We are currently whistle training Zach, I have to say it's much more effective at cutting through his deafness than voice commands.
We started as other posters say, in the house blowing the whistle everytime we fed him or gave him a treat, building up the association. We now use it in the fields, when he returns to us he gets treated with chicken, we shred it and feed small amounts for 30 seconds or more so that he really feels the reward is worth it. He probably doesn't get more treat as we shred it into small amounts, but his attention is focused on you whilst you shred and treat.
We're slowly building up the distractions, it works at the moment (touch wood!!) when he catches a scent but I doubt it would work against an actual chase yet. But it's a work in progress!!

When you think about how much your dog hears your voice and how many commands we give them, it's not surprising we fade into inane babble to them when something is more attractive!

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Sh & Zach



Lifes too short for drama and petty things, so kiss slowly, laugh insanely, love truly and forgive quickly