7 Essential Items Before Getting a Rhodesian Ridgeback Puppy

Getting ready for a Rhodesian Ridgeback puppy? First off — congrats! These pups are smart, affectionate, and full of personality (and yes, energy!). But before you bring your little whirlwind home, you’ll want to make sure you’re stocked up with the right gear. Based on our own experience raising Ridgebacks, here’s what you’ll actually need — and what’s worth skipping.

Sleep + Play Essentials

Ridgeback puppies are either zooming around the house or snoozing like logs — there’s rarely an in-between. So you’ll want to be ready for both!

Toys: These pups are natural explorers (and chewers). If you don’t provide toys, your shoes and furniture will become fair game. We found variety packs (like ones with ropes, squeakers, and chew toys) keep them engaged and help with teething.

Crate + Bed: Crate training worked wonders for us. It gives your pup a safe space and helps with potty training. Look for a crate that grows with your Ridgeback — they get big fast! Pair it with a cozy, self-warming bed and a soft blanket for chilly nights.

Feeding Gear

Feeding a growing Ridgeback right is crucial. We’ve had good results with high-protein, grain-free puppy kibble (Kirkland Signature is a solid choice). Look for small-sized kibble that’s easy for pups to chew.

Bowls: Go for sturdy, non-slip bowls that won’t tip over during mealtime chaos. Bonus if they come with a mat to catch spills.

Potty Training Supplies

Ah, the joys of house training. Accidents will happen, but a few key items make it easier.

• Puppy pads are great for early training and overnight.
• Stain remover wipes are lifesavers for the inevitable misses. Trust us, you’ll want these on hand.

Walk Time Must-Haves

Your Ridgeback won’t stay small for long, so it’s smart to start leash training early. Here’s what helped us:

• Harness: A no-pull harness gave us way more control than a collar, especially once our Ridgeback hit their teenage phase (read: stubborn and strong).
• Collar + ID tag: Even with microchips, a simple tag with your number makes returning a lost pup much faster. Skip putting their name on it to be extra safe.
• Poop bags: Don’t leave home without ‘em. Scented ones help if you’re far from a trash can.
• Coat or sweater: Ridgebacks have short coats and can get chilly. A light jacket or jumper is great for cold walks, especially if you’re in a wintery area.
• Training treats: Keep some in your pocket for rewarding good leash manners or recall. Look for soft, healthy ones — they’ll be eating a lot during training.

Grooming & Health Basics

Start early and keep it simple. The more you normalize grooming, the easier it’ll be when they’re full-grown.

• Brush: Even with short hair, Ridgebacks shed. A gentle slicker brush works well on pups.
• Nail clippers: Get a good pair and introduce them slowly. Nail care is one thing many dogs resist, so start young.
• Toothbrush + puppy toothpaste: Don’t skip dental care. Finger brushes can help ease them into the routine.
• Shampoo: Occasional baths are fine — just use a gentle, natural shampoo made for dogs.
• Towel: Dog-specific towels dry faster and soak up more water. Handy after baths or muddy walks.

Final Thoughts

Raising a Rhodesian Ridgeback puppy takes prep, patience, and a sense of humor. They grow fast, think for themselves, and will test your boundaries — but they’re also incredibly loyal and loving. A bit of upfront planning makes the transition smoother (for both of you). And trust me, once those big eyes look up at you, it’s all worth it.