Coming when called…The Whistle Game

Ahhh, summer is here. Time to take your dogs on long hikes in the hills and let them run free, oh but there’s a problem, your dog loves to run and romp but he won’t come when called. Fear not, I have a method for you to try.

The Whistle Game. You will need any whistle of your choosing. You can use a dog whistle if you want although I use one that I can hear. I got mine at a local surplus/sports store for a few bucks. Here are the steps that I take to teach my dogs to do a great recall at the sound of a whistle.

Step 1. Make sure your dog is very hungry.

Step 2. Have your whistle on a string around your neck for easy access.

Step 3. Have some REALLY high value treats. I use chicken or some other type of meat. Cut the treats into different sizes and place them in a treat pouch.

Step 4. Take your dog to an enclosed area. It can be your back yard or any other location that is secure. If you can’t find a fenced in area then go to a large open area and place a 20’-30’ long line on your dog.

Step 5. Let the games begin. Stand close to your dog. Hold the whistle in your mouth and gently blow. If your dog responds to you in anyway, give him a small piece of chicken. Don’t say anything, just give him the treat. Move a foot or two away from your dog and gently blow the whistle again. Keep repeating this activity until you have your dog following your every move.

Step 6. Now it starts to get fun. Blow the whistle a litter louder. When your dog comes to you, give him a treat but now toss another treat a few feet away from your dog. Make sure he sees it. When he goes to the treat on the ground, you will move several feet in the opposite direction. When the dog is eating the treat on the ground, blow the whistle and see what happens. I’m expecting that your dog will make a mad dash back to you to get a larger treat from you. If he doesn’t come to you try decreasing the distance from your dog or go back to Step 1. If you dog did come to you, repeat this step making it a fun game for your dog. Now stop. Do not let your dog get tired or bored with this game. You will pick up the game the next day.

Step 7. The next day. Have some high value treats (chicken) and some low value treats (biscuits) Start off with step 6 but this time throw the low value treat on the ground and give the high value treat when the dog responds to the whistle. Run back and forth a few times only. Now you are going to slowly increase the distance you throw the low value treat and run in the opposite direction. You might have to move fast because you are going to blow the whistle while your dog is distracted with the low value treat. You might have to sprint a little. Now stop.

Step 8. You need a helper. Have someone pay attention to your dog. They can give your dog a low value treat , have a toy or just pet your dog. Move away from your dog about 15’-20’ feet to start. Blow the whistle. Does your dog leave the person and run to you? If not go back to step 6. If your dog does come to you not only do you want to give him a high value treat you also want to praise him as if he won the Olympics.

Step 9. Now you will wait to see when your dog is distracted by something. Start with a low level distraction. When your dog is engaged, make sure you are a distance away and blow the whistle. Congratulation, you should now have a dog responding to the whistle.

There are a few pros and cons to this method. The pros are you can teach multiple dogs to respond at once and from a long distance. The cons, your dog will probably respond to whoever is blowing a whistle.

Sallie Palmer of Well Mannered Mutts has been involved with dog training for over twenty years. If you want more information about dog training programs go to www.wellmanneredmutts.net or call 463-DOGS.