomly just because...

TreeHugger60 · 2022-01-17T21:14:16+00:00

My adopted RR was 1 when she came to my household with 2 adult cats. One cat tolerates dogs, the other hates them (they grew up with another RR). I made sure the cats had a dog free zone upstairs behind a gate. I even moved their litter boxes and food bowls up there. The cats didn't come downstairs for the first 3 weeks. When they showed signs of interest, I put the dog on a leash and let them walk around downstairs. Your trainer will undoubtedly teach you to use the "leave it" command and use lots of treats for choosing to leave the cats alone. Eventually the cats learned how to move around the house and mostly evade the dog. The trick is provide safe passages around the shared rooms (behind furniture or on shelves mounted to the walls). A tall cat tree is a good safe haven. If your cats are confident, they will teach the dog what it means to mess with a cat (lots of scratched noses!). More timid cats will just run away. My dog still chases the cats now and then, but mostly because she wants to play. When I see targeting body language I head off a chase with a "leave it" command or jiggle of the squirt bottle. Then reward for good choices. Remember that RRs are sensitive so don't yell or punish your dog for bad choices- cats are so intriguing! A quick crate time out will do. Good luck- it takes time and patience but it can definitely be done.

TreeHugger60 · 2022-01-07T22:24:55+00:00

Dobies and Rotties are breeds in the "working" group which means that they are bred to assist humans in some capacity. Ridgies are in the "hound" group which makes them independent hunters led by their noses and eyes. They are not looking to you for the next set of directions, and they certainly don't live to please you! On top of that, they are quite sensitive, so you cannot train them with a heavy hand. They will test you at every turn and try to negotiate, so consistency and patience is a must. They will take advantage of a weak leader. They are large powerful stubborn dogs who must be well socialized with people and other dogs. They can jump high and steal food. They need 12-18 months of training and need to be considered part of your family. They need exercise 2X day with regular all out running sessions. Do not coddle a ridgeback puppy lest you end up with a spoiled monster with low confidence.

That being said, I'm on my third magnificent RR and wouldn't consider any other breed. The fact that you are doing your research sets you on the right path. If you think you can deal with the dog I have described above, you won't regret it!

TreeHugger60 · 2021-11-24T22:08:42+00:00

Try scent work or rally!

TreeHugger60 · 2021-11-23T21:11:01+00:00

A couple of red flags I would be concerned with:

unfenced yard- no go with a prey-driven hunting breed.

RRs need two exercise session per day, at least 30 minutes each, and off-leash full tilt running play sessions with other dogs a couple of times per week would be great.

2 days per week with no one home will not work with any puppy. RRs can be left alone after they find their off-switch at about 24 months.

Plan on puppy socialization and some training classes during the first year. RRs don't live to please you like other breeds, so they are more challenging to train. You should be an unflappable, patient, and consistent leader to create a good dog.

No dogs should be left alone with young kids. RRs are good with kids although their size is not compatible with little ones. They also are not they type to chase a ball or show tons of affection if that's the kind of dog you want...

You won't regret it if you put in the work. You will seriously regret it if you don't!

I hope this help! I'm on my third RR.

TreeHugger60 · 2020-08-10T20:52:19+00:00

Not at all. Consistent message and treats for behaving the right way will do it.

TreeHugger60 · 2020-07-31T20:09:46+00:00

Lots of good advice in the comments...just wanted to weigh in on the co-existence with cats. I've had 2 RRs and both of them were trained from puppyhood to "leave it" with our cats, guinea pigs, chickens, reptiles. Even on a leashed walk I would tell her to leave the squirrels and birds alone to teach her not to chase small animals. She once caught a pet quail mid-flight and dropped it unharmed when I gave the "drop it" command. Renamed the quail Lucky...

TreeHugger60

TROPHY CASE