The 210.5 (or 211.5).

‘Acme’ is the market-leading manufacturer of quality whistles.

From their entire, comprehensive, range, just two models of Acme whistles account for 99% (and possibly more!) of our whistle sales – those models are the 210.5 and the 211.5. These two whistles are visually identical – the only difference is between their pitches. The sound produced by these whistles is ‘constant’ – they do not contain a ‘pea’ which would create a ‘trilling’ sound.

Described below is the full range of Acme whistles which we offer. If you’d prefer to read about only a particular whistle please use the tabs above.

The 210.5 has been developed with an extremely high pitch to be best-suited to spaniel breeds; the 211.5, with a slightly lower pitch (although to the human ear the difference is almost indiscernible), is best suited to retriever breeds.

As a clue to their popularity, it’s interesting to note that Acme produce these two whistles in a wide range of colours. Of their other whistles, none are produced in more than two colours. That tells a story!

The 210 – available in orange or black.

Moving on to the other whistles:

A long, long, way behind, all the other whistles pretty much share a far, far, lower level of popularity.

The 210 is visually very similar to the 210.5 and the 211.5. The major difference is that the 210 contains a ‘pea’, so when it’s blown a trilling sound is created. In principle, there’s nothing wrong with having a whistle which emits a ‘trilling’ ‘sound; it seems that for whatever reason trainers are generally more inclined towards, so presumably have more success with, whistles which emit a ‘constant’ sound.

At a higher level of training sophistication, benefitting from its contrasting sound the 210 might be used in conjunction with a 210.5 or 211.5 to accommodate a wider range of instructions.

The 212 – available in orange or black.

The 212 can be visually identified as different from the other Acme plastic whistles, being measurably shorter.

With its medium pitch, the 212 is a great all-rounder with a sound that is well within human hearing. The 212 whistle holds its pitch, or frequency, irrespective of how hard it is blown. This whistle is especially accurate over distance and works very well with Pointers, Setters, Retrievers and most Terriers. It is an excellent whistle for harder to train dogs and heavy cover situations.

Also known as the ‘Pro-Trialler’, the 212 is usually the choice of professional trialists using this type of whistle.

The Thunderer. In black or black!

At a lower level of sophistication (and therefore also lower price) is the ‘Thunderer’. This model, with the classic appearance and trilling sound of a referee’s whistle, is the one which may be most closely matched by a ‘high street’ whistle. Except, we’d suggest, its quality.

Finally the 535, which is substantially different in style from all the whistles noted above.

The plated brass 535.

Although actually (and unhelpfully) named the ‘Acme Silent Dog Whistle 535’, as noted above no whistle is truly silent. If it were nothing would be able to hear it! Set at its highest frequency humans can hear the 535 – but only just. What your dog hears is far louder and travels up to an amazing 1.5km. Designed with special air directors the frequency produced is tightly controlled. Adjustable through a wide range of frequencies using a screw piston mechanism, you can adjust the pitch until it’s at the optimum pitch for any particular dog, making it a most versatile whistle which can be used with all breeds. A booklet is supplied with each 535 giving easy instructions on adjusting the whistle and training your dog. Manufactured from solid brass the 535 is the ultimate dog training whistle which will last for, literally, ages.

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The figure-of-8 leads available here, manufactured by Hem & Boo, are without doubt our most popular version of the range of figure-of-8 leads we stock. These leads are 60” long and available in a choice of thicknesses and colours. They are manufactured using a super-soft woven nylon, extremely comfortable on both the owner’s hand and the dog’s muzzle.

The first distinctive feature of these leads to observe is that they can be used as either a figure-of-8 lead or a conventional slip lead. When used as a figure-of-8 the leads are inevitably shortened by 20”-25” (depending on the size of the dog) due to the loops which are formed for the dog’s neck and muzzle. When the lead is used as a conventional slip lead, the lead’s length reduces by perhaps 15”-20”.

The dual-purpose metal clip.

The metal clip which creates the figure-of-8 actually has two uses. The primary use of the clip is being positioned under the dog’s chin where it forms the figure-of-8 point between the loop around the dog’s neck and the loop around the dog’s muzzle. The secondary use of the clip is when the lead is fitted as a conventional slip lead – the clip can be positioned where it stops the loop from over-tightening around the dog’s neck.

Each lead incorporates a leather ‘stopper’, which when the lead has been fitted is used to fix the lead in place. (Just slide it back up the lead to easily remove it.)

These rounded leads are available in two thicknesses – 8mm and 12mm. Generally, it could be suggested that the thinner 8mm width lead is the more suitable size for smaller breeds such as the majority of terriers, collies and Cocker spaniels. At the cross-over point where both sizes might be suitable are Springer spaniels and the smallest of labradors. The thicker 12mm width is suitable for the majority of labradors and all other breeds of a similar or larger size. If you’r leaning towards the 12mm width then perhaps the single issue to consider is to be sure the lead – where it goes over the muzzle – doesn’t obstruct the dog’s vision. If you follow the breed guidelines noted above this won’t be a problem.

So, if you’re not sure that you want/need a figure-of-8 lead then this one can alternatively be used as a conventional slip lead. If you’re tempted then why not try it?

If you do know that you want/need a figure-of-8 lead then this one ticks all the boxes.

And at the price point of an ordinary slip lead, what’s not to like?

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Our rabbit hand throwing dummy are wrapped in real rabbit fur and come complete with a throwing toggle. 

The 1/4lb is more suited to puppies of the medium/large breeds of full-grown dogs of the smaller breeds. It is ideal for starting young dogs training with picking up fur. 

The 1/2lb size would be the size we would suggest for dogs of the size of smaller spaniels. 

The 1lb size is suggested for dogs of the size of larger spaniels and retrievers. 

The rabbit-skin covered tennis ball is a cheap alternative to the full dummies which introduces an element of fun and is particularly useful for a dog which is struggling with the concept of picking up fur. The balls are available with and without throwing toggles.

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If you’ve ever experienced how exhausting and embarrassing it can be when your dog is pulling on the lead, or lunging at other dogs and people, you’ll be pleased to discover that Gencon has a solution.

The Gencon All-in-1 Clip-to-collar leads are made from soft yet durable webbing fabric and are specifically designed not to pull up into your dog’s eyes or uncomfortably turn their head, making them the perfect lead training accessories for grown dogs and puppy walking.

Each Gencon All-in-1 Clip-to-collar lead consists of one piece of lead, towards one end are formed two simple loops (often referred to as a ‘figure of 8’) that apply gentle pressure when your dog pulls, the lead gently but effectively stopping your dog pulling forwards. Only gentle pressure is needed; there is no need to jerk. Make sure the Gencon is fitted correctly and it is slackening when the pressure is taken off the lead.

The additional feature of the top-of-the-range Clip-to-collar leads is that the ‘handle’ end of the lead terminates in a clip fastening. Depending on the behaviour of your dog you can either clip this end of the lead to your dog’s collar, giving you extra control and reassurance that an excited dog can’t slip it’s lead, or formed into a conventional handle.

Most people walk their dogs on their left. The standard configuration of the lead is ‘left-handed’, so the lead, held in the right hand, crosses in front of the owner’s body to the head of the dog on the owner’s left. Alternatively, leads with a ‘right-handed’ configuration can be ordered to suit particular requirements.

Available in a wide range of classic and modern colour ways, one size of Gencon* fits all breeds.

*Gencon – the name is an an abbreviation of ‘Gen(tle) Con(trol). Sweet!

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The complete five-size range of Bak-Paks.

Now your best friend can carry his (or her) own gear – and perhaps some of yours too!

• Pack detaches from harness at rest times
• Two generous zip-closed carrying pockets
• Quick-release lead holder for fast control
• Integral lifting handle
• Three adjustable harness straps
• Padded harness
• Strong rip-stop fabric
• Reflective safety strips on both sides
• Elastic straps for sleeping pad
• Extra anchor points for larger items
• Internal divider in both pockets
• Additional pocket fastener for secure storage
• Padded covers on buckles avoid rubbing
• Light weight when empty

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