whistle Training?

by suzanne
(Calgary, Alberta, Canada)

HI there,
I have a 20 month old Pyrenees that doesn't come if she is distracted...at all. I was wondering if whistle training would help? Or if anyone has experience/tips for this?

Also- comments on using the nose type lead to stop pulling? She is good on leash...unless she sees a bunny, or dog she wants to see..

Thanks very much,
Suzanne.

Comments for whistle Training?

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May 29, 2016
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starstarstarstarstar 		Pyr version of re-call
by: Anonymous

We started our Pyr with the whistle as a pup. We gave a treat promptly if he returned to us when called by the whistle...liver bits...yum. We pack walk 2x's/day. He's the only Pyr in the group. We use the whistle exclusively for re-call, nothing else. Just so he's not confused as to meaning when he hears that whistle. This has worked very well for every dog we've ever owned. With one notable exception. You get one guess.
When Pyrs become 2 yrs. all bets are off. (This is a blanket statement, I know.) The Pyr naturally becomes the self-appointed leader of the pack-walk. Neither liver nor whistle nor separation from all his canine & human buddies matter. Ours keeps us all within sight, and as long as we're all so foolish to think we have a smidgin of a chance he'll return to us if we keep following HIS lead...well then, he's walking us, right? This is as it should be in a Pyr's way of thinking. He's very kind in his teaching the rest of us how walks will be arranged from now on. His INTENTION is understood by all of us. Amazing, actually. Budding CEO'S could learn a lot about leadership from a Pyr. He's a born leader and he doesn't question this. It's also when you'll notice your Pyr's "mile-long stare".
When we take our Pyr into social settings were calm is crucial (many children running about, people he needs to say hello to)we use the halti. Very effective tool. Keep a back up leash attached onto your dog's collar. Pay complete attention at all times. The halti should not be tight across his nose unless he pulls. It is entirely self-regulating. I can recommend it, from our experience with it.
We also use a very long leash on him during pack walks, as he's more relaxed than with a conventional shorter one. Our walks are thru open fields and woodlot trails. You can find these 'leashes' at your local tack shop...ask for a longue line. We also make sure the leash passes thru his front legs to our hand. If the dog pulls this puts downward pressure on the back of the neck. Dogs tend to not resist this pressure. Again, pay attention at all times.
Free, off-leash play with other canines is crucial for most dogs. Your Pyr needs this also. If he doesn't have it now, could you arrange play dates for him? This may also lessen his need to run on a walk as he's had social contact/exercise with his own kind.
Good luck with your dog. Don't give up on him, your time spent on him now will pay huge dividends later.


Jun 01, 2016
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starstarstarstarstar 		Whistle training
by: Donna

It's not going to matter what kind of noise you use to get your Pyrs attention. If it's not worth their while, they won't come to you.

Pyrs were bred as guardian livestock dogs. They do not need humans to tell them how to do their job once they know it. All research will tell you that.

Pyrs must be leashed at all times unless in their securely fenced yard or any other fenced area.

As for walking on a leash. It's easy. Do not use any force. Time, patience and consistency.

Your dog wants to go for a walk. So go for a walk. If he pulls, stop and wait for him to leave slack on the leash. The reward is to continue on the walk the moment there is slack. This won't happen overnight but he'll figure it out. I pull, we don't go anywhere. When there is slack, my reward is the walk.

Be patient. It will take time but time well spent. It's really bonding with your dog and learning to respect and trust each other.

Here is a link to other ideas for walking on Dr. Sophia Yin's website:

https://drsophiayin.com/videos/entry/walk_nicely_on_leash/

Best of luck and have fun.
Jun 01, 2016
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starstarstarstarstar 		thank you
by: Anonymous

thanks you for these comments...both made me laugh and reassured me that i am doing ok . My neighbour who once owned a big dog keeps commenting on using force to be the alpha etc. I am following the slow and steady patience idea..
The mile long stare..haha. yes. I wonder what the heck she is thinking about?
I actually think this new dog is helping me be patient with my husband and laugh at life, as odd as that sounds. My last dog was 17 and a border collie. Very different.
Thanks again for the comments and encouragement.

Suzanne.
Jun 06, 2016
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starstarstarstarstar 		Whistle training
by: Donna

Yes, alpha training. It's bunk. You'll end up with an aggressive dog. I don't think you train your kids that way!

As for that stare, : ))))), it means...not now, when I'm ready if ever. Have a liver treat? I'll consider your request.

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