With their delicate build and soulful eyes, Italian Greyhounds (aka Iggies) are the epitome of elegance — but don’t let their refined looks fool you. These pint-sized sighthounds are lively, affectionate, and full of playful energy. 

Often dubbed “Velcro dogs,” Iggies form deep attachments to their humans and thrive on companionship. While their sweet and gentle temperament makes them incredibly endearing, their sensitive nature means training must be approached with care and consistency. 

Training an Italian Greyhound calls for a thoughtful approach — one that blends patience, positive reinforcement, and an understanding of their quirks. From building trust to tailoring exercise and nutrition to suit their needs, setting your Iggy up for success starts with meeting them where they are. 

Read more: Italian Greyhound breed insights: care, personality & expert tips

Italian Greyhound temperament and trainability 

Italian Greyhounds are sensitive, intelligent, and eager to please — when they feel safe and comfortable. Their calm demeanour and desire to be close to their humans can make them quick learners, especially with gentle guidance. However, their sensitivity to noise, cold, and change means they may be timid or anxious in unfamiliar environments. 

Toilet training is often the biggest hurdle for Iggy parents. Their dainty frames and discomfort with cold or wet weather can lead to reluctance to go outside. Their tendency to get distracted by sudden noises or movements can also disrupt training focus. 

But with patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement, Italian Greyhounds can thrive in training. They respond especially well to praise and affection — so be generous with encouragement and avoid any harsh corrections that could damage their trust. 

Health considerations that can affect training 

Italian Greyhounds, with their fine-boned structure and minimal body fat, are prone to certain health conditions that may affect their training ability, including: 

Delicate limbs and joint issues: Italian Greyhounds have long, slender limbs that can be quite fragile, especially during puppyhood. Your puppy’s growth plates — the soft areas of cartilage at the ends of their long bones — are responsible for bone development. Because these plates are still forming, and because Iggies have such delicate limbs, they’re more vulnerable to injury. It’s important to protect them from strenuous or high-impact activities until their growth plates have fully hardened. 

Iggies can also be prone to patellar luxation, a condition where the kneecap slips out of place instead of staying in its groove. Over time, this can lead to joint inflammation and arthritis. 

Diets containing bone- and joint-loving ingredients like green-lipped mussel and omega-3 fatty acids (EPA & DHA from fish oil) can support your pup’s musculoskeletal health. Lyka’s Mussel Munchies are great treats with health benefits – ideal for training and providing nourishment for your dog’s bones and joints.  

Dental disease: Periodontal (Gum) disease can be a common problem causing inflammation pain, and even tooth loss. Discomfort in the mouth may affect your pup’s mood or motivation to learn. Keep your dog’s teeth sparkling white with regular brushing with dog-friendly toothpaste. Diets containing kelp (Ascophyllum nodosum) can help to reduce plaque and tartar that lead to dental disease if left untreated.

Read more: Gum disease in dogs: how to spot, treat, and prevent it (with pictures)
Read more: Protecting your dog's dental health: how to clean your dog's teeth

Cold sensitivity: Iggies have thin coats and low body fat, meaning they get cold easily, which can make outdoor training in cold or inclement weather challenging. Many Italian Greyhounds are happy to wear jumpers or jackets to keep them warm during cold spells.  

If your Iggy seems distracted, fearful, or resistant to training, a visit to the vet can help rule out health concerns. 

How real food fuels your Italian Greyhound’s focus 

Just like us, dogs learn best when they’re feeling healthy, balanced and energised. Diet plays a big role in your pup’s ability to focus, stay calm, and retain information. 

Italian Greyhounds benefit from: 

• Steady energy sources like butternut squash and purple sweet potato, which have a low glycaemic load and help release energy slowly.

• Essential fatty acids like DHA and EPA (omega-3s from fish, mussels, or fish oil) support brain health and development, memory, and learning.  

• Fresh, bioactive nutrients, from ingredients like blueberries and shiitake mushrooms support immunity, skin health, and overall wellbeing.  

“A fresh food diet packed with brain-boosting nutrients supports your dog’s ability to learn and adapt. Omega-3s, especially DHA, are critical for memory and cognitive function.”  

– Dr Alex England, Lyka Veterinarian, BVetMed MANZCVS (Small Animal Veterinary Practice)   

Learn more about Dr Alexander England and his veterinary experience. 

All Lyka meals are formulated by Board-Certified Veterinary Nutritionists to provide complete and balanced nutrition for learning, growth, and everyday health.  

Read more: What do Italian Greyhound eat? Breed-specific nutrition tips  
Read more: Fuelling your dog’s focus: how nutrition impacts your dog’s training 

Exercise first for improved focus 

Italian Greyhounds are sprinters at heart, with short bursts of intense energy. Letting them stretch their legs in a secure space or having a short play session before training helps burn off excess excitement and can improve focus. 

Try: 

• A quick game of fetch in a safe, enclosed yard 

• Gentle indoor zoomies with non-slip surfaces 

• Interactive toys or short hide-and-seek games 

Avoid overexertion, especially in colder weather — Iggies are sensitive to temperature and can tire quickly. 

Training tips for Italian Greyhounds 

Training an Italian Greyhound is a balancing act of softness and structure — but with patience and a playful approach, it’s incredibly rewarding. 

Keep sessions short, sweet, and full of positive vibes. Here’s what works best: 

Positive reinforcement 

This is the gold standard for training. Marking good behaviour with rewards like praise, affection, treats, or continued interaction, teaches your pup how to behave and supports a strong and positive relationship.  
 
Double up on rewards to mark excellent responses from your Italian Greyhound, like praise and a pat, or praise and a treat.  

Find their favourite motivator  

Discovering your pup’s hierarchy of high-value rewards is a great way to keep your Iggy motivated. Is it a nibble of roast chicken, their favourite squeaky toy, or playtime with you?  

Train at the right time  

Sometimes dogs don’t have the energy or desire to learn, especially if they’re too tired, too full, or hot and bothered. 

Mental enrichment through training can be tiring for dogs, so find the right time to train and stop if you notice your dog starting to lose focus or fatigue.  

Stay consistent  

Consistency is key to training. Not just in setting your expectations, but in using the same verbal and non-verbal cues.  

Be playful and engaging  

Dogs are sensitive souls that can pick up your mood. Keep your sessions fun and your positive energy will be contagious.  

Watch their body language  

If your Greyhound starts to show signs of stress or tiredness, give them a break. If they’ve reached saturation point, it can be counterproductive to persevere. You can always come back to the training at another time. 

Training your Italian Greyhound puppy 

Italian Greyhound puppies are curious and delightfully dramatic — but don’t expect instant results. House training can be especially slow due to their aversion to cold or wet conditions. Socialisation is also key, as early positive experiences help prevent timidity later on. 

What works? 

• A regular toilet routine with access to warm, dry toileting areas 

• Positive crate training for safe sleep and downtime 

• Early and controlled socialisation with people, dogs, sounds, and different environments 

Iggies are especially sensitive to harsh corrections, so stick with force-free methods that build trust and confidence. 

Training your adult Italian Greyhound 

Just because your Italian Greyhound’s out of puppyhood doesn’t mean the training stops. In fact, ongoing mental stimulation is essential to keep their mind sharp and behaviour balanced. 

This might look like: 

• Reinforcing polite greetings at the door 

• Learning new tricks or games 

• Adjusting to life changes, like moving house 

• Training for mobility support, like using a ramp in senior years 

Dogs have neuroplasticity, meaning their brains adapt and change, making them lifelong learners. Keep training light and engaging, and celebrate progress — no matter how small. 

When to call in a trainer or behaviourist 

Not sure if your Italian Greyhound’s quirks are just stubbornness — or something deeper? 

A trainer is your go-to for obedience, manners, and routine behaviours. A qualified behaviourist, on the other hand, is best for issues like: 

• Reactivity 

• Anxiety or phobias 

• Aggression 

• Resource guarding 

They work closely with your vet to address underlying causes and create a tailored plan. The earlier you seek support, the easier it is to create lasting change. 

“If training your dog is very challenging, it may be worth considering a trainer or a behaviourist. A trainer can help you identify what may be triggering their behaviour and show you how to help your dog cope in those situations. The solution may be as simple as reframing what we expect from our dogs and our behaviours around them.”   

- Laura V, qualified dog behaviourist 

New to Lyka? Let’s rethink dog food together 

Training your Italian Greyhound is a journey — one that requires consistency, creativity, and compassion. Whether you’re navigating house training with a stubborn puppy or teaching your senior dog new routines, every small win is a step toward a calmer, more connected life together. 

And remember, a well-fed brain is a trainable brain. Supporting your Italian Greyhound’s learning with fresh, real food meals helps unlock their full potential. 

Lyka nourishes hundreds of Italian Greyhounds across Australia – from energetic pups to seniors in their golden years – they’re all thriving on Lyka.