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So, what’s a dog parent to do? The best idea is to train them out of this behavior, which is where dog whistles come into play. These can be used to let your pup know when it is inappropriate to bark. But since you might not have one handy, the next best thing is a dog whistle app.
But do these apps actually work? There haven’t really been studies into whether they work, but if you look at what pet owners are saying, many claim that dog whistle apps indeed do what they say they do. Of course, how good a job an app does might come down to which one you’re using. Here’s what you should know about dog whistle apps!
How Do Dog Whistles Work?
You’re likely somewhat familiar with dog whistles, but maybe you’ve never used one before and are wondering how they work. Dog whistles have been used for quite a while to help train canines by emitting a sound that’s at a higher frequency than humans can hear (for the most part, as there are audible dog whistles that make a sound that you can hear too).
Both people and dogs can hear low frequencies, such as 20 Hz, but only canines can hear frequencies between 70k and 100k Hz.1 Essentially, your pup is capable of hearing frequencies that are three times higher than what humans can hear.
How Do Dog Whistle Apps Work?
A dog whistle app does what it says on the tin: It emits high frequencies that only your pet can hear so it can catch their attention during training. Every dog is different, though, and will respond to differently pitched frequencies. Most dog whistle apps come with a range of frequencies from which to choose. You can use the app during training (ideally paired with treats) instead of using a clicker. Or you can simply use it to get your pet’s attention when you need to.
Can Dog Whistle Apps Harm Dogs?
As long as you’re properly using a dog whistle app, your pet won’t suffer any harm. That means you shouldn’t use the app anywhere close to your dog’s ears, as your pup has sensitive hearing. Think of how you’d feel if a referee blew a whistle near you, then came up and blew it again right next to your ear. Ouch!
Additionally, be aware of other pets in your home. Cats can also hear higher frequencies (even more so than dogs), so a dog whistle app could affect them.
What Are the Best Dog Whistle Apps?
There are quite a few dog whistle apps available on both Android and IOS, but we recommend going with an app that has a high rating and good reviews. A few to choose from that meet those qualifications include:
There’s a good chance that you’ll need to try out more than one app to find one with a frequency that works with your pup, but that should be easily accomplished.
In Conclusion
There’s no hard data that can tell us if dog whistle apps work, but according to reviews from pet parents, there are ones out there that do. If you’d like to try out an app to help train your pup, keep them from barking, or just get their attention, there are several options available. Just make sure you are opting for one that has a high rating and good reviews. Also, keep in mind you might have to try more than one dog whistle app since every dog will react to different frequencies.
Featured Image Credit: Aleksey Boyko, Shutterstock
