Whippets love to run and may be quick to react impulsive to movement. They are bred to hunt and chase rabbits and small prey. This can cause them to be easily distracted by anything that moves.

Training a Whippet or lurcher to recall around distractions can be a difficult task, it is one of the most commonly reported issues in sighthounds after all. However it is not impossible, and you can work with your whippet to train recall.

Having lived with 4 Whippets over the last 14 years with all achieving offlead freedom, seeing a sighthound run is a great sight to behold, they are wonderful athletes and poetry in motion full zoom. It is important to understand their impulsivity though and train them to teach a recall to allow them to get that freedom.

Not Sure on Recall? Be Safe

If your not sure on your Whippets recall then start out safe. Try renting out a private paddock to test out their recall or use a long line when in busier places. Using a long line can be a key step in teaching a recall for some Whippets.

It ensures they don’t get into the habit of running after distractions. Practice Makes Perfect! If your Whippet gets practice running off, they will get better at it. Biothane Long Lines or Tracking Lines (with rubber threading) are ideal for Whippets. If using a long line then you can tie knots in it every few metres so that if they run, you have a good hold and your hand won't fly through long line.

Use a high value reward JUST for recall!

Every day treats can get boring fast, especially for a breed that isn't always known for their motivation for training. They can get bored with ease, so rather than trying to persuade them to return for treats they get everyday.

Try using a high value reward that is only used for recall can be perfect to ensure that your Whippet learns that they get the BEST stuff for coming back when you call them. This helps BOOST their value in that recall. This might be pieces of cheese, dried sprats, liver cake or even a high value tuggy toy. Experiment with the rewards your whippet enjoys to see which they like best. This means they only get the BEST stuff in the world for that Rapid Recall!

Create Clarity

Ensure your being clear on your recall. As humans we can be really grey and sketchy, with meanings that ever change. We need to use a clear recall cue. A dogs name is not usually enough! Think about how often you say your dogs name day to day, they may tune it out. Leading them to be non responsive to their recall as they have learned it is immaterial and means nothing.

Using a phrase such as “Fido Come” Or “Fido Here” can be really helpful and clear. It will help your dog understand you want them to come back to you to get paid!

Practice small - Build Up

We often try and practice recall in situations when dogs are excited, almost like flipping a coin trying to train them in the moment when they are very distracted. This often results in them not having the skills yet to handle that situation and ignoring their owners.

Start in low distraction areas. This might even be room to room in your house or garden. You want hundreds of repetitions of good positive recall. You want a reflex of your dog hearing their recall cue and coming back instantly! Then start to build it up to more distracting areas carefully.

DONT punish your dog for not being fast enough or coming back too slowly.

It can be frustrating if your dog does not come back quickly or even doesn’t listen but eventually strolls back to you! However it is important not to punish your dog for not coming back fast enough. Punishment will make them less likely to come back and they may even actively avoid you as they don’t want the punishment.

Rather than punish, take any lack of responsiveness as information that the distraction level may be too high and that you may need to have more distance from a distraction, or more practice in that environment around lower level distractions.

Recall and Release

Make sure that your calling your dog often and releasing them back to their walk often. Don’t just be the fun police! If you recall your dog and they always have to onlead, they may see that as very frustrating and not want to come back, however tasty the treat may be! Be sure to recall, treat, pop them on lead, then release regularly so that they understand that going back on the lead is no big deal.

Join hundreds of happy Whippet owners from around the worldwide working on their Recall Online with Whippet Expert advice and exercises . https://whippetwonders.co.uk/recall

You CAN train your whippet, lurcher or sighthound from anywhere in the world.