I have had dogs most of my life and am experienced in training, discipline, exercise, and mental stimulation. Most of all I have lots of experience giving them all the love in the world! We had a medium dog and a small dog for the last 14 years, but unfortunately they both just passed away a few months ago. We said we were going to do a lot of traveling before we get new dogs, but we've already done some and honestly I'd rather have dogs. Every day I want another companion more and more. The biggest dog I've had though was an American Pit Bull. I've never had a dog as large as a Ridgeback.