When you imagine an Irish Wolfhound, do you picture a colossal, powerful, awe-inspiring beast? That’s completely accurate! But, here’s something that might surprise you: these majestic dogs are some of the gentlest, most amicable pets you could ever hope to have gracing your home.
Here’s more that you might not have known—they’re also intelligent, intuitive, and eager to please. This begs the interesting question, with their impressive size and unfamiliar perception, are Irish Wolfhounds easy to train?
Now, before we delve into that, let me weave a quick story about the tremendous history of the Irish Wolfhound that could give you a deeper love and understanding of this magnificent breed.
Legend has it that when the Roman Consul Quintus Aurelius first laid eyes on these muscular hounds back in AD 391, he was so transfixed that he wrote about them as though they were mythical creatures. According to him, in his own words, they were “all in size like the tallest stags, and so swift, they surpass horses in running”.
Originally bred for war and hunting ferocious beasts like wolves – hence their name – today’s Irish Wolfhounds have retained their tall and muscular array but evolved into being loveable and friendly family pets. Their immense size is matched only by their enormous heart and profound patience, making them excellent companions for both adults and children alike.
But back to our golden question: are they easy to train? Here’s the big reveal – it turns out that the Irish Wolfhound’s combination of intelligence and eagerness to please makes training them less daunting than you might have thought.
Of course, there are inevitable factors at play – their driver of instincts, their need for socialization, or the right training methods that complement their character. So, let’s start shining a light on these factors. After all, understanding the nature of your pet is the stepping stone to answer all your questions on training.
Starting right from puppyhood, Irish Wolfhounds exhibit a high level of intelligence. According to Stanley Coren, a neuropsychological researcher, the Irish Wolfhound is ranked 40th in intelligence out of 138 breeds – quite a fitting description for these beasts of virtue. They are intelligent enough to understand what you want from them – if you communicate effectively – and willingly learn to please you.
The secret sauce in training Irish Wolfhounds is positive reinforcement. These affable giants respond well to cheerfulness, praise, and tasty treats. Making the process fun and enjoyable for them goes a long way. However, like any breed, they don’t take too kindly to harsh methods, so steer clear from shouting or punishing them. After all, who wouldn’t want to learn while having fun?
Now, remember when we spoke about their instincts? While Irish Wolfhounds are social and non-aggressive, they were bred to be hunters. This instinct might sometimes lead them to chase smaller animals. This does not make them more difficult to train, but it makes training them to have a reliable recall off-leash a tad more challenging.
Additionally, early socialization is key. Expose your Irish Wolfhound to a variety of people, experiences, noises and other animals while they’re still young. Socializing them will ensure they grow up to be well-adjusted adults who are comfortable in different environments and situations.
In terms of the best age to start their training – remember the saying, “you can’t teach an old dog new tricks”? Well, it’s not entirely true. But it’s certainly easier to mold behaviors when they’re puppies. So, as soon as your vet gives the all-clear, you can begin house-training and socializing your Irish Wolfhound pup.
Similarly, like humans, every Irish Wolfhound has a unique personality. Some are outgoing while others may be reserved. Some might be a quick learner, while others may take a little more time to pick up on things. So, it’s important to adjust your training to fit their individual personality.
Finally, there’s one last aspect to consider: consistency. Without a doubt, consistency is the key to training any dog breed, including our big-hearted Irish Wolfhounds.
So, to answer our big question – yes, Irish Wolfhounds are easy to train when you’re armed with the right methods, a fair load of patience, and a couple of treats up your sleeve. They are gentle, smart, and enthusiastic fellows who are as intelligent as they are large. And with their love and loyalty thrown into the mix, you’re not just teaching your Wolfhound to follow commands – you’re fostering a relationship that will fill your life with countless days of joy and love.
Just remember, understanding your Irish Wolfhound’s unique traits and quirks is the first step to effective training. In the end, every moment spent in training them will feel worthwhile when you see them develop into happy, well-adjusted companions.
From the grand courts of ancient Rome to the modern family’s home, the majestic Irish Wolfhound continues to entrance and inspire. Above all, they show us that often, the largest hearts come coated in fur and run on four legs.
