Whippet Q&A - Answering The Most Asked Google Questions

[@elisabethnymann6306]

And that just about sums it up, thank you! 🥰 I've learned that the best motivation for any whippet is FUN AND ACTION. However, if you're able to communicate and train a whippet to cooperate with you you're also able to do the same with ANY other breed. Thanks for the video! ❤

[@ShowPaws]

You're so right. If you succeed in working with a whippet and keeping them motivated, any other more trainable breed would be a piece of cake 😄

[@JayJee]

I have a beautiful whippet who I adore and would never be without. I got her at 8 weeks old from a reputable KC Registered breeder here in the UK and I certainly agree with you: I would not recommend a whippet as a first dog. It was utterly exhausting. Luckily I work part time and from home so I am able to take her on the THREE walks she needs every day (one hour in the morning, 1.5 hours in the afternoon, and half an hour in the evening - every day including weekends, in all weathers). During her first five months she bit and shredded everything, we had scratched, bleeding arms and bitten ears and had to re-arrange the furniture in our house. I don't know if there is such a thing as an "easy dog/puppy" but I find young whippets need a great deal of exercise and stimulation, so if you can't give this then don't get a whippet. Also, if you want a dog to be always on lead, even in the countryside, don't get a whippet. They need to RUN and CHASE and this can only be done off lead. I only ever have my whippet on lead when we're walking on pavements. All other times she's free and she goes far. I find that my whippet needs and enjoys a lot of freedom. Whippets require a lot of time, dedication and energy from their guardians, especially in the first six months. I think this could easily be overwhelming for a first dog owner.

[@ShowPaws]

I feel you! Whippet puppies can be a handful and are definitely not like the "regular" types of dogs. Good job for surviving the growing whippet puppy phase. It only gets easier with age and persistence ❤️

[@stephaniehenderson6631]

Great video. I live with my beautiful 20 month old, blue and white Whippet. Willow is an absolute joy, I adore her little trit-trot bouncy sort of walk(in my mind this is like the smallest billy goat going over the bridge in the 3 Billy Goats Gruff fairy tale) and the lovely sighs of happiness as she snuggles in for a rest. I also love her delight when she sees her doggy friends at the park- she is incredibly friendly and sociable.What I do not like is her separation anxiety, it is a huge deal even though it is getting better as training and time go on. I do feel anyone thinking of a Whippet should consider this carefully as we were far too confident that it was just a training issue that we would sort, just as we had sorted issues with our previous rescue dogs (not Whippets).

[@ShowPaws]

Separation anxiety can be a real issue with whippets, more than most people would ever understand. Since Willow's is getting better, I'm sure you're on the right track. Just be patient and persistent 💓

[@schwallerm]

As a whippet owner, I won't say they are a bad for first time dog owners, but if you don't have a very active lifestyle, you might find them challenging. I go on long (3-4 hours) hikes with my little girl at least once a week. She also does lure coursing once a week. Rainy days require lots of puzzle toys and enrichment exercises. Her temperament is so gentle. She loves all humans and dogs she meets, and is a big cuddler. But if she doesn't get enough exercise every day, she's a goddamn menace!! Great family dog, if you have the time to wear them out every day.

[@kristinastales1373]

Love the start of the video, when she started digging. Super funny! Love your videos, your comments are many times cool and funny!😂❤❤❤

[@ShowPaws]

I am so glad you enjoy the videos and the clownery of Erys 😆❤️❤️❤️

[@kristinastales1373]

I have one question off topic. From your experience. How long do Whippets grow into their final height? At what age they finish growing? 9months or 12?

[@emsi0emsi]

First time dog owner here. I do not need further explanation here. I totally agree this is not a great breed to start with 😂😂😂 can be a real challenge. 3 years later we are best friends but 1 year was a disaster 😅

[@bronislava1551]

The same here, took me two years until he got out of the teenage phase.. We are good pals now. But I had to dig really deep into the training to find what suits us most.. Patience, patience, calmness and consistency 😊

[@ShowPaws]

I understand you both! Whippets can be very challenging, especially when they are young. Kudos for being persistent and finding the right methods. 💖

[@figtoria1053]

You are 100% right about Whippets not being the best dogs for a first time dog owner. I've had several breeds over my life. I've shown, bred, and trialled in obedience; English Bull Terriers, Mini Schnauzers, Pugs, and Golden Retrievers. I'm loving my Whippet, and he's not the worst puppy I've ever raised - but he is challenging. His energy level is exhausting at time and needs a TON of patience and experience. He is into everything and doesn't care about pleasing me at all! lol He's so funny and interesting though - it's worth it. I'm very glad he wasn't my first dog though - I would have been lost.

[@gabeee4332]

Yes sight hounds IMO have a short attention span not to say they aren't great dogs but don't expect easy obedience training results I'm happy my girl is good at recall and that's only because she's very attached to me. I think most breed puppies are very busy until they reach 2. I take my 2 year old whippet for a one hour run play time most every day.

[@ShowPaws]

You are right! It can be hard to find the right stimulus to keep them focused on us for longer than 5 seconds LOL . And I agree, most puppies can be challenging, but especially those that need almost constant mental stimulation, or else they'll find something else to do (mischief) 😆

[@Laisiriana]

Maybe I just got lucky (twice) but both Irish Wolfhound and my two Whippets were very trainable. It’s only that you can’t take the same (common) approach with corrections that you might use with a retriever, etc. They responded very well to redirection and encouragement as opposed to correction, especially physical. My whippets were solid in CD exercises and my year-old IW was successful at UD exercises like scent discrimination, directed jumping and directed retrieving. That being said, they are (I think) not for every type of person.

[@ShowPaws]

It sounds like you've found a great approach with all of your sighthounds and that's amazing 💖 They can be difficult, but for sure not impossible to work with and can do amazing things.

[@campbellfamilypets6585]

We have just brought a second whippet into the fold, Enzo is one year old weighing in at 36 lb, so he has a full 10lb on on girl Bug. Your right Addy, they are like potatoe chips, one is never enough.

[@ShowPaws]

That's so exciting! Congratulations with Enzo! I am glad the two of them are best buddies already 💓

[@spikerusty1710]

Hello from sunny North Wales

[@campbellfamilypets6585]

Good morning from Canada

[@Aniki82]

Thank you for the reality check you gave me ! I was thinking I'd find my ideal dog xD But after careful investigation I'm not sure I can be the right person for hyper puppie Do you think if the whippet is the only dog in the house it would have some impact and change in beavior ? Would you do a video about that ? Because as you stated your voice is a bit dissonante with what have gathered around (Maybe they are different in France and Uk???? T_T) Thank you so much !

[@ShowPaws]

Hi there! 🤗 Do you mean if they'll behave better or worse if they are the only dog in the house?

[@tonygarforth539]

you are bang on in everything you say i see forums saying make great first time pets no no no they do if you no what to expect and saying not to much exercise have they ever had a whippet i jog most days not for me just to tire my girl out if not she runs riot in the house and garden but they have the greatest personality if you get a puppy be prepared for the battle but if you win you will b e rewarded big time

[@figtoria1053]

I love watching Erys being naughty! My 6 month old boy, Errol acts exactly the same. She's lovely - congratulations on her show wins!

[@ShowPaws]

Thank you so much! 💓 Whippet puppies can be such fun clowns and I am happy to share Erys' goofy side with you 😄