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Dog Whistle Instructions

High frequency whistles, also known as ‘’silent whistles’’, have been used in the dog training industry since their invention in 1876. The frequencies they emit, way above human hearring, can be used to train or command animals without disturbing nearby people. These high pitch ultrasonic sounds are not only great to get your dog’s attention in noisy places but also project very far allowing you to call your dog even when in spacious outdoor places.

• Adjust the pitch, blow and wait for your dog’s reaction. Like us, dogs can’t hear all frequencies and react best to specific ones. When your dog is asleep, gently blow the whistle next to him. The whistle has a nut and screw that adjust the frequency when turned, the decibels of this particular whistle ranges from 80dbs to 120dbs. Size, breed, and age are all determining factors for a dog’s hearing. Continue testing until your dog perks up. When he does, know you have found the best frequency for themto be trained with.
• Decide on your whistle cues. Blow the whistle in distinctive specific ways to signal different commands.For example, to signal ‘’Sit’’ or ‘’Stop’’ you can give a single long blast on the whistle. To ‘’Call’’ or ‘’Come’’you could choose to blow a sequence of three short blasts.
• Transfer commands from your voice to the whistle. A simple option to do so is by starting with commands your dog that already responds well too. Let’s use the "Sit" as an example.First blow your whistle signal for ‘’Sit’’, let’s say it is a single long blast, then immediately after, say the word "Sit". When the dog sits, reward it with a treat or praise.As the dog learns the whistle command, leave a longer gap between the whistle and the spoken command. Eventually, you will be able to stop using verbal commands altogether.
• Begin training an untrained dog with a whistle. If your dog is new to commands, you can start directly training him with a whistle instead of voice commands. To make them ‘’Sit’’, hold a treat in your hand and raise it in an arc shape above the dog's head. As the dog’s head follows the treat, its bottom will naturally hit the ground. As soon as its rear hits the ground, blow your whistle command and reward the dog for sitting.Repeat this many times, during multiple training sessions. Eventually, the dog will reactto the whistle blow and sit without needing to be lured by a treat.
• Teaching ‘’Recall’’. Start with the dog on a long leash. Play with your pet and then call themback to you. As soon as the dog takes a step in your direction,blow the whistle signal. Greet it playfully and be pleased that theycame back. You want the dog to associate stepping towards you with the whistle command and the fun of a nice pet. With enough repetition, once the dog hears the signal,theywill come running back.

The most important factor when it comes to training your dog with a whistle is consistency of use. Regardless of their intended function, dog whistles are not an instant fix. They should be used sparingly, in short bursts, and never be blown directly into a dog’s ears. Overuse of any kind of dog whistle can, over time, provoke resistance, aggression, or apathy.

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