- Use the whistle for recall only!
- Train whistle recalls every day for the rest of Philo’s life.
- Three practice whistles a day is enough. Never push Philo into quitting. Instead, leave him wanting more.
- Use a jackpot reward like hotdogs or bologna. Reserve this highest value reward for whistle recalls only. In an emergency you might recall without a treat, but this should be rare and infrequent. Make a habit of carrying a Ziplock bag of hotdog slices and your whistle on a lanyard.
- Blow whistle and treat the pup! In the first days of training, it is vital that Philo learn to associate the whistle with a jackpot reward. Set him up for success by offering the whistle when he is quiet, attentive, and within your reach.
- Add some challenges. Pay close attention to Philo’s behavior during the recall. Is he sluggish to return or coming back like a freight train? Learn to predict when a whistle is likely to succeed, then add distance and distraction levels accordingly. Stop for the day if he balks or is sluggish on a recall and start with less distance and distraction tomorrow.
- Use a unique and consistent whistle pattern. Philo’s pattern is “tweet-tweet”.
- Play hide-n-seek. Find recall situations where you can observe the pup, but he can’t see you. If the pup reacts to your whistle but can’t find you, then give additional whistles to help him locate you. Use the whistle, not your mouth! Don’t call “Here Philo” for example.
- Guard the whistle from anyone unwilling to learn these rules. Children and ill-informed adults can ruin the dog’s trust with careless whistling.
- Never associate a whistle recall with punishment, even if Philo’s running away with the Christmas ham.
