How To Train An Irish Wolfhound

Training an Irish Wolfhound is a special journey. These dogs are the tallest of all breeds, often towering over most other dogs, but their size doesn’t mean they are intimidating. In fact, they are known for being gentle, calm, and very friendly. If you want to train one successfully, you need patience, consistency, and a good understanding of their personality. From my experience, working with these gentle giants is all about building trust and mutual respect—they will respond best when they feel safe, understood, and guided kindly.

1. Start Early: The Sooner, The Better

Irish Wolfhounds grow incredibly fast. One moment they are tiny, fluffy puppies, and the next they are large, strong dogs that can easily weigh over 100 pounds. Because of this rapid growth, starting training early is extremely important. Teaching basic commands like “sit,” “stay,” and “come” when they are still young makes everything much easier. Waiting too long can make training a struggle because it’s much harder to control such a large dog later. Early socialization is equally important. Introducing them to different people, other dogs, and new environments when they are small will help them grow into calm, confident, and well-mannered adults.

2. Be Gentle but Firm: They’re Sensitive Souls

Although Irish Wolfhounds are large and strong, they are also very sensitive dogs. Harsh commands, shouting, or physical corrections can make them anxious or shut down entirely. The key is to be gentle but firm. Use a calm, reassuring voice, and be patient. Positive reinforcement, such as treats, praise, and gentle affection, works much better than punishment. That said, don’t confuse their sensitivity with weakness—they are intelligent and can learn complex commands, but they need to feel safe and trust you first. Consistency in your expectations is critical, and rushing the process usually backfires.

3. Focus on Socialization: Bigger Dogs, Bigger Challenges

Socialization is one of the most important parts of training an Irish Wolfhound. Because of their size, a Wolfhound that hasn’t been properly socialized can unintentionally intimidate other dogs or people. Exposing them to a wide variety of experiences—dog parks, puppy classes, walks in busy areas—helps them learn to behave appropriately in different situations. Socialization doesn’t stop when they become adults; regular exposure to new people, pets, and environments keeps them confident and well-mannered. A well-socialized Wolfhound is calm, friendly, and easy to handle, making life easier for both you and your dog.

4. Exercise Is a Must: Big Dogs Need to Move

Irish Wolfhounds are not lazy dogs—they need regular activity to stay healthy, happy, and mentally balanced. Many people assume that because they are so big, they need hours of intense exercise, but that isn’t true. Moderate, regular exercise works best: long walks, light jogging, and playtime in a safe area are perfect. For puppies, exercise should be short and controlled to protect their growing bones and joints. Regular activity also helps with training because a well-exercised dog is calmer, more focused, and easier to manage during lessons. Balancing exercise with rest is essential for their overall health.

5. Positive Reinforcement: The Only Way to Go

When training an Irish Wolfhound, positive reinforcement is key. These dogs are eager to please but are also sensitive, so harsh corrections don’t work. Rewarding good behavior with treats, praise, or affection helps them learn faster and strengthens the bond between you and your dog. Be consistent: reward good actions immediately and frequently at the start of training. But don’t overdo treats—Wolfhounds can gain weight easily. You can also use toys, extra playtime, or verbal encouragement as rewards. Your tone of voice and body language are just as important as the rewards you give. A calm, happy, and encouraging approach will make training more effective and enjoyable.

Final Thoughts of Train An Irish Wolfhound

Training an Irish Wolfhound is not a quick process—it’s a long-term commitment. These dogs are loving, loyal, and intelligent, but they require a trainer who understands their size, strength, and gentle nature. By starting early, being gentle but firm, socializing them regularly, providing appropriate exercise, and using positive reinforcement, you can shape your Wolfhound into a well-behaved, confident companion. Remember, this is a marathon, not a sprint. Take your time, enjoy the process, and focus on building a strong, trusting bond with your gentle giant.