Recall For Your Whippet
Are You Struggling with Recall?
Do you feel jealous watching other owners walking their dogs offlead. Wishing you could have that with your Whippet?
Maybe you have been told its just a breed thing. Whippets can't be trusted to go off the lead, so stop wasting your time.
But you'd much prefer to be enjoying calm walks without the risk of your Whippet disappearing or someone shouting at you after they have run over to them?
Independent Thinkers
Whippets, Lurchers and Sighthounds are bred to be impulsive and react fast to changes in their environment.
This can make recall a big challenge when they can move at speed, running from you when distracted. They may chase other dogs, people, prey or be distracted in general.
Making all that dancing and cheerleading you were taught at puppy classes pointless! They can't even see you as they career off into the distance.
It doesn't need to be this way though; you can train your Whippet recall, and enjoy freedom with your sighthound.
Get Expert Help now
Can you Teach a Whippet Recall?
One of the biggest frustrations that Whippet owners have is they can be fine with that recall as a pup, but once they hit adolesence, that recall can start to fail.
As their Whippet starts to develop a stronger prey drive, or becomes more sociable with other people and dogs they may range further or run to distractions.
Many people may say you can never teach a whippet recall, however that is because traditional approaches rely on lots of dancing, and making yourself the "most exciting thing ever", which sighthounds tend to find very unappealing! And it is often ineffective!
By training with Whippet Wonders options you will learn the keys to:
-Engagement
-A Reflexive Recall (no more dancing!)
-An Emergency Recall
-Teamwork for prey drive
Whippet Expert with over 14 Years Experience
5 Star rated with clients Worldwide
Experienced and Qualified in Dog Training and Behaviour
Rapid Recall Package
Enjoy Your Walks Again
Get your recall back on track or create strong foundations!
Here's what you get:
1 x Hour consult via zoom
1x 45 Min follow Up Session
Online Recall Course (Value £42)
Notes, sheets & videos
Ongoing support between sessions
All Tailored to you and your dog
Zoom sessions to be used within 3 months of booking. Course access for life.
Only £100 One Off Payment
-Intro offer
"I really feel well supported"
"Zara was really helpful, actively listening and giving clear and useful advice." Isabel R
Review - Kerstin
"Very good whippet trainer. I am attending an self paced online course which really works amazing.
I am really surprised how fast we are seeing results in recalling our whippet.
On top the course is really affordable and there is the option of private consulting for special problems/topics.
I was sceptic with the online course at first but I am really glad that I gave it a try. I can highly recommend Zara as Whippet trainer."
Why Whippet Wonders ?
Having lived with Whippets for 14 years all 4 of my Whippets have been offlead enjoying freedom and the world around them!
I realised quickly that dancing and cheerleading wasn't going to succeed in the face of distractions, instead I taught my Whippets I am a valuable team mate.
Working with Whippet Wonders you get breed experience, knowledge and you can get that anywhere in the world, ideal if you are in a location where the breed is less popular currently.
Whippets won't do because you tell them, they want to understand "What is in it for me?"
Arkle The Whippet working on choosing to watch and turn away from prey
This has taken practice and consistency!
Recall Training Options
Recall Package
1 x 60 Min Live Zoom Session
1 x 45 Min Follow up Session
Rapid Recall Online Course
Support between sessions
£100 - Intro Offer
Live Zoom Class
Saturday feb 21st 11am-12.30pm
Live Training with your whippet
Includes follow Up Videos
Learn foundations and how to handle distractions!
£35 One off Payment
Online Course
40+ Video Based Lessons.
Login & learn anytime to suit you
Foundations up to distractions
Includes Emergency Whistle recall and more.
£42 -One Off Payment
Me and my whippet x are taking part in an on line rapid recall course. The info has helped so much as well as the engagement games. We are now starting to get a solid recall. The course was reasonably priced and you can move at your own pace and go back to it at any point. Zara is also on hand for any additional tips you may need help with. Would recommend.
My dog Betty and I attended a Whippet Wonders workshop on Zoom to work on recall. As I live in France and haven’t managed to find an educator for Whippets, this was just what we were looking for! We learnt a multitude of games, in only an hour and a half, it was super well organised and animated by Zara. We received documentation by email shortly after the session explaining everything we’d learnt as well as a cute certificate. I really do feel that this session has had positive effects on Betty and myself and I can already see a massive improvement in her recall and her behaviour in general. Thank you Zara, we’ll be back for more! Highly recommended.
Zara's self paced courses are an invaluable resource for training and for understanding the needs of whippets. Concise and informative content presented in accessible video and ebook format
Teenage Dogs - 3 Mistakes Your Making!
Teenage dogs are tricky business! Just when you think that they have mastered everything in puppyhood thanks to your hard work... they suddenly forget everything they've ever learned!
They're pulling , running off and suddenly don't know the meaning of sit! This is a very difficult period of time for many dog owners as they may feel they have failed their dogs. However it is completely normal for your young sighthound to go off the rails. There are is a lot of conflicting information online though with how to handle this sensitive period and this can cause well meaning owners to start making mistakes that can be tricky to undo.
How we handle this delicate time can effect their adulthood, so what mistakes might you be making.
Using exercise to exhaust them
Teenage dogs can be full of energy and the most logical solution can feel that you need to burn that energy. Adding more exercise, more ball throwing, more zoomies, more everything! The first few times you try this, you might find it succeeds!
Unfortunately the more you do, the more stamina your teenage dog develops. Meaning that they need MORE to exhaust them! Not only this, but we can create a wired dog who is fuelled by that adrenaline and struggles to switch off.
The best solution is nuanced. Yes they need more adrenaline outlets at this age, but don't overdo it. Balance a bit of excitement with calm brain games. Maybe fling the ball once, next time hide it for them to search for. Get them using that brain! Using their brain will mentally tire them out and help them rest more. Sniffing games can be a great option at this age. Teaching them to search for a well loved toy or treat can calm their brains down and give them a job to do.
Many sighthounds love this as it gives them an outlet for "hunting" in an appropriate way, meaning they start to see you as a valuable team mate.
Ask too much of them!
Teenage dogs are full of big feelings and hormones. Although they can look like grown ups, and may actually like it in some ways, they often need to go back to those foundations. At this age some people expect their dogs to be working without food or rewards. Sometimes their dog has been behaving so well, their dog hasn't needed as many. However as those brains start to seek freedom, they need to go back to basics and that means revisiting and repaying good choices.
It might be time to go back to the long line and have those tasty pieces of cheese back at the ready! Or go back to those fun games you played with them as a small puppy, touch, middle and rewarding engagement and calm when out. Although it can feel frustrating, going back a step to perfect skills is a natural part of learning and it will pay off hugely.
Being too "firm" at this age can backfire and create more frustration and resentment to training. Make it achievable and make it fun.
Not giving them enough rest
Teen dogs are busy busy busy. Very often the over the top behaviours we can see are from our attempts to busy their brains and bodies, when actually they need more rest and sleep! If your dog is struggling you may have to go back to encouraging calm and creating opportunities to nap. Can you crate or gate them in a quiet area if they're really struggling? If they're barking at your window, can you put up some frosted glass effect vinyl to block out the view so they can rest easy?
Calming activities can help transition to that nap and rest too. Hiding treats to find, snuffle boxes and chews can be a great way to reduce that over stimulation. A frozen hoof stuffed with wet food can be a great chew to keep a dog busy but without too much zooming!
Adolescence is a really rough time, it's the most common time that dogs are surrendered to a rescue sadly because of their more exuberant behaviours.
Whippets can be slow to mature , making them difficult at this age. Normally the majority of “problems” tend to resolve, with training and support, by around 18 months. With Whippets tending to fully mentally mature by 3 years old.
Be kind to yourself during this time, it can be really hard on you as an owner too. It will pass and soon you will be enjoying your relaxed whippet through adulthood.
Get your Teen Whippet back on track with the School For Whippets https://whippetwonders.co.uk/Whippet-School
Or get tailored expert plans via 121 https://whippetwonders.co.uk/training
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers To Frequently Asked Questions
I live in another country, can you work with me?
Whippet Wonders has worked with clients around the world. Everywhere from USA, Australia, Denmark, Italy, Spain, France and more! Zooms can take place from anywhere in the world and you can buy courses from anywhere too.
Don't you need to see my dogs "bad behaviour" In person?
During a zoom I don't need to see your dog doing the wrong behaviour, our goal is to set your dog up for success. This would be the same as if I were in person. If you have any relevant video clips, that is handy, but our focus is on solutions and moving forward!
Do you work with other Breeds?
I work with Whippets, Whippet mixes, Italian Greyhounds, Lurchers, Bedlington Whippets - anything that is a bit "sighthound-y". I can be persuaded to work with other breeds in some circumstances.
Do you charge extra for multi dog households?
There is NO extra charge for households with multiple dogs. We can cover the most pressing issues for your multidog household in each session.
What if my dog is not food motivated?
If your dog is not a super foodie, don't worry! Motivation is a tricky topic, but very often it is about how we use food and we will cover strategies during your 121 zoom session.
Would a course or 121 suit me best?
Self paced courses or the School For Whippets are ideal if you are motivated and able to work on your own. Perfect if you are pressed for time. While 121's can be ideal if you need a plan, structure or help with a specific problem. Get in touch if you are unsure.
