No, a dog whistle won’t harm your pet when used properly. Dogs are naturally more sensitive to sounds because they hear more frequencies than humans.
Dogs can be trained in various ways, and tools make communication with them easier. Dog whistles are a common training tool. Some dog owners worry that dog whistles harm their dogs due to their high-pitched frequency. As long as you use them properly, they’re safe.
How Do Dog Whistles Work?
Dog whistles emit high-pitched frequencies that are inaudible to humans but dogs can hear them. The ears of dogs are more sensitive and powerful than those of humans so they can hear an extensive range of frequencies than humans.
Humans can hear frequencies between 15 and 17 kilohertz (kHz). A dog can hear pitches up to 45 kHz, and a cat can hear pitches up to 64 kHz. Dog whistles typically emit frequencies between 23 and 54 kHz. You’ll normally hear a hiss when you blow a dog whistle, whereas a dog will hear a high-pitched sound.
Purpose of Dog Whistle
- During dog training, dog whistles are most commonly used. They are often used with clickers and treats to reward a dog for completing a task correctly.
- While their noise will likely attract a dog’s attention, they won’t usually cause them to go wild like in cartoons or movies.
- It doesn’t matter what type of dog whistle a person uses. Physical whistles are most commonly used, but digital whistles are also available.
- Training your dog with a whistle will take time, just like any other form of dog training. If you want your dog to perform a particular behavior or task, it can be a very effective method of communicating with them.
- Canine sporting events and competitions often use silent whistles to communicate with dogs when to go and when to stop.
- Sheepdog competitions often use whistle commands to instruct their dogs. The purpose of these whistles is more or less the same, even if they are not “silent” whistles.
- Silent whistles are also used with hunting dogs and gun dogs because hunting dogs have a wider range of hearing than most animals.
Are Dog Whistles Painful to Dogs?
The dog whistle is painful for dogs and can hurt dogs’ ears if overblown and has a high frequency.
- When used improperly, dog whistles can cause pain and hearing damage to dogs and humans.
- Since you cannot hear a dog whistle, knowing if it is safe for your dog is important.
- The inner ear is well known to be damaged by high-intensity sound; a single loud blast or repeated exposure to high-intensity sound can damage your dog’s ears.
- Higher frequencies are known to be more damaging than lower frequencies.
Can a Dog Whistle Hurt Human Ears?
No. Dog whistles produce a high-pitched sound that humans can’t hear. It is above your hearing frequency. So humans are safe with dog whistles, but dogs aren’t. Hence, you must be careful while using a dog whistle on your pet.
How to Properly Use a Dog Whistle?
The intensity with which these whistles should be blown can confuse first-time pet parents. Since humans cannot hear these sounds, you might unintentionally blow them too loudly and frequently.
Begin Gently
If you blow the whistle too hard, it can impair your dog’s hearing or irritate him. Because humans can’t hear the whistle, but dogs can. A loud whistle can damage a dog’s ears.
The best way to prevent damage to your dog’s ears is to invest in a beginner’s whistle, which makes it difficult to be too loud, reducing the risk of unintentionally hurting your pet. First-time pet parents learning to use dog whistles should consider beginner whistles.
Never Blow Directly Into or Near your Dog’s Ears
The volume and distance from the sound are two main factors that can damage your pet’s hearing. Be mindful of the whistleblowing intensity, and don’t blow too close to your dog’s ear when blowing.
Whistles can damage your eardrums if you are too close to your dog. The whistle should be blown standing up, lightly, and far from your dog.
Tips for Whistle-Training the Dog
- While training your dog, blow the whistle so that he will refocus on you, then follow up with the desired command.
- Use your calm assertive energy, body language, and voice to convey exactly what you want from him.
- When dogs behave negatively, blow the whistle again and repeat your command more intensely and with energy.
- It would help if you continued practicing this behavior until your dog associates the whistle with being silent for a few seconds.
FAQs
What is the range of a dog whistle?
Dogs can hear some whistles, but humans cannot. They produce an extremely high-pitched, adjustable sound. Dogs can hear the training whistle up to 400 yards (depending on the direction and strength of the wind).
How bad is it to use a dog whistle?
Although most dog whistles aren’t harmful, remember that your dog has extra sensitive and powerful hearing than you do. It can cause discomfort if you “overblow” the whistle.
When to start using a whistle?
Start training early to ensure they are familiar with the whistle. Start the dog whistle training between the ages of 1 and 8 weeks. It is a good idea to teach them basic commands during this time, such as come, go, sit, etc.
