The Stop Whistle
By Debs Sutton
THE STOP WHISTLE
This exercise takes time and patience to teach.
Stand with your dog by your side, give one sharp blow on the whistle and tell dog to sit. You can use a treat over the dog’s nose and/or a hand signal to help him understand that you want him to sit.
Try walking a few paces, and get your dog used to sitting by your side every time you stand still and blow the whistle. Always use the same long sharp sound. Correct him gently if he makes a mistake.
Next blow your whistle to stop him whilst he is close to you but running around. If he doesn’t stop and sit, run up to him using the command ‘sit’ and blow your whistle. When he understands this command each time he sits, go to him to reward him with a small treat. (Do not call him to you)
When you have achieved this, all you need to do is increase the distance. Continue to go to him to reward him until he has completely understood this exercise. When he gets it right consistently and you can stop him at a fair distance, you can start calling him to you or directing him. Continue to increase the distance.
Debs Sutton
APDT No. 00694
