Training a Whippet: what works and what to expect

Whippets are intelligent but not especially keen to repeat themselves for your benefit. They learn fast with short, lively sessions and tasty food, and lose interest with drilling. Pressure and sharp words make them withdraw. Many enjoy agility, rally and lure coursing.

Recall is the real training project. Even a well-trained Whippet may ignore you when a rabbit bolts, because the chase reflex fires before any thought does. Build recall with a whistle and generous rewards from puppyhood, use a long line in unfenced areas, and only let your dog run free where you know the boundaries are secure.