Have you ever purchased a dog whistle to train your dog, only to be frustrated when you couldn’t hear the noise it made? Have you wondered how dogs can hear the whistle while humans cannot? And does the high-pitched sound hurt their ears? This article explores these questions and more.
Signs Your Dog Hears the Whistle
When using a dog whistle, there are signs to look out for to see if your dog is reacting to it. One sign is if they tilt their head, indicating they are interested in the sound. They may also raise their ears to hear the whistle more clearly. Humans cannot hear the dog whistle, so we must rely on other signs to know if our dogs are reacting to it.
Body Language
Other signs that your dog can hear the whistle include being alert, tilting their head, raising their ears, and having a stiff tail. They may also stop what they are doing, look at you for guidance, or exhibit a trained behavior.
The History Between Whistles and Canines
The dog whistle, originally called the “Galton Whistle,” was created in 1876 by Francis Galton. He used the whistle to study different frequencies of sound and how animals, including dogs, would react. From his notes, he discovered that smaller dogs reacted more to higher frequencies than larger dogs. The whistle has since undergone design changes for further study of sound frequencies.
The Science of Dogs and Whistles
Dogs have better hearing than humans, with a frequency range of 40 to 60,000 Hz compared to our range of 20 to 20,000 Hz. This is why they can hear the dog whistle while we cannot.
Training Your Dog With a Whistle
Dog whistles have been used for training dogs for many years. However, it is important to use the whistle responsibly and not overuse it or use it for entertainment purposes. To train your dog to come inside when the whistle is blown, simply blow the whistle and reward them when they come to you. Repetition will help them associate the whistle with going inside. You can also use the whistle to teach other commands, such as sit or stay, using hand signals in conjunction with the whistle.
“Unlock your dog’s potential with the power of a whistle.”
Tips & Things to Know
1️⃣ Look for signs that your dog can hear the whistle, such as head tilting and raised ears. These are indicators that they are interested in and can hear the sound.
2️⃣ Pay attention to your dog’s body language when using the whistle. Signs like alertness, a stiff tail, and stopping what they are doing can indicate that they are reacting to the whistle.
3️⃣ Use the whistle responsibly and in moderation when training your dog. Overusing or misusing the whistle can cause adverse reactions in some dogs. Use the whistle as a tool to reinforce commands and reward your dog with treats and praise when they respond correctly.
Frequently Asked Questions, Answered ✅
1. How can you tell if your dog can hear a dog whistle?
– Signs to look for include head tilting, raised ears, and increased alertness.
2. Does the sound of a dog whistle hurt a dog’s ears?
– No, the high-pitched sound of a dog whistle does not hurt a dog’s ears.
3. What is the history behind dog whistles?
– The first dog whistle, known as the “Galton Whistle,” was created in 1876 by Francis Galton to study higher frequencies of sound. It was tested on various animals, including dogs.
4. How do dogs’ hearing abilities compare to humans?
– Dogs have a much wider frequency range of hearing than humans, with the ability to hear from 40 to 60,000 Hz compared to humans’ 20 to 20,000 Hz.
5. How can a dog whistle be used in training?
– A dog whistle can be used to train a dog to respond to specific commands, such as coming inside or following hand signals. It should be used responsibly and not overused.
