I want to improve my recall so plan to work through the exercises in Total Recall. First step is to get a whistle. Having read Pippa's article about whistles I looked online for an Acme 210.5 whistle. There seem to be two types: Acme 210.5 Dog Whistle which I'm guessing is the original one and I think is the one Pippa's article links to, and 210.5 Alpha which I think is the only one available on Acme's website now. Does it matter which I get? From the description of the Alpha (below), I'm not sure if the flexibility it describes means it's actually more difficult to make a consistent sound for my dog. Or whether it simply means there's scope for adding a wider range of commands. And I don't know if the Alpha is superceding the other and that only the Alpha will be available in the future anyway. So, which should I get? Thanks. Alpha. "Developed over four years in collaboration with Champion trainers to create an unrivalled whistle. Patented sound chambers offer a more efficient use of air. That means brighter sound giving you better command and a more responsive dog, close- to and over distance. These all-new designs are effortless to blow and, because of that, give you the greatest flexibility to vary your breath, your whistling style and your choice of commands. The all over comfort grip offers softness in the mouth and perfect handling in all conditions. Over the fields and hills, on the beach, in your local park or at home this new range will ensure you lead your pack."
Hi there. I've only used original Acme whistles myself so I can't comment with confidence on the alpha - but looking at their website it does look a bit like the alpha may be going to replace the original. If so, I suspect the sound will be similar enough to the original not to cause big issues when people switch (or Acme would have a lot of grumpy customers to deal with ) - but for your confidence maybe it's worth just going straight to the new design. I don't think the flexibility is likely to be an issue for consistent sound - I suspect that's just aimed at trainers who need a lot of different, intentional, cues from one whistle. (For example, I use a trilling sound for one of my cues) The reviews look good! And the soft mouth grip sounds great. The only downside to Acme whistles for me has always been how uncomfortable they are to grip in your teeth for prolonged periods. I would go with the alpha, personally
Hi - we have both - I much prefer the alpha. The sound is clearer and it feels better on your teeth than the hard plastic of the original. Monty responds to either - doesn't seem to matter which we use.
I read about this whistle Alpha in a training book given to me by a dog behaviorist. The older my dogs get, the more they run away. Shouting a name from a distance is not enough, but this whistle works brilliantly. They seem to respond much faster to a whistle than to a voice command.
