Essential Supplies for Your Rhodesian Ridgeback Puppy
So, now you’ve made this important decision, you will need to get prepared for your little bundle of joys arrival. Rhodesian Ridgeback puppies have needs that you as their owner must take care of, and that means doing some shopping.
The chances are that if you are reading this, you’re about to invite, or have invited a gorgeous, adorable, and absolute height of cuteness Rhodesian Ridgeback puppy into your life. Congratulations, this is a fantastic decision, and one that you will never regret!
So, now you’ve made this important decision, you will need to get prepared for your little bundle of joys arrival. Rhodesian Ridgeback puppies have needs that you as their owner must take care of, and that means doing some shopping.
Rest And Play Time
As a puppy, your Rhodesian Ridgeback will spend most of its time either playing or resting. One minute they will be great big balls of energy, and the next they will be falling asleep where they stand. There really isn’t much more to life than this for a Rhodesian Ridgeback puppy, and you will need to be prepared.
When it comes to playing, everything a puppy see’s is a potential toy. This includes your favorite shoes, your cushions, your furniture, your hands and feet, in fact, everything you wouldn’t give them to play with. For this reason, it is prudent to provide your puppy with plenty of toys that will keep them fully occupied.
I recommend the Aipper puppy toys pack that contains twelve different playthings for your Rhodesian Ridgeback puppy. These include an IQ treat ball, flyer dog toy ropes, chew toys, bouncy rubber balls that can float on water, squeaky toys, and shoe toys. These will keep your best friend entertained for hours.
Just as your Rhodesian Ridgeback puppy needs to be allowed the time to play, they also need to be given the opportunity to rest. Puppies can sleep for up to fourteen hours a day and they should be doing this in comfort, and a space where they feel safe. For this reason, we recommend you invest in a crate, blanket, and a bed for your puppy.
I recommend the Amazon Basics dog crate which can be purchased in a variety of sizes as your Rhodesian Ridgeback grows bigger. For a bed, we recommend the Aspen Pet self warming bed. This is a great choice of bed as not only is it comfortable but it also has heat-reflecting technology. It will keep your puppy snug and warm even on colder days.
You may also want to consider purchasing your puppy a blanket for those colder days, or when they fall asleep unexpectedly. The one we have chosen for you comes in a variety of sizes and patterns for you to choose from.
Feeding Time
It will come as no surprise to you that in order for your Rhodesian Ridgeback puppy to grow up strong and healthy you will need to feed it. It may, however, surprise you to learn that not all puppy food is created equal. Some are of a high quality that will be beneficial to your puppy’s development, whilst others not so much.
Without going into too much detail regarding puppy nutrition, suffice it to say that grains and fillers are bad, whilst proteins are good. This is why we recommend Kirkland Signature puppy food to give to your newly acquired Rhodesian Ridgeback puppy. It is free from grains, has an excellent protein content, and comes in a kibble small enough for your new puppy to manage.
Of course, it goes without saying, that you will also need a bowl to feed your puppy from. Puppy bowls should be strong and durable, not easily tipped over, and able to withstand a bit of roughhousing and chewing. We recommend the Keks small dog bowl set which not only contains a water and feed bowl but also a surrounding mat to catch all spills.
House Training Necessities
I suppose it is rather apt that after we talk about feeding and watering your Rhodesian Ridgeback, we turn to house training! This can be a difficult time with lots of little accidents occurring and no foreseeable end in sight.
You can, however, make this period of your puppy’s progression much, much easier by investing in a couple of items. These will not only help you to prevent little poops and pees from happening on your carpet but when they do happen will make taking care of them childs play.
The first toilet training item I would recommend are puppy training pads. These amazing inventions can be placed on the floor for your Rhodesian Ridgeback puppy to toilet on leaving your floor clean. You can also move them around making toilet training anywhere in the house easy and viable.
Our second recommended item is for ‘just in case’ and will only come into play if your puppy misses or can’t get to their toilet training pad. This is not a huge problem, however, as with the Zep instant remover towels you will have the stained spot cleaned up in no time.
Time To Go For Walkies
Going for a walk is an important part of taking care of your Rhodesian Ridgeback puppy. After all, every living creature needs exercise to remain fit and healthy. As a puppy, going for a walk can also be an important part of training. It encourages socialization, gives an opportunity to practice training whilst in a busier environment, and gets them used to being on a leash before they get older.
Supplies you will need to walk your Rhodesian Ridgeback will vary dependent on your personal preference, and how your dog responds to being walked. Our recommendations in this category reflect this and contain all the options that you might choose to take.
Collar and Leash – A collar and leash are the staple items that you need when it comes to taking your new puppy for a walk. This is because they ensure that you have control of your puppy keeping them and others safe from harm. You may also find that in the area you live a collar and leash are a legal requirement.
I recommend the QQ Pets collar and leash set for your new Rhodesian Ridgeback puppy. This is for a few reasons including that they are durable and strong, soft on your hands, and comfortable for your puppy to wear. They also come in a range of fab colours including red, blue, and pink, and are adjustable as your puppy grows.
Harness – Whilst a collar is probably the most popular choice in devices used for walking your dog, it may not be the best choice for a Rhodesian Ridgeback. This breed grows up to be a strong, independent, and willful adult that may require careful leash control.
For the Rhodesian Ridgeback, I would recommend an Eagloo no pull dog harness. This is because they give you far better control over your puppy than a simple collar does. They limit the power that your Rhodesian puppy will be able to garner when it comes to pulling you along, and also avoid the choking of your dog.
It is worth noting that, whilst as a puppy, your Rhodesian Ridgeback may not display much pulling power, as an adult it will be a whole different story. This is why we recommend you start your Rhodesian Ridgeback wearing a harness from being a puppy, so that they get used to one.
Name Tag – With the invention and common usage of the identichip, the humble name tag has become a bit obsolete. However, it is worth noting that they can still be useful as an owner location tool. You see, for a chip ID, the potentially lost Rhodesian Ridgeback puppy needs to taking to a vet to get owner information. Where as with a name tag, the information is right there.
I recommend an engraved pet ID tag that has owner surname and phone number on it. We do not recommend that you put your Rhodesian Ridgeback puppies name on it as it is a lot easier to coax them away knowing that information. Plus, should your puppy be stolen, knowing its name could be the difference between getting your dog straight back or going to court. Your Rhodesian Ridgeback puppy’s name will be listed on their ID chip information, and a thief will not be able to access this.
Pooh Bags – It is to be hoped that the poop bag needs no explanation other than that it is your duty as an owner to pick up your Rhodesian Ridgeback puppy’s mess when you are out and about with them. You may also find that in the place where you live it is a legal requirement ending in a fine if you do not do so.
I recommend these Earth Rated poop bags as your poop bags of choice as they are strong, durable, a good size, and are scented. Believe me when I say, scented is good, as noone wants to carry a whiffy poop bag around with them in search of a bin!
Puppy Coat – Dependent on where you live and the time of year, you may find your Rhodesian Ridgeback puppy gets cold whilst out and about on their walk. This is the last thing you want, as a cold puppy is an unhappy puppy that will be reluctant to go out.
I recommend the reasonably priced Queenmore cold weather dog coat as an ideal option. This is partly due to this coat being constructed of strong, durable, and breathable materials which is exactly what you need. It is also due to the great price this coat is listed at as, well, let’s be honest, at the rate they grow any coat is not going to last a Rhodesian Ridgeback puppy very long.
Puppy Jumper – A puppy jumper is a viable alternative to a dog coat, or addition for those days when it’s cold, but not quite cold enough to need a coat. They also may well fit your Rhodesian Ridgeback for longer as they are made of a more stretchy fabric. They are not, however, in general, a cheaper version of a dog coat as they can be quite pricey.
I recommend the Norbi puppy sweater which comes in a great range of colours, patterns and sizes. These jumpers are really warm, easy to wash, and suitable for both winter and fall. They also, look really cute on a gorgeous Rhodesian Ridgeback which is always a bonus, right?
Training Treats – Whilst training treats are not just for use during walkies with your Rhodesian Ridgeback puppy, they are extremely useful during this time. This is because they can be used to reward your puppy when it comes back to you after being off leash, or has sat at the edge of the road for you.
Training treats, as they are often used with great regularity, especially as a puppy should be low in fat, and as healthy as possible. For this reason, we recommend Wellness Wellbites which come in five different flavours to tempt your puppy. They also have the added advantage of being grain, corn, and soy free.
Grooming And Healthcare
Just because we have left this section until last does not mean that it is of least importance. Rather, grooming and healthcare are exceptionally important parts of raising your Rhodesian Ridgeback into a strong and healthy adult.
It is also highly important that grooming and maintaining the health of your Rhodesian Ridgeback is started at a young age. Not only does this mean a healthy regime is started during a puppy’s younger life, but also that they will get used to these important activities being done. Grooming with ease is, after all, believe you me easier when your Rhodesian Ridgeback does not resist.
Grooming Brush – Though Rhodesian Ridgebacks are not the heaviest shedding breed of a dog, they are not the lightest either. This means that a good brushing schedule should be devised and adhered to. As an adult, a Furminator or some such similar product is ideal for this task, but as a puppy, they need something gentler. Brushing your Rhodesian Ridgeback is also an ideal way to bond with your puppy and gain its trust regarding grooming and healthcare.
I recommend the PetPawJoy slicker brush for use on your new puppy as it is will remove dander, knots, and dead fur gently but efficiently. The head of this brush also rotates ensuring ease of movement over your Rhodesian Ridgeback puppy’s body.
Nail Clippers – Having their nails clipped is quite often the grooming procedure that Rhodesian Ridgebacks dislike or struggle to get used to the most. This makes it highly important that you choose an excellent set of nail clippers that will get the job done quickly and efficiently.
I recommend Gonicc dog nail clippers for this task as they are easy to use, comfortable to hold, and sharp enough to do the task quickly and easily. They also, as an added bonus come with a nail file to smooth off any rough edges left when you have finished clipping.
Toothbrush and Toothpaste – Great oral care is vital to a Rhodesian Ridgeback puppy’s overall health. Neglecting this can lead to tooth decay, gum disease, periodontal disease, and even tooth loss. However, cleaning a puppy’s teeth is not always easy, especially using a standard brush.
It is for this reason that I recommend a dog teeth cleaning kit that not only comes with a toothbrush and flavoured toothpaste, but also two puppy finger brushes. These can be used to ease your Rhodesian Ridgeback puppy gently into the habit of having their teeth cleaned.
Shampoo – Though it is not recommended to bathe your Rhodesian Ridgeback puppy too often, they can and will, get themselves into muddy and dirty situations. This means that the occasional bath is going to be a necessity and that you are going to need a shampoo to cleanse them.
I recommend Burt’s Bee’s natural shampoo and conditioner for those occasional baths your puppy will need. It is made with only the finest high quality and natural ingredients that your puppy’s skin needs. It will leave your Rhodesian Ridgeback puppy with a super soft coat that smells delightful, and is veterinarian recommended.
Puppy Towel – Though you could just use one of your own bath towels to dry your puppy after their bath, they are not as efficient at drying wet fur as a dog towel is. They are super absorbent, machine washable, and come in a variety of colors.
I recommend the Kole ultra absorbent towel as the best choice for your Rhodesian Ridgeback puppy. This is due to their super absorbency and great low price. It also helps that they are super cute with their embroidered paw motif on them. Once your Rhodesian Ridgeback outgrows this towel you can transfer its use to a wipe down after a muddy walk sheet.
