Quote Originally Posted by Aston View Post
Hi lute

I understand and agree with almost all your comments. the problem (for Me) is that I don't like independent dogs that need a very good reason to do something. I like devoted, obedient and smart dogs that have pleasure just for pleasing their owners. I also understand that we normally use expressions like "he's not dumb, he only likes to do what he wants" to justify our hard headed friends - that's normal, no one likes to admit their dog is dumb. I'm almost 50 years old, I've been also a breeder and trainer of several breeds, and Iīve had dogs all my life, I think I can now after all these years know some genetic characteristics of the breeds ( at least the ones I've worked with). Apart from this, Ridgebacks are beautiful dogs.
I'm only 20 yrs old. I have had dogs all my life as well. I've rescued over 200 dogs in the last 6 years. I also show dogs in AKC conformation. I have shown many many breeds and have finished some AKC Championships. I have not bred my own litter as of yet, but work with some amazing breeders that teach me everything they know. I worked at a veterinary clinic for some time. Learned a lot about canine health and taught the vet a lot about different breeds and their characteristics. I learned to read from DogFancy magazines. I have literally dedicated my life to learning absolutely everything about the dog. It's movement, temperment, genetics, body language, etc. I think I should know a plenty about the breeds I have worked with.

The Ridgeback is not your breed. I like a challenging dog. That's perfectly fine and I'm not trying to start anything. But coming to this board with the "know it all" attitude will get you in trouble. Give advice. You have a lot to share. You may also learn something here too. Some of us here are not up there is age, but we know our dogs. I for one do not think my dog is dumb. She is not. She is hard headed. That is her breed characteristic. If hard headed dogs are dumb why is it that most Sibes, Mals, etc are the hardest dogs to train? Are these breeds dumb because of their hard headedness?