How to use a Logan Sheep Dog Whistle

A sheep dog whistle is held against the tongue in the mouth. The sound is produced by air flowing through the top and bottom holes and then out from the 'sound chamber' which is the slit between the two flat sides of the whistle. Use the whistle tone you want the dog to associate with a specific command and then immediately use the voice command it is already familiar with. After a while you will be able to just use the whistle tone alone allowing you to communicate with the dog at greater distances.  Although this type of herding dog whistle has traditionally been used for Border Collie training, Logan whistles are ideal for any dog breed and for puppy training.

Begin by selecting tones for and then teaching your dog important first commands - such as a whistle tone which you want the dog to associate with Stop, or with coming back to you.  

To view our range of Logan Sheepdog Whistles and our full guide to creating a set of whistle commands for your own use please CLICK HERE.

Here are some tips on how to use a sheepdog whistle…

1. Hold the whistle by its tab.

2. Place the whistle in the mouth so that the tab/open slot is to the front and the closed end is against NOT ON the tongue. Do not block either of the top or bottom holes. It is the air going through the hole on top and bottom of the whistle and out the slot at the front that creates the noise.

3. Seal the edges of the whistle gently with your lips (but do not block the slot) so the air can only pass through the whistle and out the slot. Your tongue is active in pushing the whistle to the right position so your lips just fall around the edge.  The whistle does not sit flat on the tongue (that would block the bottom hole). Your tongue falls down below the whistle so the air can circulate.  

4. Now breathe from your chest through the whistle. If you're sure the whistle is positioned correctly air can flow through it and out the slot at the front just relax and breathe.

5. Your tongue on the back of the whistle can then vary the direction of the air to change the tone. Begin by getting a single consistent tone. After a little trial and error you will soon master the art - but then practice and you will be able to play music....
More information is provided with your purchase.

A few hints

Learn how to use the whistle where your dogs can't hear you. Your aim is to get controlled sounds that you can repeat consistently before introducing those sounds as commands

At first it is common to make very shrill sounds. With practice you will be able to play a full octave of tones and lower the pitch of those tones. Breathing down through the whistle creates lower tones than blowing up through the whistle

Soft dulcet tones are all you need for close work.  Keep commands as soft as possible and reserve sharp tones and volume for distance and for emphasis.  

Whistle Command Sounds

Below are some sound clips of dog training whistle commands and the associated whistle sounds as used by Allistair Lyttle.