We are often asked the question: Are Ridgebacks good with children? Our answer: Yes, but that doesn't mean you should put them on the payroll as baby-sitter for your children.
Ridgebacks are dogs and they think and react like dogs. On a general basis, they will protect your children. However, if children and dogs are left to their own devices and not properly supervised, the dog will begin to view your child as a littermate. This can escalate quickly with "games" such as chase/tag or tug of war. The Ridgeback, in playing with the child, may knock the child down or nip at the child (which is what they would do to a littermate). This is not good.
The dog (whether he be a puppy or an adult dog) should be taught from the beginning that the child is an extension of you, the adult. If you have properly established yourself as the "pack-leader" then the dog will respect the child and give them proper courtesy. If this courtesy is crossed and the dog becomes disrespectful (shoving the child out of the way, pawing, nipping or even growling) you, as the pack leader, must immediately make a correction and discipline the dog (just as a pack leader would do in the wild). No amount of disrespect from the dog is ever acceptable around a defenseless child.
As long as these parameters of social behavior are set up and maintained, children and Ridgebacks are a perfect match. They are a big dog that does not injure easily. They are generally patient and kind and will naturally defend a child against all harm.
