Sad Ridgeback

Dogstar

Dogstar

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I don't usually come on here but looking for thoughts on my beautiful 7 year old Ridgeback. She and her JRT buddy were my parents' dogs, but very sadly both my parents have died over the last few years, Mum just last May. The terrier seems kind of OK, but the Ridgeback is still sad and unsettled. It doesn't help that my partner of 12 years, whom the Ridgeback worships, has also moved out. So it's just me; and whereas Mum was at home doting on them all day, I work full-time (though hopefully part time in the foreseeable future). I come home every lunchtime to feed and let them out and spend as much time as I can with them but the Ridgeback is very whiney and 'stalks' me everywhere, so obviously feeling insecure. I am not sure there is much else I can do so I am just hoping she will settle again eventually. Has anyone else had a similar expreience? Thanks..
 
Sorry for your loss x

She's obviously been very unsettled by everything...could your mood be having an effect on her? Do you sort of 'pity' or 'feel sorry' for her, and try to comfort her? Hard as it is not to, it can help perpetuate the behaviour.
 
Routine!

Dogs love routine.

Can you make it so its the same everyday.
Nice walk in the morning.
Time on their own away from you with a bone or something.
food
off to work
home for lunch, walk, food.
Ect ect.
 
Thanks for your kind replies. She is extremely sensitive, so I expect she does pick up on my feelings, even though I don't think I am treating her differently.. the routine thing makes sense; they do have a routine of sorts, but I could definately improve it! Thanks again x
 
Hi, i have a ridgeback bitch and a jack russell, I have had my ridgeback since she was a puppy and she is now nearly two years. she is the most wonderful dog with a lovely nature but hates to be left on her own, she is always left with the jr but it is human company she craves and not that of another dog. She gets three good walks a day, lots of love and attention and comes up to the yard with me to do my horse but if she is left for even a short while she becomes extremely distructive. We have had to convert our garage into a dog room which is virtually indistructable and leave her with lots of bones and chews when we are at work. I think ridgebacks, as lovely as they are, are very sensitive and become very attached to certain people, mine used to be ok when left with my parents for a while but has now started to whine when i leave she is with them and I leave the room.

If only they could talk! Good luck
 
That's really interesting TED2010; and what you say is so true; although my Ridgeback loves me, I think I am only second best to Mum and OH :-/ and although she loves her terrier pal (always looks out for her!) she is definitely a people dog. She must feel very insecure that her favourite people have vanished :-( Luckily, she isn't destructive though. I think a Ridgeback and JRT make a lovely team, mine are hilarious together and play a lot :-) Thank you x
 
My old ridgeback was very attached to my mum and would stress herself into a right state if my mum went away. They are very loyal dogs. Just offer er a stable routine and time to realise that she just has you now.

Mums new ridgeback seems to have bonded with me over everybody else (I dont even live there anymore!) and she LOVES my terrier pup.
 
Yes they are very loyal indeed, I would never want to be without a Ridgeback. Funny how the terrier/Ridgeback thing seems to work so well!
 
Talk to your vet and see if DAP[Dog Appeasing Pheromone}diffusers are available,they plug into a power point and are great for anxious dogs.Shirley Bassette is a new/happier girl since we've been using one,she will even rush over and have a big sniff at times.
 
Sorry to hear you have had such a sad time Dogstar. I think it is very likely your Ridgeback is picking up on your inevitable sadness, and as others have said if they are very sensitive dogs she must be confused by all the changes in her life. Lots of sensible advice above, hope some of it helps.
 
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