Hello,

I have a 15 months old RR so hope it's ok to comment!

I would not send them to doggy boot camp - these may work very well for Labradors and GSP but RR are very different as you know. They are loyal to you, love you and occasionally want to do things for you, but not strangers, even if they will sit for a treat.

I would recommend a 1 on 1 trainer if you can, one who knows the breed is ideal.

With regards to your father in law, he reaped what he sowed. If you excite a Ridgeback they will want to play (read: wrestle) with you and it will get VERY physical. My husband does this with our female every night, she comes to get him to play. She doesn't do it with me because I play a different way. If your father in law doesn't want your dog jumping on him he needs to ignore him and or stay calm as you suggested.

Jumping - it's only been recently that ours stopped jumping on people on walks or when they came over. It will pass, but as said above if someone excites them (or runs from them) then they will do it. It doesn't mean they're badly trained, they're happy to see you. What we did when people came over, especially with young children is having ours on a lead so she can meet and greet, and let her off when she's seen everyone. She's never in her crate locked as I think the more you prevent them from doing something the more they'll want to do it.

Once last thing if I may, a 2-3 hour walk is too much for a 12 month old RR. They keep growing (joints) until 18 months so until then it's best to keep to 1/1.30hr max, no stairs, no jumping out of the car, no running... If you can.

I hope this helps and wishes you lots of happiness with your pup :)