I whistle with my mouth to get my dogs attention and it works really well but I use the whistle just as a distraction. I always follow it up with a command i.e. Whistle-come, whistle-sit, whistle-off. I use the whistle everywhere when possible but I also clap if I am close enough for them to hear it and I don't want to annoy someone standing beside me. So, yeah, it's a great idea since it focuses your dog's attention on you so he/she can then follow whatever command you want to give.
Using whistle to teach "come"
I have a few questions. I want to use a whistle when outside, to teach "come". I see too many people saying, "come here!, come here!" over and over to their dogs, and I can see that first of all, their tone of voice is always changing, from normal to frustration, and secondly, the command means less when they repeat over and over. So I think I will start with a whistle and see how that goes. Ok, now for the questions.
1) Would you recommend a regular "gym" whistle, or a silent dog whistle?
2) I dog can understand that two commands mean the same thing, right? Example, using a whistle and saying "come" means the same thing. Wouldn't want to have to use a whistle in the house all the time, lol
3) I plan to use a clicker for most of the dogs training. WOuld you use the whistle AND clicker when training, or leave the clicker out, for that one part of training? If you would use it, how? Blow whistle, once the dog comes, click and reward?? I am afraid that may cause confusion.
1) Would you recommend a regular "gym" whistle, or a silent dog whistle?
2) I dog can understand that two commands mean the same thing, right? Example, using a whistle and saying "come" means the same thing. Wouldn't want to have to use a whistle in the house all the time, lol
3) I plan to use a clicker for most of the dogs training. WOuld you use the whistle AND clicker when training, or leave the clicker out, for that one part of training? If you would use it, how? Blow whistle, once the dog comes, click and reward?? I am afraid that may cause confusion.
