Training an Irish Wolfhound: what works and what to expect

Wolfhounds are intelligent and sensitive but have little interest in endless repetition. Gentle, patient training with food rewards and short sessions works well. They respond poorly to harsh corrections, which can make them shut down.

Priorities include polite lead walking (vital with a dog this size), calm greetings and a reliable recall in enclosed spaces. Recall around moving animals is never fully dependable in a sighthound, so train it but do not trust it near roads. Early socialization helps these naturally friendly dogs stay confident with people, children and other animals.