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Permalink Reply by Sylvia & Timmy on January 30, 2008 at 6:55pm

I attended a training class given by a pet behaviorist and during our last two lessons she introduced the whistle. We just used a plain whistle. One blow meant stop and two blows were meant for come. We used treats as reinforcement on both commands which were taught using the verbal command then the whistle right after until we faded the verbal command. Her thinking was that many times dogs are out of earshot or too distracted to hear us calling. The whistle sound carried longer distances. I never kept up with it, since I live out in the boonies and usually Timmy doesn't stray far and has a good recall. I just didn't want one more thing to carry on our walks if you know what I mean.

In herding lessons I know that the whistle is used to give the dog direction and commands, i.e. down, go left, go right, slow, etc.

I've not heard of it being used in the manner you're learning. I'd sure like to hear more about it, though.

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Permalink Reply by Lauren on January 30, 2008 at 7:13pm

well i just sorta made it up...i thought i would just use them to help them learn...i.e. trevor does really well with vocal commands but abby has the worst selective hearing i have ever seen...but she listens well to the wistle so i am using hand motions, voice, and wistle commands...so far there doing pretty well for 4.5 month olds so i guess it is working

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Permalink Reply by Sylvia & Timmy on January 31, 2008 at 8:11pm

Great to hear, and at 4.5 months they're both doing well. Keep up the good work, my trainer says, doesn't matter how you accomplish a recall as long as it works!!! (she doesn't advocate or use physical punishment or shock collars either)

Keep us posted. It could be a tool that someone else might find useful. We're all open to learning!!

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