10 Best Dog Whistles for Training & Hunting – Reviews & Top Picks in 2025
Updated on
Training your dog to respond to a dog whistle can be a literal lifesaver. If you’re at the park or another crowded place, being able to make a sound that will cut through all the other noise — and one that your pup will unmistakably recognize as coming from you — can allow you to communicate with your dog and prevent her from running into the street or getting into another dangerous situation.
There’s one big problem with buying a whistle, though: if most of them sound the same (or make no sound at all), how can you tell which one is the best? Rather than dragging your dog to the store and blasting her ears with a variety of whistles, you can simply read the reviews below.
We’ve ranked ten of our favorites, based on criteria like effectiveness, ease of use, and more.
Click to Skip Ahead
A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites of 2025
Rating | Image | Product | Details | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Best Overall | The ACME Dog Training Whistle |
|
Check Price | |
Best Value | SportDOG Special Whistle |
|
Check Price | |
Premium Choice | Acme Dog Whistle |
|
Check Price | |
Forepets Professional Dog Whistle |
|
Check Price | ||
Coachi Whizzclick |
|
Check Price |
The 10 Best Dog Whistles
1. The ACME Dog Training Whistle – Best Overall
For all your training needs, you could try out the ACME Dog Training Whistle. This model is suitable for all dogs, particularly Labradors and other retrievers or larger dogs. Smaller dogs require a bit higher frequency, so this whistle may not work as well for them. Either way, this is our pick for the best overall dog training whistle!
This particular whistle is recommended for outdoor use. It is made of completely safe materials, including BPA-free plastic and food grade standard antimicrobial materials. This particular whistle was made in the UK by specialists who have over 150 years of experience in dog training.
The cleaning instructions are very straightforward; you can easily clean the whistle in warm water with a bit of disinfectant. Ultimately, it is a convenient item that hooks directly onto your key ring for ease of use.
We think you will have your pup whipped into shape in no time.
- Easy to clean
- Made of BPA-free plastic
- Works great for medium to large breeds
- May not work as well for small dogs
2. SportDOG Special Whistle – Best Value
Good luck overlooking the SportDOG Special, as the bright orange color helps it stand out in just about any situation. This is a great whistle for training hunting dogs, and it’s designed not to freeze up in any conditions, either, so you can take it with you on a winter hunt without worrying about it failing at an inopportune moment.
It produces a low-pitched noise, which is easier on everyone’s ears and also allows the sound to carry over greater distances. This makes it an unobtrusive model for use on hiking trails and at dog parks since you can call your pooch without disturbing all the humans in the area.
The low pitch makes it a good model for training puppies, as you can get their attention without blasting their eardrums.
Our only issues with this whistle are the fact that it’s made from flimsy plastic, which limits its durability, and it doesn’t come with a lanyard, which makes it harder to carry around. Luckily, it’s inexpensive, so if it breaks or falls out of your pocket, you can replace it without breaking the bank, which is why we feel it’s the best dog whistle for the money.
- Good for training hunting dogs
- Low pitch carries over long distances
- Bright color makes it easy to see
- Inexpensive option
- Won’t freeze-up
- Not especially durable
- Doesn’t come with a lanyard
3. Acme 535 Dog Whistle – Premium Choice
If you want an option that only your dog can hear, the Acme 535 is a silent model that utilizes high tones to attract your pup’s attention.
Despite the fact that you can’t hear it, it’s still extremely powerful, able to be heard up to two miles away. This makes it ideal for those who let their dogs roam around off-leash, or for users in rural areas who let their dogs explore at their leisure.
We’re not sure how much you value attractiveness in a dog whistle, but this is the classiest option on this list, as it’s made of sleek stainless steel. You’ll pay a little extra for that attractiveness, but it also makes the whistle tough and durable.
The Acme 535 doesn’t ship with a lanyard or keyring, but it does have an attached cap. This can help keep the mouthpiece clean — but only if you can get it to stay on, which is a chore.
We believe this is the finest silent whistle on the market, and one of the best whistles, period. However, it’s hard to justify paying so much when the two models above it function just as well for a fraction of the price.
- Only dogs can hear it
- Can be heard up to 2 miles away
- Sleek and classy appearance
- Attached cap keeps mouthpiece clean
- Good for off-leash dogs
- More expensive than other options
- Difficult to keep cap on
4. Forepets Professional Dog Whistle
The Forepets Professional earns its name, as it’s an excellent training tool to stop barking and other problematic behaviors. Don’t worry if you don’t know how to use it to that end, as the manufacturer includes a helpful training manual.
Busy trainers will also like the thick lanyard it comes with, as well as the locking nut feature on the cover that keeps the cap in place. This lets you get down and dirty with your dog without worrying about losing your whistle.
However, much of the training regimen rests on finding the right pitch for each command, and doing so is no easy task. This limits how many commands you can teach your dog on the whistle, while also increasing the degree of difficulty.
It’s also not easy for many dogs to hear, especially if they’re barking at the top of their lungs. As a result, you may have to blend it with other training techniques.
If you can get your dog to respond to it, however, you’ll likely find it an invaluable training tool. It would need to be a little more versatile than that to earn a higher spot here, though.
- Includes instruction manual
- Has thick lanyard and locking cap
- Good for training
- Some dogs can’t hear it
- Difficult to use
- Limited number of possible commands
5. Coachi Whizzclick
Another great dog whistle option is the ACME Dog Training Whistle. Not only is the name the coolest, but it is also an efficient whistle with a sterling reputation. This highly effective dog training whistle is suitable for dogs and puppies alike.
It is great for recall, clicker training, rewarding, you name it. It comes with a reflective lanyard so you can use it in dawn or dusk hours alike. When we say it’s a 2-in-1, that means it can be used as a clicker or a whistle for double the training power.
It has a very clear sound and is comfortable to use. It can easily fit around your wrist or keychain, making it easy to keep track of as well. Ultimately, we think that it will make your training experience a smooth one and it is durable enough to last throughout the process. It is also super affordable. However, some users say the clicker is weak compared to other clickers they’ve used, so it may not work as well for clicker training.
- Affordable
- 2-in-1 whistle and clicker
- Great for adult dogs and puppies
- Clicker may be weak
6. Acme Shepherd Mouth Whistle
The Acme 575 Shepherd is different from many traditional whistles you may have used in the past. Instead of holding it with your lips, you insert it fully into your mouth and manipulate it with your tongue.
The upshot is it allows you to create a wide variety of pitches, which then increases the number of commands you can issue. Learning to do this can take some time, however, and many users may get frustrated before seeing any results.
Another issue with it is it’s one-size-fits-all and, well, not all mouths are the same size. It may be too large for many users, making it uncomfortable to use. It’s also made of nickel, and some people are allergic to that particular metal.
If you ever get the hang of it, the Acme 575 Shepherd is extremely versatile with a good range. However, dog training is hard enough without having to learn an entirely separate skill, and we wonder how many pet owners will be dedicated enough to learn how to properly use this.
- Creates wide variety of pitches
- Has a good range
- Steep learning curve
- May be too big for some mouths
- Uses nickel, which can cause allergies
7. Logan LWA1 Sheepdog Whistle
The Logan LWA1 was designed by professional sheepdog handlers — people who need to communicate with their dogs quickly and clearly over wide stretches of land. As such, it’s a professional-grade whistle (at a premium price).
Made from high-grade alloy aluminum, it’s sleek and durable, and comes with an instructional manual on how to use it. Of course, that may be a red flag for some users — do you really need a manual to use a whistle?
For the Logan LWA1, you do. It can produce quite a few different pitches, but convincing it to do so isn’t easy, so those instructions will likely get dog-eared pretty quickly.
It’s extremely loud, to the point that you may get all the dogs in the neighborhood talking back to you (not to mention a few of the neighbors). Unless you’re a professional shepherd, you can likely find easier-to-use whistles that are much cheaper.
- Made of premium aluminum alloy
- Can be heard from great distances
- Difficult to use
- Extremely loud
- Very expensive
8. SmartPet Dog Whistle
The SmartPet Whistle claims to be ultrasonic, but it’s clearly audible to human ears — and it’s pretty loud, too. That may put many users off from the very beginning, especially if they ordered it because they were hoping for a discreet solution.
It’s loud enough to work well in noisy, raucous environments, or with dogs that are hard of hearing. However, anything that can be heard over a ton of background noise is likely to ruffle a few feathers, and if you have a deaf dog perhaps whistle training isn’t the best idea.
There isn’t a lot of nuance to the pitch, either, so it’s best used as an attention-getter. That puts you in an awkward spot in regards to training, as you would then need to have another technique at the ready once you’ve stopped your dog in his tracks.
Still, stopping a dog cold does have its uses, especially with certain hyper-focused behaviors like aggression or chasing prey. Other whistles can give you this same amount of attention-grabbing while offering multiple other uses, though, which is why the SmartPet is near the bottom of our rankings.
- Makes a good attention-getter
- Ideal for noisy environments
- Likely to annoy other people
- Lacks variety of pitches
- Best paired with other training methods
- Not very versatile
9. THINKPRICE Dog Whistle
This option from THINKPRICE is extremely small, which makes it easy to carry around — but also easy to lose in the heat of training. It breaks into three pieces as well, giving you even more opportunities to misplace something.
You can adjust the pitch by twisting the rod in the middle of the whistle, but doing so is often difficult to do, especially if your hands are full with leashes or other accessories. Users with large hands will likely find it frustrating to align properly as well.
The THINKPRICE requires you to put your lips in the exact right position. If you move them too far up, it will drown out the noise, whereas keeping them too far back limits how much breath gets through. It may not seem like much, but it gets annoying when you’re constantly having to adjust in the middle of a training session.
It’s hard to justify recommending the THINKPRICE over some of the more user-friendly options on this list, but its diminutive size gives it value as something you can keep stashed in your car or bag. Unfortunately, that’s not enough to justify more than a #9 ranking.
- Small and lightweight
- Easy to lose
- Not suitable for users with large hands
- Difficult to align properly
- Requires precise lip placement
10. Mighty Paw Training Whistle
The Mighty Paw was created with the needs of professional trainers in mind. It’s strange, then, that it should be mediocre at the basic function a whistle can perform: actually whistling.
It makes more of a quiet warble than a recognizable whistle, and while this unique sound may be distinctive, it’s not easy to hear. That’s especially true in loud or distraction-filled environments.
In fact, many dogs don’t react to the sound at all, even if they do hear it. You’ll almost certainly need to pair it with some sort of reward, like a treat or clicker, which diminishes its value as a standalone training tool.
On a positive note, it comes with two different attachment options: a lanyard and a retractable belt clip. That’s undoubtedly convenient, but does little to overcome the Mighty Paw’s other shortcomings.
- Includes both a lanyard and belt clip
- Doesn’t make a true whistle
- Extremely quiet
- Performs poorly in loud environments
- Needs to be paired with other training tools
- Many dogs won’t react to it
Buyer’s Guide: Choosing the Best Dog Whistle for Training & Hunting
Choosing the right dog whistle can make a big difference in your training sessions, especially if you’re training outdoors or in environments that are noisy or have lots of distractions. The right whistle also sets the communication path for your dog, which is necessary for safety, recall, and reinforcement. Here are some essential considerations to help you choose the best dog whistle for your dog training needs.
Sound Frequency and Range
A dog whistle’s frequency and range dictate how far the sound of the whistle carries and how your dog will discern the sound. Some whistles create audible pitches that people can hear, while others are ultrasonic, designed for dogs’ sensitive hearing, and generally unheard by humans. Lower-pitched whistles are great for calling dogs back from a distance or using them in open areas. On the other hand, high-frequency whistles are beneficial for teaching specific commands in tighter proximity. For example, if you’re in a rural setting or have a larger dog, you need a long-range, low-frequency whistle that makes it easy for your dog to hear your commands.
Durability and Build Material
Durability and comfort both depend on the material of your dog whistle. The choices are generally stainless steel, aluminum alloy, and BPA-free plastic. Stainless steel or alloy whistles are good for durability and will be suitable for rugged conditions, like on hunting trips. Plastic whistles are usually cheaper and more lightweight, but won’t necessarily last as long. Furthermore, an antimicrobial-coated whistle may be advantageous when it comes to hygiene, to avoid bacteria as a result of frequent handling.
Comfort and Ease of Use
If you’re going to have long and frequent training sessions, comfort is an important factor to think about, since you’re going to be using the whistle a lot. Consider designs with ergonomic grips, wrist lanyards, or keychain attachments, which make carrying and accessing the whistle easier. Some whistles fit inside the mouth and provide a wider range of pitch control but may require practice. A standard mouth-held whistle with a lanyard may be a more user-friendly option if you’re new to dog whistle training.
Adjustability and Command Variety
Some dog whistles are adjustable so you can fine-tune the pitch to make it easier to assign different frequencies for different commands. The versatility will be quite handy when training dogs on various cues, such as sit, stay, recall, etc. But it also comes with its own challenges in setting the right pitch/frequency for each command. Beginners might therefore find non-adjustable whistles that already have the right pitch/frequency set for basic training less complicated to get started. If you prefer an adjustable whistle, consider one with a training manual (or video guide).
Price and Value for Money
Dog whistles will vary in price with plastic options being more affordable to more premium stainless steel whistles. Basic plastic whistles will do the trick but might be a little less durable if you’re training often or need something to handle outdoor adventures. Silent whistles are more high-end and very useful for minimal noise in public spaces. We recommend you select a dog whistle within your budget that can still fulfill your needs in comfort, range, and durability.
Additional Features
Not all dog whistles have extra features, like a nonfreezing mechanism for cold weather or a bright color for easy visibility. For those training in winter or hunting in cold regions, whistles with anti-freeze properties ensure reliability in frigid conditions. Brightly colored models help prevent loss outdoors, and those with a cap or locking feature can keep the mouthpiece clean, especially helpful for rugged training environments.
Whether you’re just starting or an experienced trainer, choosing a whistle suited to your environment, training goals, and dog’s responsiveness will enhance your training experience and ensure effective communication with your dog.
Our Dog Whistle Selection Process
Our Hepper team includes experienced writers and editors who collaborate closely with licensed veterinarians to find the best, most beneficial pet products. Customer reviews, brand reputation, veterinary insights, and, occasionally, hands-on testing are a few factors they consider when making their selections. Our goal is to choose and review only the highest-quality products to help our readers make informed decisions that benefit both them and their pets.
Why Trust Hepper?
Hepper has been an evolving online resource since 2007, specializing in innovating and retailing a range of cat furniture, gear, toys, and pet consumables. This experience has given our team valuable insights into selecting the best dog whistle. Our passionate team of animal-loving writers, editors, and veterinarians is truly committed to helping readers make the best choices for their pet companions. We are focused on delivering accurate information and recommending the highest-quality products available. Our team is wholeheartedly invested in the health and well-being of pets everywhere, believing that expert knowledge is key to success.
Summary: Choosing the Best Dog Whistles
If you want a convenient and effective way to train your dog, we recommend using the ACME Dog Training Whistle. It’s loud, perfect for use while camping, and works well in extreme conditions.
A cheaper option that’s nearly as good is the SportDOG Special. While it’s made of flimsy plastic, it’s nevertheless excellent for training hunting dogs, and its vivid coloring makes it difficult to lose. Its low pitch can be heard from quite a distance as well.
We hope the reviews above make it easier for you to find a dog whistle that your pup will truly respond to, so that you can begin a successful training program. If nothing else, you can use one of the silent whistles to drive your annoying neighbor’s dog crazy.
See Also: