Letting a whippet run?

Question

I was thinking about getting a whippet. I heard they are good dogs for an apartment as long as long as they have their daily exercise...

I can give him a daily walk, or twice a day if necessary. My problem is finding a place whee he can run. Most parks I know of (Where I live ) aren't fenced - but they are big. And I don't think there is such think as dog parks in my area (by the way I live in Europe).

I was thinking about letting him run in a parking lot early in the morning when there isn't much movement. It has a lot of space and has only one way out... that way it's easier to look after him.

Tell me what you think of that, please....

Also: How many times per week, at least, should he have a run ?

(Also on weekends I can take him to the country side....)

-sorry about my spelling

Answer 1

If he runs hard on a parking lot it'll be a week before he heals his foot pads back up. As for loose in a large park - he'll go off rabbit hunting & be 5 mile away in a heartbeat..

Leash walking alone is not likely to keep him racing fit but in good enough shape to be OK yep.....

Answer 2

Road walking is actually very good exercise and far safer if you are in a town. If you road walk him during the week and let him have a good run at weekends, he'd be fine.

Whippets are actually very lazy when there's nothing going on!

Answer 3

Take some time to allow your dog to properly bond with you before trying letting it run off lead, anywhere from six weeks to six months in my experience depending on how rapidly your dog seems to attach.  Things that help forming that kind of bond are training, doing tricks, grooming, walking on close lead (rather than on a long extension) etc.

When you start letting him run then go somewhere you know is quite secure, you're on the right track in thinking of somewhere with only one exit but remember, whippets are hunters and are capable of quite high jumping (I've seen one jump a six foot wall without batting an eye) so bear that in mind.  A hound like this may never be completely trustworthy off lead if a prey animal comes in sight and this is something you always have to be prepared for so work very hard on your recall within your home.

Two good walks a day are good exercise for your dog and then at weekends perhaps you can take him for longer walks in the country side.  Basically, at least do the minimum and they will happily take whatever extra you can give them, they're tough little dogs.