Gun Dog Forum

What is a good whistle to invest it?

New pup next week. I start recall and kennel the day he gets home and would like to start fetch and stop whistle a week or two after that. But, darn, I don't have a whistle in my box of stored gear.

I had been using a whistle made from deer antler but I have no idea what happened to it.

Sportdog Gonia Special Orange Whistle with Pea and a plastic Acme Thunderer are my go tos for both upland and waterfowl hunting.

Acme Thunderer -- sound carries well, it's fairly cheap, & carried in most sporting goods stores (it's used by football and basketball officials)

I like the Gonia


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So just an umpire's whistle works well?

Yes-- Gun dog supply has the acme thunders from $3.69 to $7 (depending on size)

I like to have both a pea style whistle and a pea-less with me. Hunting in cold weather can freeze the pea in a whistle so having a pea-less whistle handy is a good idea. I like the Gonia whistles.

Just google Acme Thunder Whistle

It is worth noting that whatever you use, it is wise to stay with the same whistle. I well remember that when I forgot my Sportdog Gonia Special Orange Whistle with Pea, my partner gave me an extra Acme Thunderer that he had and my dog totally ignored it! Fortunately, he worked on hand and voice signals as well, so we got by, but field trials and other hunters that you go out with me will be using whistles too. Your dog will get used to the same whistle from you, and pay no attention to others, which is what he should do. I guess if you consistently hunt with no other dogs, it may not matter.