How to Select the Right Dog Whistle for Training: Expert Advice

A crucial aspect of being a dog parent is training your furry friend and helping them learn how to socialize and obey when needed. As training is required for all canines, some people may try to incorporate different tools, such as a dog whistle, into their training.

However, if you are using a dog whistle for the first time, you may be wondering how to select the right one. If so, you’ve come to the right place!

Read on to learn more about dog whistles, how they function, what their types are, and how to choose the best whistle for training your canine.

How to Look For a Dog Whistle for Dog Training

When you’re getting a dog whistle for the first time, it can be tricky to choose the most suitable one because there are so many available options. However, making your choice will be much simpler if you consider the following.

1. Types of Dog Whistles

There are three different types of dog whistles that you will likely come across:

• Audible — This one releases sounds that both humans and dogs can hear. It may be better for beginners because you'll be able to hear the sound and ensure that you’re always releasing the same frequency for a particular command.
• Silent — This one is almost silent for people, but dogs can hear the frequency without any issues. Many dog parents choose this whistle because it’s silent for humans, so the sound won’t bother other people.

When choosing between dog whistle types, it all comes down to your preference. If you’re a beginner, it may be best to start with an audible whistle and slowly work your way to the silent one.

2. Additional Dog Whistle Features

Here are other features that you should look for to get the most out of your dog whistle:

• Adjustable — This one enables you to adjust the pitches per your needs.
• Consistent sound — The whistle needs to release a consistent sound whenever you blow it, a lock that avoids frequencies to change is desired.
• Easily washable — The whistle will touch your mouth on a daily basis, so ensure that it’s easily washable.
• Sturdy — The whistle needs to be sturdy because you’ll mostly be using it outside, and it could potentially break if it hits the ground.

How Do Dog Whistles Function?

Silent or ultrasonic dog whistles release a high frequency that you can barely hear but your dog can hear very well thanks to their hearing range. You can learn how to use it to your advantage during training to help your furry friend learn commands more easily.

These whistles emit a tone of around 35,000Hz, which is too high for us to hear, but dogs have incredibly sharp senses and can hear high-pitched sounds up to 47,000–65,000 hertz. This means they can hear the whistle sound quite clearly.

In fact, the sound of the dog whistle is so strong, it can travel 1.5 km, making this a great tool for people with herd dogs or hunting dogs.

Dog whistles can be extremely handy during dog training, but you can’t just go around whistling without a reason. Instead, you need to know how to use it properly to help your dog associate the command with the appropriate action.

Is a Dog Whistle Suitable for Every Type of Dog Training?

A dog whistle is suitable for most types of dog training, though it’s mainly used during recall training. If you learn how to use it properly, this whistle can be suitable for:

• Obedience training
• Training to prevent barking
• Modifying unwanted behaviors

Blowing the whistle too frequently without a reason may make your dog not react to that sound after a while. Proper uses of a dog whistle include:

• During recall training, blowing the whistle will notify your dog to return to you.
• If your dog is excessively barking, blowing the whistle will bring your canine to the present moment and send a message that such behavior is inappropriate.

Will Using a Dog Whistle Hurt My Dog’s Ears?

Using a dog whistle could potentially hurt your dog’s ears, if not used properly, which is why you need to learn how to handle it properly. Try learning everything about using a dog whistle beforehand to prevent possible issues.

Carefully read the manufacturer guidelines, and discuss dog whistle training with a trainer or veterinarian to start learning when and how you should handle your whistle. Some details vary depending on the kind of training or purpose your dog needs to learn.

How Not to Use a Dog Whistle for Dog Training

If you don’t want to hurt your dog’s ears during whistle training, you need to know the ways that you shouldn’t handle a dog whistle for training:

• Never use the whistle close to your dog’s ears.
• Never blow the whistle at full strength.

Remember that other animals, such as cats, can also hear these sounds, so be wary of them, and try not to hurt or scare them during your dog’s whistle training.

Benefits & Disadvantages of Using Dog Whistles for Dog Training

Like any other dog training tool, a dog whistle has both positive and negative aspects. It all comes down to whether it is a suitable training tool for you and your dog, so be sure to consider the benefits and the disadvantages.

Final Thoughts

When choosing a dog whistle for dog training, first consider the type. Audible whistles and silent or ultrasonic whistles are usually used for different purposes in a dog. Each handler can choose different whistle cues or commands for behaviors, rarely some trainers use them also as markers.

Remember to look for a whistle made of durable material that’s easily washable and has good consistency and volume range. Also, remember the whistle is a tool to help you communicate with your pup and therefore consistency is incredibly important to avoid confusion and frustration in your dog. Please avoid changing your whistle’s purpose or meaning. Choose one and stick to it.

Featured Image Credit: Jari Hindstroem, Shutterstock