The puppy goes outside and relieves himself. You praise him lavishly. The use of a crate is strongly recommended while training your dog. Here is where you do not equate the dog's needs with human needs. A dog is a denning animal.
Dogs seek out a private and safe spot.
That is why they sleep under tables, beds, etc. A dog crate is your Ridgeback's safe haven. Get him used to it early in life. When in doubt about a phase in training your Ridgeback, or any other problem, call your breeder. Also, there are a number of books available, hundreds in fact.