Sighthound Puppy Recall Training

Training a sighthound puppy, whether a whippet, greyhound or lurcher, takes more than a whistle and a pocket of treats. Sighthounds are visually driven, so a food reward often loses the moment there is something better to chase.

The Sighthound Guy is a London sighthound specialist who understands the prey drive that shapes everything these dogs do. The approach below builds recall through play and chase mechanics rather than restraint, so coming back to you becomes the best part of the walk.

If you want your sighthound to choose you over every distraction, stop begging and start playing.

Why play-based recall works

Sighthounds are hardwired to chase. Fighting that instinct rarely wins. Channelling it does. By making yourself the source of the pursuit, you build off-lead confidence and a genuine bond, and returning to you becomes the most rewarding thing your dog can do.

These dogs also think differently from retrievers and collies. They respond to lower repetition and higher reward, so keep sessions short, exciting and always finished on a win.

Three recall games for sighthound puppies

1. The reverse chase

Sighthounds love a pursuit, so make yourself the thing worth chasing.

• How to play. In a safe, enclosed space, call your puppy’s name and immediately run in the opposite direction.
• The goal. When they catch you, reward them with a burst of high-energy play. Moving towards you becomes the trigger for fun.

2. The two-ball switch

Ideal for puppies who love to chase but have not yet mastered the return or the drop.

• How to play. Throw the first ball. As they reach it and turn back, show them a second identical ball and get excited.
• The goal. They race back to trigger the next throw, building a reliable loop of returning right to your feet.

3. Restrained recalls

This builds the speed and enthusiasm behind a sighthound’s velcro return.

• How to play. Have a partner gently hold your puppy while you move away, waving their favourite toy.
• The goal. On your call, your partner lets go. The result is a fast, joyful return and a stronger desire to be by your side.

Build it into the Big Six

A reliable recall is the cornerstone of the Big Six commands: Recall, Stay, Wait, Sit, Down and Heel. Get the return right early and the rest follows more easily, because your puppy already trusts that being close to you pays off.

Specialist help when you need it

The Sighthound Guy looks after greyhounds, whippets and lurchers across London, with collection around Hampstead, North Finchley and Highgate, walks on Hampstead Heath and home boarding in a calm, secure, climate-controlled home. Every dog starts with a meet and greet and a one-night assessment, and you stay involved throughout with daily WhatsApp photo and video updates.

Don is Canine First Aid certified, fully insured and bonded, holds a 5-star home boarding licence (no. 2023-2989) and runs a 5-star rated, Google Selected Business that has been featured in Time Out. Sighthounds only.

Want a recall plan tailored to your hound? Get in touch to arrange a meet and greet, or read more about Don and how he works.