Training
We went to Pet Smart for the basic puppy training. Not only does it help you train your dog, it also helps train you. This is basic training. This is nothing more than sit, come when called and helping you to learn how to potty train your dog. In some cases, you may need to ask for private training; however, if you are consistent and fair in your training, you most likely will not need to go that route.
We train every day. Not for hours at a time, just perhaps an command here or a command there. It enforces the pack leadership role and lets your dog know its place which is very important in the Ridgeback world. Be prepared for a bored dog during training classes. An hour of class is a little too long for a dog who is finished with training in 20 minutes. If you know this ahead of time you will save yourself some frustrating moments. Again, your best bet is to make it fun for your dog, be consistent and be fair. If you do this you will have the best dog: and a loyal, loving companion.
One more thing about this dog. They are not "yard" dogs. They want to be wherever their people are. if you intend to have your Ridgeback out in the yard in a dog house, you are in for some serious problems. You need to find another breed of dog.
What to feed
Talking to pet owners about what they feed their dogs is like engaging in a political conversation: everyone has their opinion and most think theirs is the best way.
My philosophy is find what works not only for your dogs, but also for your schedule, budget, and comfort level.
At the moment, we have switched to a raw. I mainly feed ground chicken backs, ground chicken and turkey and a Performance Dog blend of beef, organ and tripe. I also feed Titan Red and I p urchased a grinder and I make my own. The dogs are benefiting from having a fresh organic mineral and vitamin blend as well as the enzymes and protein needed from the raw meat. I also give recreation bones to clean teeth - marrow bones. I use Nature's Farmacy Phyto Flex, Vitamin C and a canine enzyme as supplements.
If you are looking for a good kibble to feed, I recommend all of the Earthborn dry kibble. I fed my puppies the Earthborn Puppy Vantage and I fed Rooney the Earthborn Puppy blend during her pregnancy and during her nursing. I highly recommend this food. It can be hard to find, but can be ordered on Chewy.com and delivered right to your door. They also sell it at Pet Supermarket. Another trusted brand is Fromm as well as the Nature's Variety blends in either Prairie or the Instinct line.
I do not recommend any other brands of dry dog food.