Whistle Training for a Border Collie

Whistle training for dogs commonly is used for hunting and herding, but it also can be used in the general dog community to have control over your dog from a distance. Whistle training your Border Collie for herding or general commands is similar to other methods of training and will be easy for your dog to adapt to. The Border Collie is an intelligent and highly adaptive breed that easily takes to different styles of training, according to the American Kennel Club.

  1. Why Whistle Train?

    • Traditionally the whistle was used when herding or hunting to avoid scaring livestock or wild animals. A whistle is a higher frequency than the human voice and is easier for a dog's ears to pick up over a distance. If you need greater distance control over your dog, be it for herding or even at the dog park, whistle training offers an easy solution.

    Commands

    • The whistle can be used to convey a variety of commands using series of short and long whistles to communicate with your dog. Most handlers keep it simple, with two or three separate commands to effectively control their dog from a distance. Sit is traditionally communicated with one long blow of the whistle and raising an open hand. Come is traditionally communicated with a series of four short blasts of the whistle and the arm outstretched to the side. Direction change is traditionally communicated with two short blasts of the whistle and the hand pointing in the desired direction.

    The Whistle

    • First, you will need to choose a whistle. There are a variety of plastic and metal whistles available. Some whistles provide two different frequencies for a wider range of available commands, and others are single frequency. Buy your dog whistle from a specialty website that provides sufficient information for you to choose the whistle best suited for your needs.

    Practice

    • Before you introduce your dog to the whistle, practice different commands with it to be sure you always communicate effectively. This is important because introducing a second method of communication to your dog is already a confusing process; sending mixed signals can make the training impossible.

    Training

    • Your dog will need to understand oral commands before you begin whistle training. Give your dog a command orally, followed by the correct whistle command. When she obeys, give her a treat. After several repetitions your dog should begin to obey the whistle command in place of the oral command. Always begin training in a controlled environment before exposing your dog to other situations.