The Top Dog Whistles for Training and Obedience

Written by Katie Melynn Wood
Updated: March 4, 2023
© iStock.com/Peter-verreussel

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Training your dog is an important part of being a responsible dog owner. Not only does it make life easier for you, but it also helps your dog to stay safe and enjoy places where they are expected to behave. While training programs and guides are helpful, having the right tools to train your dog is equally important. Whether you plan to train your dog to do tricks or go hunting with your dog, there is a dog whistle made for your needs.

We’ve researched and reviewed the best dog whistles for training and obedience. Our top picks work with a budget, are easy and straightforward to use and will hold up through the training process. Find out which whistles we recommend for all dog owners and the top-of-the-line options for specialized training.

  1. SportDOG SAC00-11748 Roy Gonia Mega Dog Whistle
    • Simple design
    • Easy to blow
    • Can be used outdoors and indoors
    • Long range
    Check Chewy Check Amazon
  2. SportDOG Roy Gonia Clear Competition Dog Whistle
    • An affordable whistle
    • Carried on a lanyard
    • Lower-pitched sound travels further
    • Ideal for training hunting dogs
    Check Chewy Check Amazon
  3. Acme Silent Dog Whistle
    • Very durable training whistle
    • Made of brass and nickel-plated
    • The frequency can be adjusted
    • Can be heard for up to 400 yards
    Check Amazon
  4. 8 Piece Dog Training Set
    • Complete set for training
    • Whistles have adjustable sounds
    • Very durable
    • Includes interactive toy
    Check Amazon

A-Z-Animals Top Picks for Dog Whistles

#1 Overall Best: SportDOG Roy Gonia Mega Dog Whistle

In our review, the top dog whistle for training and obedience is the SportDOG Roy Gonia Mega Dog Whistle.

Combining affordability with top performance, this whistle is a simple design that is easy to use and requires no specialized skill or knowledge. It has a simple design that is easy to blow. When training your dog, you will probably need to use the whistle frequently, especially at the beginning of the training process. This whistle is both easier to blow and easier on your ears. The black part of the whistle directs the sound forward rather than in all directions or back at the trainer.

It has a durable design and is meant to stand up to the wind and rain of outdoor use, perfect for those who go hunting and fishing with their dogs. Plus, the sound travels a good amount of distance, but as the user, you can control the volume by how hard you blow. This whistle is on the larger side and designed for outdoor use. If you want to find just one whistle that will work for just about every situation, this is our top pick.

Unfortunately, some customers have reported that the sound produced by this whistle is inconsistent.

Pros and Cons of the SportDOG Roy Gonia Mega Dog Whistle

ProsCons
This whistle has a simple design that is easy to use.The sound produced is inconsistent.
It directs sound forward instead of back at the user.
It has a durable design which is suitable for outdoor use.
You can control the volume by how hard you blow.
Overall Best
SportDOG SAC00-11748 Roy Gonia Mega Dog Whistle
  • Simple design
  • Easy to blow
  • Can be used outdoors and indoors
  • Long range
Check Chewy Check Amazon

2. Best on a Budget: SportDOG Roy Gonia Clear Competition Dog Whistle

A good quality dog whistle doesn’t need to cost the earth, which is why we recommend the SportDOG Roy Gonia Clear Competition Dog Whistle.

This affordable whistle is great for training and competition use. It is simple to use, holds up well, and can be carried on a lanyard around your neck for convenient access. The whistle has a lower-pitched sound than some other options. This helps the sound travel further to keep your dog attentive to your calls. The sound is directed forward from the whistle rather than all-around or back at the handler. Make sure to blow it in the direction of your dog so that they can hear it.

This whistle is ideal for training hunting dogs and agility dogs. These pups need to be called quickly and efficiently. Keeping your whistle handy will help you and your dog both perform at your best. The whistle doesn’t come with a lanyard but it is easy enough to purchase an affordable one of your choice and connect it via the metal ring on the end.

Pros and Cons of the SportDOG Roy Gonia Clear Competition Dog Whistle

ProsCons
This whistle is has a simple design that is easy to use.It does not come with a lanyard.
It can be carried on a lanyard.
The sound has a lower pitch to help it travel further.
It directs the sound forward rather than back at the handler.
Best on a Budget
SportDOG Roy Gonia Clear Competition Dog Whistle
  • An affordable whistle
  • Carried on a lanyard
  • Lower-pitched sound travels further
  • Ideal for training hunting dogs
Check Chewy Check Amazon

3. Best Adjustable: Acme Silent Adjustable Dog Whistle

As the best adjustable whistle we recommend the Acme Silent Dog Whistle.

This is a high-end durable training whistle. It is made of brass and nickel-plated for durability. At just four inches long, it is small enough to carry as you go. This whistle has an incredible range and dogs can hear it up to 400 yards away. To adjust the frequency, simply turn the whistle to change the frequency to suit your dog.

While this dog whistle is marketed as a silent whistle, it can still be heard slightly by humans. This is especially the case when the whistle is adjusted to one of the higher frequencies. However, the higher frequencies can also be more irritating to dogs.

Pros and Cons of the Acme Silent Dog Whistle

ProsCons
This whistle is made of brass and nickel-plated for durability.The higher frequencies may irritate dogs.
Dogs can hear this whistle up to 400 yards away.
The frequency can be adjusted by simply turning it.
Best Adjustable
Acme Silent Dog Whistle
  • Very durable training whistle
  • Made of brass and nickel-plated
  • The frequency can be adjusted
  • Can be heard for up to 400 yards
Check Amazon

4. Best Training Kit: Weewooday 8 Piece Dog Training Kit

If you are new to training your dog or are getting started with a new pet pup, consider the 8 Piece Dog Training Set.

This kit comes with two adjustable sound whistles, two clickers, one training bell, one lightening ball toy, and two lanyards. These training aids help gives your dog easy-to-follow guidance and sounds to follow. The whistles included in this kit are adjustable in pitch. To change the tone higher or lower, simply take off the cover and turn the screw rod.

We recommend choosing one signal, such as the whistle or bell, to begin with. Depending on your dog’s preferences, it can be helpful to have multiple options. Try them out and see which works best for your pup. Once you and your dog have an established training routine, you can move on to more complex training objectives.

Unfortunately, pup parents have reported that the toy is not durable or suitable for dogs that chew.

Pros and Cons of the 8 Piece Dog Training Set

ProsCons
This kit comes with two adjustable sound whistles, two clickers, one training bell, one lightening ball toy, and two lanyards.The toy is not suitable for dogs that chew.
You can adjust the pitch of the whistles.
This kit offers a range of training options.
Best Training Kit
8 Piece Dog Training Set
  • Complete set for training
  • Whistles have adjustable sounds
  • Very durable
  • Includes interactive toy
Check Amazon

Choosing the Best: What to Look For

When deciding on a dog whistle for training, look for something that is affordable, durable, and works for your needs and style of training.

Affordable

Dog whistles generally cost between a few dollars to more than $20 for an all-metal constructed whistle. If you want a whistle that will last for a lifetime, spending a little bit more, in the beginning, is a good idea. If you prefer something that is more affordable and cheaper to replace if it gets lost or damaged, look for something that is made of plastic. Many plastic whistles are still well-made and will last for years.

Durable

Dog training often requires time outside or in the elements. If you plan to hunt or fish with your dog, you will definitely need a whistle that is both durable and effective. Look for one that is made of high-quality plastic or metal. The securing ring should also be durable enough to keep the whistle attached to a lanyard or keychain.

Needs

Consider the type of training that you plan to do when selecting a dog whistle. For basic obedience training, a simple plastic whistle will do. If you plan to go hunting or fishing with your dog, you will want something that is more durable and that can hold up to wind, rain, and other weather. For those just getting started with a puppy, a training kit may be the most budget-conscious way to go while also getting all the training tools you may need.

The Different Types of Dog Training Whistles: Pros and Cons Compared

Dog training whistles often have similar designs but one of the main distinguishing features is whether they are single tone whistles or adjustable whistles. Each has its pros and cons, discussed here.

Single Tone Whistle

ProsCons
It is usually less expensive.They offer less customization.
There are fewer parts to wear or break.Not everyone likes the sound.
There are many options available.

Adjustable Whistle

ProsCons
You can change the sound to suit you or dog.They are often more expensive.
They are more customizable.

About the Author

Katie is a freelance writer and teaching artist specializing in home, lifestyle, and family topics. Her work has appeared in At Ease Magazine, PEOPLE, and The Spruce, among others. When she is not writing, Katie teaches creative writing with the Apex Arts Magnet Program in Anne Arundel County, Maryland. You can follow Katie @katiemelynnwriter.

The Top Dog Whistles for Training and Obedience FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) 

What are the benefits of an adjustable whistle?

An adjustable whistle offers a more tailored approach to training as you can adjust it to find the perfect pitch that your dog responds to.

What are the advantages of a single tone whistle?

Single tone whistles are less expensive than adjustable whistles are are great if you are just starting out with your pup. They are also loud and audible to both humans and animals.

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