Whippet Training Tips 101 – (The puppy survival guide)
Thinking of bringing home a whippet or struggling to train your sleek speedster? You’re not alone. A common question we hear is: “Are whippets easy to train?” The answer is yes, but only if you understand how their minds (and legs!) work.
Whippets are sensitive, intelligent, and deeply affectionate. But they’re also independent, easily distracted, and sometimes stubborn. Whether you’re raising a whippet puppy or re-training an adult whippet, this guide will help you tackle every step with confidence.
Whippet Toilet Training
Toilet training a whippet puppy requires patience, consistency, and quick timing. These dogs are naturally clean, but their sensitive nature means harsh discipline backfires.
Top Tips:
- Stick to a consistent potty routine, especially after sleep, play, and meals.
- Use positive reinforcement. Praise or treat immediately after they go outside.
- Don’t punish accidents. Clean with enzymatic cleaner and move on.
- Take your puppy out every 1–2 hours in the early weeks.
Bonus Tip: Crate training (more below) can speed up toilet training by teaching your puppy bladder control.
Crate Training a Whippet
A crate is your best friend for managing behavior and providing a safe den. Whippets love warm, enclosed spaces, making them ideal crate candidates.
Do:
- Make the crate cozy with blankets or a padded whippet vest for comfort.
- Start slow. Feed them meals in the crate, then gradually increase time spent.
- Use the crate for nap time, quiet time, and safe sleeping at night.
Don’t:
- Use the crate for punishment.
- Leave them in too long. Max 2–4 hours for puppies.
Crate training also prevents separation anxiety by teaching your whippet that being alone is OK.
How to Train a Whippet to Walk
Whippets love to pull, and with their slim necks and strong legs, they’re built for sprinting, not strolling.
A walk with your whippet does not need to model perfect obedience. They enjoy decompression walks, in nature – sniffing and talking it all in, without dragging you around, is ideal for your whippets wellbeing.
Leash Training Advice:
- Use a whippet-specific harness or vest that distributes pressure safely for comfort.
- Begin indoors or in the garden with short, focused sessions.
- Use treats to reward walking at your side. Say “heel” as they do it.
- If they pull, stop immediately and wait until the leash is slack.
With patience and consistency, even the most energetic whippet can become a pleasure to walk.
Recall Training for Whippets
Training a solid recall is crucial, especially since whippets have a high prey drive and will chase wildlife such as squirrels, rabbits or deer.
How to Teach Recall:
- Start in a fenced area with high-value treats.
- Use a cheerful voice and say “Come!” once.
- Reward BIG when they return. Be the most exciting thing around.
- Practice with a long line in larger spaces.
- Never call them to punish. They’ll associate recall with fear.
Don’t expect perfection overnight. Practice daily, and always praise, even if they take a while to return.
Whippets and Stairs
Many whippet puppies are hesitant about stairs due to their long legs and cautious nature.
Help Them Conquer Stairs:
- Start with just a few steps and support them if needed.
- Use treats on each step to build confidence.
- Never force it. Encourage at their pace.
- For older dogs or those with mobility issues, consider soft whippet jackets to keep joints warm and supported.
Once confident, whippets will usually zip up and down stairs with ease, but don’t rush it.
Socializing Your Whippet
Socialization is vital between 8–16 weeks, but it’s never too late to start with adult dogs.
Exposure Should Include:
- Friendly dogs (similar size if possible)
- Men, women, children
- Urban noises (cars, buses, etc.)
- Grooming tools and vet visits
Whippets can be shy without socialization, which can lead to behavioural problems like fear biting or anxiety. Use positive reinforcement during every interaction to make it safe and rewarding.
Whippet Behaviour Problems
Every breed has its quirks, and whippets are no exception.
Common Issues:
- Chewing, especially during teething or boredom
- Separation anxiety
- Jumping up
- Barking when left alone
- Chasing small animals
How to Handle It:
- Provide lots of mental stimulation. Use puzzles, snuffle mats, and fetch.
- Exercise them daily. A bored whippet is a destructive one.
- Never scold after the fact. Dogs live in the now.
- Redirect bad habits with clear, consistent commands and rewards.
How to Discipline a Whippet
Whippets respond best to positive discipline. Harsh words or actions damages their trust and worsens behaviour. Solid socialisation and teaching your dog to settle are advisable.
Discipline the Smart Way:
- Ignore bad behavior when safe to do so.
- Redirect with a cue such as “Leave it” or “Settle.”
- Use a firm, calm voice. Never shout.
- Reinforce obedience cues like “Sit” or “Down” before unwanted behavior escalates.
For persistent issues, a dog trainer experienced with sighthounds can help.
How to Bond with Your Whippet
Building trust is key to every part of training.
Bonding Tips:
- Keep training sessions short and fun. 5–10 minutes max.
- Hand-feed meals occasionally to build trust.
- Use lots of eye contact, gentle touch, and praise.
- Create routines your dog can depend on.
A strong bond means your whippet will want to listen and look to you for guidance in new situations.
How to Make a Whippet Happy
A happy whippet is a well-trained, well-exercised whippet.
Essentials:
- Daily exercise. 30–60 minutes of fetch, zoomies, or agility.
- Soft bedding and warm layers like whippet jackets or vests.
- Time with their humans. They are extremely affectionate.
- Mental stimulation. Trick training, scent games, or dog puzzles.
Whippets thrive in calm, loving homes with owners who understand their unique mix of independence and sensitivity.
Conclusion: What Are the Disadvantages of a Whippet?
Whippets make wonderful companions, but they’re not for everyone.
Consider These Before Committing:
- They commonly need secure fencing. They will chase wildlife given the chance, even with good recall.
- Not ideal for off-leash walks without strong recall and solid socialisation. While many enjoy woodland and nature walks with their whippets, if your hound has a strong prey drive which is common, then they’re at risk of getting lost on the chase. Trackers are strongly advised alongside highly visible clothing – like Whiptails fun and colourful Fleeces, Jumpers and Onesies.
- Sensitive to cold. Require extra care in winter.
- May struggle with being left alone long hours.
- Early and consistent training is crucial.
- If you don’t like dogs up on the furniture you will struggle to keep them off. Whippets love nothing more than snoozing on your bed or on the couch.
If you’re ready to invest time in training, bonding, and understanding your whippet’s needs, you’ll gain a loyal, graceful, and deeply loving family member.
Looking for gear to support your training journey? Check out our full collection of whippet clothes designed for comfort, safety, and style.