How to Train a Whippet to Come Back

Your overall goal when training your Whippet is to teach him that coming back when called is rewarding, better yet, more rewarding than anything else. The steps in this method are a great place to start so that he will get the basics of this command before moving on to more advanced skills training.

In the very first stage, you want to trigger your dog to come to you first, then issue the recall command in a cheery and inviting voice as he is already running to you. You can do this several ways: tempt him with a favorite toy or treat, run away from him like you are starting a fun game, or just act silly so he comes to investigate. Repeat 10-15 times.

Over time practicing these first recalls, start to transition to calling BEFORE he is coming towards you, touching her collar, then rewarding generously. Only say the command once. If he does not come immediately, you can still use the tactics you used in the previous step to encourage him to come, followed by a reward. Once you are getting lots of success in a familiar, low distraction training environment, move on to the next step.

As your Whippet gains more confidence with basic recall in an enclosed environment, you want to work outside (use your long line for safety!) and also start adding some distractions. See the 'Advanced Skills' method for some great ideas on how to strengthen your Whippet’s recall.

Only after your dog has a ton of successful recalls under their belt, in a variety of different environments, should you start to add a consequence for failures. In the training context you will have the long line. If he fails to come within 3-5 seconds, reel him in, and give him a brief 3-5 minute “time out” before resuming training or play. Once you start adding a consequence, you need to enforce the recall every time from then on out – otherwise you will teach your dog that coming when called is optional.

When you play games with your dog, it keeps the mood fun and light. This is a great way to keep your Whippet engaged in what you are trying to teach her because it is going to be more exciting than other stuff that is around. Once she has the basic recall command down, get the help of some friends or some kids to play these fun training games.

Have two (or more) people take turns calling your Whippet to come. If you want to play this game outside, just use the long line for safety. Be sure everyone touches her collar before giving a reward for a successful recall.

A variation to add to the “Back and Forth” game is to actually hold the dog back for a few seconds after the next person calls her. This will fill her full of energy and add excitement to the game. It also has the advantage of associating recall with being fast and snappy.

Use your recall command to play some hide and seek with your Whippet. You can play this game with multiple people taking turns for even more fun! Hide behind furniture or in a different room. Remember to use the recall command only once.

It is important that your Whippet learns they can bring something to you without losing it when called. Start at close quarters when she is working on a toy she enjoys. Encourage her to drop the toy by saying “drop it” and if necessary, bribing her to drop it with a treat. Once she does, take the toy, give her a reward, and most importantly, give the toy back. Combine “drop it” work with your recall training from time to time.

There is not point in training recall if your Whippet will only come back to you under controlled conditions with no distractions. In order to make sure she will come regardless of the circumstances, follow these steps to “proof” her recall.

Using your long line for safety, practice doing some recall drills in new places and with new people whenever possible. This will start adding to the distractions your dog will have to ignore to come to you. Ultimately, this will make her recall very strong. Remember to use the long line for safety in areas that are not fenced.

If you know your Whippet is easily distracted by things such as bunnies in a field or the neighbor’s cat, then you will need to teach her that what you have to offer is better than those distractions. Find ways to practice having your Whippet come back to you despite distractions, using the long line to pull her away from a distractor if necessary.

Another way to strengthen your dog’s recall is to randomly practice when she least expects it, always with a huge reward on the ready. This help your Whippet come when called because she will never know what she might get in return for showing up at your side.

Once your Whippet has a pretty strong recall, and has practiced in a variety of circumstances, you are ready to start getting picky in order to refine the behavior to make recalls faster. Over time, start to decrease you reward rate to about 10%, and choose only the best returns for the big rewards. You can continue to praise each successful recall.