Before the puppy moves in

If you have opted to enlarge your family and have a Ridgeback, and if you have found a good breeder, you should prepare yourself for a new family member's arrival. Since you are supposed to wait till your puppy is between 7 and 8 weeks old, you have enough time for the preparation. All you need is equip yourself with the following stuff:

•   Two bowls – for food and water. The best idea would be choosing bowls which are made of steel since they are indestructible. Plastic bowls may be ‘eaten' soon afterwards, and worse still, some of them may cause the loss of pigment on the dog's nose.

•   Nourishment of good quality. Since first few months are crucial to puppies, any negligence in terms of feeding may affect their health and development. Learn of the kind of feed the breeder uses and give the same for at least a few weeks. If you want to change the feed, do it gradually by adding a small amount of the new one at first. While handing a puppy over to a new master, most breeders give a few portions of feed too and information concerning feeding.

•   A collar made of nylon or leather. Since puppies grow very fast up to month 10, buying an adjustable collar would be advisable. Surely only one such thing will not do and it would be necessary to buy another one within a few months. In case the first collar is lost or bitten, you ought to have a spare one.

•   A leash made of nylon or leather. Certainly your puppy will be trying to bite its first leash so do not spend too much money on it.

•   Bedding. Just like a man, a dog prefers sleeping on some soft surface so do secure a comfortable bedding for it. Pet shops offer a wide range of products of that kind. You can prepare the dog's bedding yourself as well by taking advantage of pillows and quilts. Do remember that the site should be secluded, quiet and safe, e.g., by the wall or in the corner. Ridgebacks like observing what is happening at home and having everything in sight from its lair. Thus, if the place you have chosen does not provide such an opportunity, the dog will move somewhere else.

•   Rubber toys and items to bite. The things are crucial since the dog will replace your shoes and parts of body with them. Nevertheless, some damage is actually unavoidable. Tennis balls and lines made of plaited strings may come in useful as well.

Do consider the rules your dog is supposed to obey. It is essential that the dog knows right from the beginning what he/she is allowed to do. Be consistent. Would you permit your dog lying on the bed? Surely the dog will be trying to sleep near to you but take into consideration that some day the pet will grow up and your bed might not be big enough for you both.

Would you permit your dog climbing the sofas and armchairs? If the pet is allowed to loll about on same furniture only, you must be consistent from the very beginning. Do take account of traces of paws and teeth as well as the dog's coat on the upholstery.

The best thing to do would be to think the matter over and establish these rules with all the family members before the puppy moves in.