Poor lad. It sounds as though he went to an old-fashioned trainer I hope you manage to build his confidence up - although I have seen in the past that nervous dogs are fine when actually working the sheep, and then nervous again when they come off.

Good luck with your quest.

This is a brilliantly funny yet factual advice on how to use a "Half Moon whistle"

That was brillient !

Avery body who has atempted to use the shepherds whistle should defo read this!

I've done it! I've made my whistle whistle!
I feel so proud of myself!!!

My ex bought me a shepherds whistle which he can actually use. He was astonished when I put it in my mouth for the first time, blew and a sound came out!

It is very tricky but I keep having a go and i'm getting there.

It took me a long time but now all is fine. i eventually approached the shepherd doing a demo at a show and asked him for advice. He showed me, i went home picked up the whistle and off we went! Try this, put the whistle in your mouth so that the hole is covered. Put the tip of your tongue on the lower hole and gently move it away whilst "nreathing" across the whistle (if you see what I mean). keep the whistle loose in your mouth and try and move it around with your tongue. The metal whistles are, i find, much easier and can also be cleaned more easily (something I quite like to do as the whistle gets into all sorts of dubious places when I am leaning down). Good luck!