How to Use a Dog Whistle Co-authored by Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
Last Updated: July 6, 2025
Choosing to Use a Dog Whistle
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Training With a Dog Whistle
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This article was co-authored by Pippa Elliott, MRCVS. Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years. This article has been viewed 59,915 times.
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.
Steps
Part 1 Part 1 of 2:
Choosing to Use a Dog Whistle
1 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]XResearch source
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]XResearch source
2 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]XResearch source
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]XResearch source
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]XResearch source
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3 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]XResearch source
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Part 2 Part 2 of 2:
Training With a Dog Whistle
1 Decide on your whistle cues. You blow the whistle in unique ways to signal what you want the dog to do.[7]XResearch source For example:
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.
2 Practice blowing the whistle. 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]XResearch source
3 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]XResearch source
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.
4 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]XResearch source
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Tips
When controlling a dog that is close by you can still use a whistle, but just blow more softly.[11]XResearch sourceThanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
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Co-authored by: Pippa Elliott, MRCVS Veterinarian This article was co-authored by Pippa Elliott, MRCVS. Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years. This article has been viewed 59,915 times. 108 votes - 84% Co-authors: 6Updated: July 6, 2025 Views: 59,915Article SummaryX
To use a dog whistle, decide which cues you'd like to use for different commands, such as a long tone for sit and 2 short tones for lay down. When it's time to use your whistle, hold the mouthpiece up to your lips and blow. To stop the tone, use your tongue to block the mouthpiece and stop the air from flowing through the whistle. If your dog already knows voice commands, help it learn the whistle commands by pairing them with voice cues. For tips from our Veterinarian reviewer on choosing a dog whistle, scroll down!Did this summary help you?YesNo
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Miss B.
Jun 9, 2018
"How to get started with whistle training my dog Charlie. The info was really helpful!"
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Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Co-authored by: Pippa Elliott, MRCVS Veterinarian Co-authors: 6Updated: July 6, 2025 Views: 59,91584% of readers found this article helpful. 108 votes - 84% Click a star to add your vote
Miss B.
Jun 9, 2018
"How to get started with whistle training my dog Charlie. The info was really helpful!"
Ray F.
Oct 24, 2019
"Very good. It helped me with my dog." More success stories Hide success stories
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Co-authored by: Pippa Elliott, MRCVS Veterinarian This article was co-authored by Pippa Elliott, MRCVS. Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years. This article has been viewed 59,915 times. 108 votes - 84% Co-authors: 6 Updated: July 6, 2025 Views: 59,915 Article SummaryX
Dogs Cats Rabbits & Furry Friends Fish Birds Other Pets Horses 
430 
1 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. 
2 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] 
3 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. 
1 Decide on your whistle cues. You blow the whistle in unique ways to signal what you want the dog to do.[7] For example: 
2 Practice blowing the whistle. 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] 
3 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] 
4 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. 
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