Best training method for whippets?

[LesleyJL]

Hello All...I am new to the site and have already found it an invaluable source of information, so thank you to those that take the time to create such interesting topics.

So, I have decided after much research that I'm to become a whippet guardian. In the next few months I shall set the paws in motion to bring home my first whippet puppy. I have lots of questions....I'm trying to plan ahead and get things right from the start. Although I'm not new to having dogs I am new to whippets so want to know all I can about raising the breed. As I say, lots of questions but I'll drip feed them rather than bombard you all.

Firstly, I've read lots of posts/general chat that describe whippet puppies as 'naughty', 'mischievous' and 'difficult to train'. So my question is...why are they described as such and in light of this which training method would people recommend? Are they naughty because they jump onto tables and the like....but that's just naughty in the realm of 'because they can', I suppose all puppies would do this if they could! Or are they especially naughty vs. any other breeds?

I understand that only positive, calm training methods should be used with whippets.....same goes for all dogs in my view. So far I've read Jan Fennell Dog Whisperer, Victoria Stilwell and also Gwen Bailey the Perfect Puppy (ha, ha!). Are there any others people would highly recommend or a particular technique you would suggest I look in to?

Many thanks in advance for your guidance, and I shall of course keep you all posted when it comes to my actual whippet puppy hunt.....but there will be more questions first . Lx

 

[pippywhippet]

Hi ) I think the best method with training is to keep it fun and reward based- very short sessions only, especially to begin with, as they get bored quickly. I've heard many people recommend the Perfect Puppy book you mentioned.

I'm not sure if they are naughtier than other dogs, but its true that they do steal from work tops, jump on the table, and love snuggling on the settee with you, or even better in your bed! Good recall is a must but bear in mind few whippets can resist chasing a rabbit or squirrel, and although my adult whippets have great recall 99.9% of the time I know that if they get chasing something I suddenly become invisible! :blink: Lots of recall training using tasty treats will help.

Good luck )

 

[LesleyJL]

Many thanks PippyWhippet....good to know I'm on the right track then so far. I shall watch out for the counter surfing but I'm looking forward to the sofa and bed snuggles, awhh. So, short as they bored and recall, recall, recall. Got it. Your three are beautiful. Lesley

 

[Bluemazzu]

Hi Lesley,

as above most important is recall,

I use a whistle. From a very young age, in the house every time my puppy came towards me two short toots and a treat,

It didn't take long, now when she is off lead two toots and she is back ,however don't expect anything to work for recall once your whippet takes chase.

 

[TillynPip]

I haven't been on this site for ages but saw your post and thought I would just tell you that two of my whippets are about to do their KC gold. Whippets are not the easiest dog to train, not because they're not intelligent but because, unlike labs and the like, they are not out to please (or at least mine aren't!). In the human equivalent, they sort of put their hands on their hips and say ',why should I?'. The answer is, because I have the yummiest treat for you that you don't get at any other time. I use home made pilchard cake which is the favourite for my three, be kind always - I don't think any whippet responds to harsh training methods or bullying and, above all, be consistent. I go to a great training class once a week and my dogs have been going since they were 12/14 weeks but I am subtly training on every walk. I always use a whistle for recall and can even call Gracie off a scent. I can't do that with Milo if he's chasing but then he's a boy with all his bits in tact! On all other occasions his recall is great. I found whippet puppies to be high maintenance because they are so athletic but Gracie has grown up to the most sensible little lady. Milo pushed all the boundaries and was very destructive until he was two years. Almost on his 2nd birthday he seemed to calm down and, although he is still an opportunist chewing pens and anything else we are silly enough to leave lying around, he is the gentlest, kindest and most laid back dog I have ever had the pleasure of sharing my sofa with. The very bust of luck to you and enjoy your lovely hound.