Posted: Fri Jul 21, 2006 6:42 pm Post subject: Whistle training
I was thinking of using a whistle for when me and the Labs (mainly Doobs and Millie at the mo) are out and about offlead. Although their recall is brilliant I think a whistle for recall would be far better than me shouting come in a very loud voice!
I know whistle training starts in the home - so where do I start? And what else can the whistle be used for? I am new to this kind of training so need some help from you fellow pro's!
Willow comes back to 3 whistles and knows to sit for 1 however the distance control to sit or at least stop and look qwith one is rubbish- she just thinks Ive forgotten the other 2 and comes back
I started in the garden and whistled 3times and shouted come after a few goes treat etc I whistled she came- It was what I wanted again llike you it saved my voice . However I think I should have taught sit first
I will be watching out for your replies if anyone reads this bit Help too here is needed. Never really thought to ask before!!!(Not meaning to hijack post Sonia) Is this now correctable??
Willow will however if sent for a ball I dont actually throw will when she turns round sit where she turns if i put my arm up! Can I use this?
Hi,
I start off with a whistle for day 1, but its never too late to start. When I give my pups their meals I give 2 toots on the whistle as I put the food down in front of them. This builds the association that the whistle means goodies are on the way. I then start tooting when they can see me and hold a treat out to them so they learn to come quick cos more goodies are on the way. Then I progress to tooting in the garden and as they come to me they get a treat, and then you can start tooting indoors when they are outside and again treat as they come to find you. You can then merrily toot where ever and whenever, always treating a quick recall
As you've got the 3, you can play at treating the first one to get to you (as long as little Gracie gets a head start as I imagine she's got weeny legs compared to the other 2!!!) and add a competitive element to make them really sharp!
If they ignore the whistle, (once they know what it means) don't keep tooting otherwise it'll just become background noise. Just fetch them back with no words and no treats.
I'm sure they'll pick it up really quickly. I use a gundog whistle (I think its something like an 11 1/2 tone) so I can replace it if (God forbid!) I lost it. However, touch wood, I've had it for 7 years now and I wear it on a piece of cord around my neck and keep it hung up by my leads.
I'm sure JohnW will be along to advise about the sitting and lying on a whistle command.
Happy tooting!!!
Becs and the Gang
Whistle training sounds a really good way of training recall.
All i use for training is my voice and hand signals. Abbey doesnt always return when i shout 'abbey come ' in a very silly high pitched squeel across the field Maybe 8/10 times she will return !!
Just a few questions - where do you buy the whistles from ?
and has any one got a secret yummy treat they use for when the dog returns to you ??
Sorry didnt want to hijack the post but i am just interested in trying something else
Hi Lorri,
My petshop sells the whistles but I know you can get them from hunting/shooting shops.
I use all sorts as treats. Favourites are cheese, hotdog, livercake and cocktail sausages and left over rump steak (medium rare!!) I mix a variety of treats in one bag as its like a packet of Revels then for the dogs as they don't know what they'll get each time! Much more exciting!!!
Btw- my treat bag is the talk of our dog-walking circle as I have very highly rated treats! I normally have a trail of 'Gang-extras' trailing in my wake!!!!
Love becs and the Gang
Good tip Becs - never thought of a mixture - although I do like to take dried liver on occasions - I then seem to be surrounded by dozens of dogs who can smell it for miles! lol
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