How to Use a Dog Whistle

Last Updated: March 29, 2019

A dog whistle is a training tool that has been used for a very long time. Whistles can be used for any number of commands and they have a piercing sound that carries a long distance and is distinct from most everyday noises. This makes it a great tool if you need to control your dog at a distance or if you need to get your dog's attention in a noisy situation.

Part 1

Part 1 of 2:

Choosing to Use a Dog Whistle

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Use a whistle if your dog has a hard time following verbal commands. The whistle is a distinct noise that the dog doesn't hear except as a training tool. This means the dog is more likely to respond to it than to spoken commands, where the cue word might be heard in everyday conversation.
- For example, if the dog hears the word "Sit" in conversation when it's not expected to obey, it makes the dog think it's optional to obey when he hears it as a command. ^{[1]
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- If your dog is badly behaved and got into the habit of ignoring verbal commands, then a whistle offers you a fresh start with a training tool that the dog hasn't heard before and so hasn't learned to ignore. ^{[2]
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Pick a whistle. Any type of whistle will work but it's best to use a dog training whistle of a specific frequency. They come in a range of frequencies, so decide on a frequency and stick to it. This means if you lose your whistle you can easily purchase a replacement. ^{[3]
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- If you don't know the frequency of your whistle it's not the end of the world. Just as a well-trained dog responds when any man or woman says "Sit," so it will respond to any whistle. However, in a group situation with multiple dog trainers all using whistles at the same time, it helps your dog to identify your unique whistle and respond to it. ^{[4]
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- It is not necessary to use a silent or ultrasonic whistle. Indeed, it is better to use a whistle in the audible spectrum humans can hear. This will help you know you've used the correct strength of blow to reach the dog and that the signal was clear and not open to misinterpretation. ^{[5]
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Purchase a whistle. Commercial dog training whistles can be purchased online. It may be a good idea to order more than one whistle. This will give you a spare if you lose the whistle.
- Also, fix it to a lanyard so that you always have it around your neck when out on a walk. ^{[6]
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Part 2

Part 2 of 2:

Training With a Dog Whistle

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Decide on your whistle cues. You blow the whistle in unique ways to signal what you want the dog to do. ^{[7]
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- For example, to signal Sit or Stop you can give a single long blast on the whistle. For Recall or Come give a series of three short blasts.
To blow the whistle use your tongue to break up the sound. As you are blowing, cover up the hole in the whistle briefly with your tongue. ^{[8]
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Transfer commands from your voice to the whistle. One option is to start with a dog that already knows the "Sit" or "Stop" command and responds well to it. First give your whistle signal for sit, such as single long blast, then say the word "Sit". When the dog sits reward it with a treat or praise. ^{[9]
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- As the dog learns the whistle command, leave a longer gap between the whistle and the spoken command. Eventually you can stop using the verbal command altogether.
- You can transfer from a spoken to a whistle command for recall in exactly the same way for Sit.
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Begin training an untrained dog with a whistle. If your dog isn't great at commands to start with use the whistle. For Sit, hold a treat in your hand and raise it in an arc above the dog's head so that as it follows the treat the dog's bottom hits the ground. As soon as its bottom hits the ground, give your whistle command and reward the dog for sitting.
- Repeat this in multiple training sessions and the dog start reacting to the whistle and sitting without being lured by a treat.
- To teach Recall start with the dog on a long leash. Play with the dog and then call it to you. As soon as the dog puts a paw in your direction give the whistle signal. You want the dog to associate stepping towards you with the whistle. With enough repetition, once the dog hears the signal and it will come running because it associates the whistle with fun, your being really pleased to see him, and a great reward. ^{[10]
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When controlling a dog that is close by you can still use a whistle, but just blow more softly. ^{[11]
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How to Use a Dog Whistle

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Choosing to Use a Dog Whistle

Training With a Dog Whistle

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