Whistle question

[MrsElle]

Decided to buy a gun dog whistle to recall the gang as I am fed up of shouting all three names. I am sure they all think they have the same name: 'Elsiepoppyrox'

Tried it yesterday, couple of pips, called Roxy, gave her a treat, sorted. She comes as soon as she hears the whistle now. The other two are a bit hit and miss, I am still having to call their names as well as whistle, but don't think it will be too long before it all clicks.

What I did want to know was, how loud are these whistles supposed to be? It doesn't seem very loud to me, and the dogs don't seem to hear it if they a little way away, but still within shouting distance. Have I got the right one? I know there are different pitches of whistle but bought a 'recall' one.

Any advice greatfully recieved

 

[Slinkyunicorn]

Me again

Still no help really as St Sweep is deaf so doesn't hear anything as for Max well in true Labrador styleeee he will come back at warp speed on some occaisions and a little more sedate on others I found rewarding him with treats helped the loudness of the whistle makes no difference to him hearing it - but he can hear it over the wind etc

 

[MrsElle]

Me again

Starting to worry now, are you stalking me?
















Hmmm, so it might just be that it doesn't seem loud to me, but that the dogs will be able to hear it. It is early days, Elsie and Poppy haven't quite got it, but Roxy the JRT just took one go and it clicked. Even though Poppy was the easiest dog I have ever trained, she can be a bit dim sometimes I think she will be next to realise what the whistle means. Elsie is head down and eating sheep poo most of the time, the next best thing to trying to eat what produces it, I think I joke, she is never off lead near sheep as she does show a bit too much of an interest in them. The other two are fine.

Thank you Mrs Stalker Lady

 

[Slinkyunicorn]

Just take a really yummy treat - mine had home made pork scratchings - their stomachs will over rule the temporarily deaf switch...... then you just slowly cut down on the treat giving

Dogs can hear way better then we can - they just aren't used to it yet

 

[MurphysMinder]

To properly whistle train is quite a lengthy process, but the first stage that is recommended is to blow the whistle just before you feed them (as in their main meals), and than gradually work up to whistle when they are in another room to call them in for their feed etc. It is recommended you build up over several weeks before use outside on a proper recall, however as you are getting a reasonable response I would just try using the whistle before food idea to enforce that a whistle means good things.

 

[Toffee44]

I started teaching the whistle around the house.


Whistle Treat.

Whistle Dinner.

Then on walks even if they werent far away, whistle high reward treat (primula, chicken, tripe).


Now I can recall them of pheasants for a mere squidge of primula cheese (with prawns of course!!)