Introducing Whistle Commands to a 2 Y/O Lab

[ADDfishing]

I've got a 2 y/o lab that I've got working nicely my own way - not professionally trained. I've found a "system" that works for us, and brings birds back to the blind, but I've gotta yell his name to get him to look at me, then I can direct him.

I'm thinking of introducing a whistle to the mix so I'm not yelling,

"Gus!"

"NOOOOOOOOO!"

"GOOOOOOD BOY"

"HUNT FOR EM!!!!"

"HERE!!!!"


I can give him hand signals and get him to go where I need him to go, I just think it would be easier on me to blow a whistle rather than yelling. Is it too late to introduce a whistle to get him to give a look so I can direct him? I know I sound like a complete hack, but I just want him to fetch birds, not win titles. My thinking is: If he fetches birds - with his safety in mind - and I don't have to get the boat - what more can I ask for? (Except: I hate when they drop the banded bull pintail in the mud and then stand on it to shake off.)

What do you guys/gals think? Too late? I'm thinking it's not - they're all smart, and I'm going to try regardless. Just looking for an opinion.

[gottaflylee]

Not to late, just go back to basics and use the whistle along with voice & hand signals. Go back to short work again and put the whistle into effect. Your dog can here the whistle a lot father out than your voice. Most likely it will take a while for him to catch on to the whistle signals so be patience...