Dog pets are the most adorable you can have and they constantly earn your love and friendship. For this close relationship to last, it is essential that you maintain good communication with them at all times. However, sooner or later you end up wondering how to achieve this goal with your furry friends, as they can’t speak.
Fortunately, there are very practical and useful accessories, known as dog whistles, that facilitate dog-owner interaction. In fact, they are very effective items to train your pets and improve their behavior. If you don’t know how these doggy objects work, in this complete guide you will learn everything you need.
- Dog whistles are accessories that allow you to train your dogs to perform activities, both basic and complex. They are inexpensive and easy to use items. They reduce the stress of the dogs and noticeably improve the bond between pet and owner. They emit frequencies inaudible to humans.
- There are 5 different types of dog whistles: multipurpose, ultrasonic, professional, horn type, and anti-bark. Each of them satisfies different needs in your pets, so you will have to choose the most successful one. You must determine how to meet the training requirements of your furry friends.
- When investing in a product, it is essential that you take into account some aspects, such as the manufacturing materials, dimensions, type of accessory, frequency that it emits and the design of the item. In the purchasing criteria section, we analyze each of these factors in detail. In this way, you will be prepared to choose the most convenient item.
The best dog whistles on the market: our favorites
When you buy the accessories, it is essential that you know how to distinguish which are of the best quality. In the stores there are hundreds of models, but not all offer benefits, rather, they could be a total deception. Next, we are going to develop a ranking, where we briefly analyze the best dog whistles on the market.
- The cheapest and lightest dog whistle
- The ideal dog whistle for training
- The most affordable dog training whistle
- The ideal quality ultrasonic dog whistle
- The perfect dog whistle for outdoor training
Shopping Guide: What You Should Know About Dog Whistles
The training accessories are very useful for all types of dog breeds. However, it is essential that you learn to use them correctly and that you know how to differentiate the most suitable products for your pet. For this reason, we answer the most frequently asked questions by the owners of these friendly animals.
What are dog whistles for?
For example, it can be a good strategy to teach your pets to relieve themselves in the right place. It is also practical for walking and preventing dogs from going to dangerous areas or that are out of your range of vision. The whistle is an accessory to instruct your dogs easily without resorting to force or other negative methods.
What are the advantages of dog whistles?
As with any other product, you can never buy an accessory without knowing how it will affect your pet’s daily routine. All items directly influence your dogs and the idea is to ensure that they lead a comfortable and healthy lifestyle. For this reason, we unveil all the benefits of using dog whistles.
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- They do not mistreat the animal. They allow a completely clean and incentive training.
- They reduce stress on pets and encourage physical activity.
- They are easily handled.
- They develop a stronger bond between pet and owner.
- The owner will also enjoy pleasant moments.
- They are very cheap products.
- They serve for most dogs.
What material are dog whistles made of?
Dog whistles are made with different materials that directly intervene in their quality and duration. The most common are made of plastic, in addition to being the cheapest. However, if you want to buy a product with guaranteed durability, the best option is an accessory made of metal or wood. In any case, you can choose any material, as long as you take good care of it and do constant maintenance. After all, a whistle is an object that will never be in contact with the animal, so its manufacture does not influence the health of the dog. We particularly recommend the use of stainless steel items.
What types of dog whistles are there on the market?
Now, acquiring a dog whistle does not guarantee correct training or instruction for your pet. In fact, even when choosing one of the recommended products in our Ranking you will not be sure that it will be suitable for your dog. Each animal has different requirements, therefore, you will have to buy different products. It is essential that you take into account the needs of your pet and also the type of use that you will give to the training accessory. In this way, you will make sure to choose a product that perfectly suits your dog. Next, we are going to use an explanatory table exposing the different types of dog whistles that exist on the market.
| Whistle Type | characteristics | Use |
|---|---|---|
| Multipurpose | It is a long-lasting and very complete accessory.
It is normally made of stainless steel. It is similar to the whistle of a soccer referee. |
It is ideal for competition coaches (exhibitions, canicross , discdog and obedience, among others).
Perfect for teaching the dog to jump, run or climb ramps. |
| Ultrasonic | It is a training item that emits sounds imperceptible to the human ear.
The dog can sense the frequency even from miles away. |
Since its frequency is adjustable, it can be used for many activities.
It is ideal for teaching tricks. It also serves to practice the sports mentioned above. |
| Professional | It is an ultra-frequency multi-tone accessory, just like the previous one.
The main difference with the ultrasonic model is that it has a protective cover and a metal collar. |
Perfect for agility and dexterity sports.
Very effective in teaching hunting outdoors. It is used to practice dog swimming. |
| Horn type | Two-tone whistle.
Generally made of plastic. It is used in a simple way. |
Simple and short workouts. |
| Bark | Its frequency silences dogs, just like a bark collar.
However, it has much more basic effects. |
Dogs with a tendency to bark unnecessarily.
In more complicated cases, turn to the necklace. |
How are dog whistles used?
These dog training accessories are very easy to use, since you only have to blow. In this way, sound frequencies are produced that are not noticeable to humans, but to your pets. However, you must adjust the intensity of the emission because some dogs do not perceive it or, on the contrary, it could be very strong for them. It is essential that you use various sound sequences to train your pets so that they can distinguish what they should do. For example, you could use two short whistles, so that the dog understands that it should sit. In the same way, a long whistle could make your dog come towards you.
However, you should understand that it is not always necessary to use such training accessories, but only at specific times. Also, you don’t need to take the whistle anywhere you go.
Instructions for use of dog whistles
The most effective way to use dog whistles is to associate a sound or frequency with a specific command. You can also use different sound frequencies, modify the tone of the accessory or use the knob. In this way, you will condition the dog and program its brain to respond to the sound waves of the training article.
The most common ways to use whistles are with long, short whistles. It is essential that you practice constantly and that you reward the dog when he complies with the order that you have determined. Every time the dog receives kibbles, cookies, or affection, it will feel like it did a good deed and repeat it. To achieve success, it is essential that you always use the same pattern and that you do not vary the sound of the whistle.
How to properly calibrate dog whistles?
First, you should locate the regulator that is located, in most cases, at the opposite end of the nozzle. By turning the knob, you can adjust the accessory, generating different whistling frequencies. Next, adjust the regulator and blow the item through the nozzle, using an intuitive and invariable method over time.
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- Observe how the dog reacts, who in normal cases will respond by shaking his head and remembering the sound of the training accessory.
- When the dog reacts positively to a sound, you must repeat it, so you can memorize it.
- Finally, it performs several tests, to check if the calibration has been correct.
- The first must be done when the dog sleeps, to check if it reacts to the chosen tone and wakes up immediately.
- Then, you have to test at a medium distance, where you do not have the dog in sight and make sure that the dog approaches.
- Finally, check if the pet responds to long distances. If yes, you just got the correct calibration.
How are dog whistles properly cleaned?
Dog whistles need constant maintenance to preserve their useful life and function. Otherwise, the holes would fill with dirt and it would be more difficult to emit the sound frequencies that allow training. The advantage is that cleaning is very simple and will not require complexity, as we see below:
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- First, use a feather duster to remove all surface dust from the fitting, especially in the nozzle area.
- Then put the object into a container of soapy water.
- Let it rest for 10 minutes, wipe it clean with a soft cloth and wait for it to dry.
- This cleaning routine can be applied to all kinds of whistles.
What are the best brands of dog whistles?
The most recognized manufacturer on the market is Altus, who has topped our list with the best accessories on the market. It is the best investment you can make, especially if you need perfect training on your pets. However, other brands, such as Acme and Sodial, also offer very effective alternatives at reasonable prices.
How much do dog whistles cost?
It all depends on the manufacturer’s brand and the quality of the product. However, as mentioned above, one of the biggest advantages of such accessories is that their price is really cheap. In fact, there are models, such as the Altus that we recommend, that cost less than $ 3, so you will not have to make a large investment. If you want a slightly more sophisticated version, you can find dog whistles between $ 6 and $ 10, especially those made of metal. However, professional accessories could cost between $ 20 and $ 30. In any case, we recommend you buy the one that best suits the needs of your pet, as well as a different one for each dog.
Where can you buy quality dog whistles?
Dog training accessories can be easily found at any pet store. However, it is preferable to purchase the products from specific canine supply sites. On the other hand, there are sports companies that also offer quality whistles. Finally, on the Internet you find hundreds of models.
However, the most important thing is that you choose a high quality product that lasts as long as possible. In this case, we encourage you to review our initial list again, with the best dog whistles on the market. There you will find the articles with the best manufacturing and the most reasonable prices.
Is it better to buy dog whistles at a store or make them yourself?
Actually, it all depends on the dog’s needs and also on the goal you want to achieve. Both commercial and homemade whistles have advantages, but there are also some disadvantages that you should consider. It is vitally important that you choose the ideal accessory for your pet and that you do not waste time or investment.
If you do not plan to do a very complex workout, a homemade item is a very good option. Now, if your dog requires a high degree of training, a commercial whistle is convenient for you. Remember that high-end sound frequencies and technology can only be programmed by experts in the field. In any case, both products are inexpensive.
Purchase criteria
You are now ready to choose a dog training accessory, but don’t be in a hurry. You must make sure that the product you choose meets all the requirements of your pet, so you cannot invest in any one. When choosing dog whistles, you must take into account the following factors.
- materials
- Dimensions
- Kind
- Emitting frequency
- Calibration
- Design
Materials
The first criterion to look for when buying dog whistles will always be the manufacturing materials. It has to be completely durable, not wear out over time and easy to clean. In fact, the most recommended is that the product can be washed with soap and water because some models do not allow it.
Canine training items cannot accumulate moisture. Should it occur, they deteriorate very easily. On the other hand, you must also determine its frequency of use. Metal whistles are ideal for long training sessions, while wooden whistles are perfect for less demanding workouts.
Dimensions
The dimensions of the training accessories can vary depending on the type of use they are given and the frequencies they emit. The bigger whistles, as a general rule, allow to adapt the intensity of the sound waves.
However, smaller models regularly emit the same frequency, so they can only be used for simple workouts. Also, it is essential that the accessory adapts without problems to your mouth and that you can blow it correctly. Unlike other doggy items, you should be comfortable with the whistle.
Type
We have previously mentioned that it is essential to determine what type of accessory our pet needs. Obviously, a competition dog cannot be trained with a basic whistle. Similarly, a puppy will not need a professional item to receive instructions on where to relieve itself.
Therefore, you must inform yourself very well before making the investment, so that you do not regret or choose an ineffective product. Since they are inexpensive items, we recommend buying several types and testing each one. Also, you should also establish whether a bark whistle or a specific collar is more convenient to solve the problem.
Emitting frequency
Humans have the ability to perceive frequencies of up to 20 kilohertz (kHz). However, a dog can hear sound waves from 40 kHz to 60 kHz. Canine whistles, in most cases, emit an ultrasound that fluctuates between 25 kHz and 56 kHz. Obviously, each pet can respond differently to different degrees of frequency.
At larger dogs, you will need more sound power, while a basic frequency will suffice for small breeds. Of course, it is necessary to adjust the intensity as the dog progresses in its training. For this reason, we recommend you to buy adjustable dog whistles.
Calibration
On several occasions, we have mentioned that each breed has different needs, so you will have to use different levels of intensity. To properly calibrate dog whistles, you must observe the reaction the dog has when you emit the frequency. Also, you will have to be relatively close to it to appreciate the effects.
If the pet does not respond, it means that the intensity is very low. On the other hand, if your dog shows irritability, you should lower the frequency level, so as not to harm your dog. Therefore, we repeat that, when buying a training accessory, it is essential that it be adjustable. If not, you’d better consider getting another whistle.
Design
To conclude with our tips for choosing a good training accessory, we refer to the design of the whistles. Although aesthetics is very important and you have to feel comfortable with it, it is not the only factor you should look for in the articles. First of all, the dog training whistle needs to be versatile.
Finally, it is essential that the design of the product is light, so that it can be carried on all the time by means of a strap. Also, the item should fit and be very comfortable for your mouth. In this way, you will avoid irritations and even cuts. If you take into account all the shopping criteria already mentioned, you can buy the best dog whistles.
The hearing sense of dogs is much more developed than that of people, hence the canine whistles are presented as interesting devices with which to train, train and even scare them away. The human ear may not perceive sound, but they do. If you are in search of one of these complete gadgets, we encourage you to take a look at our guide to buying the best dog whistle.
Types of dog whistle
Let’s start this comparison of dog whistles with one of the main purchase criteria. The first thing you have to consider is, of course, the typology. We can differentiate between two kinds of dog whistles.
First, there are the ultrasonic devices. These, as you can guess, are the most advanced. The funny thing about this type is that it is usually imperceptible to the human ear, but don’t worry because the dog will hear it perfectly. They are called whistles, but many of them do not work by blowing, but have a button to press to activate them. They are tremendously useful if you want to scare off a dog.
Secondly, we must talk about devices with adjustable frequency. These are usually metallic and you will recognize them because they consist of a roulette wheel that you have to turn to adjust the frequency. You may not be sure which one is right for your pet at first, as each dog responds to a different one, but you’ll gradually find out which one works best.
The whistles can also be classified as silent or non-silent. Conventional models are often audible to people, so they may be annoying. The silent ones, as their name indicates, do not emit any sound perceptible by the human ear.
If you’re wondering how much a dog whistle costs, you need to know that an ultrasonic one will always be less economical than a simpler model.
Function of the dog whistle
Before you decide on one whistle or another, you should assess what you hope to get out of it. The most frequent use of these devices is for dog training. You may have tried giving him verbal orders, but day after day you watch him ignore them. That is why you should make use of one of these instruments, which seem to fulfil their mission perfectly.
It is important that you know the difference between short bursts and longer ones, and that each one is properly associated with the action you expect from your pet. That way, when he hears a sound, he’ll know right away what to do.
There are also anti-barking whistles for dogs. These are among the most popular, because, as you know, barking is inherent to dogs. For example, you may want to stop the dog from barking at all, or even get the neighbor’s dog to stop barking in the middle of the night. They are usually so annoying to the animal itself that they manage to achieve the goal effectively.
Finally, there are dog whistles on the market, suitable for the most dangerous breeds. If you are afraid of these animals or want to avoid an angry-faced stray dog from approaching you, it is advisable to always carry a whistle with you. You just blow on it and the animal understands it must go.
Design of the dog whistle
The design, size and materials of manufacture of the whistle are usually aspects to be considered as well. In terms of design, ideally you want one that is compact and ergonomic, so you can carry it comfortably in your pocket. Many models even incorporate a ring or a necklace for you to attach to your keychain or wear around your neck, respectively.
In relation to the materials, there are also several possibilities. It is not complicated to identify an inexpensive dog whistle that is made of brass or stainless steel, both materials known for their resilience. Plastic is another of the most common materials, especially in the case of those whistles that emit ultrasound.
Loading the dog whistle
Most modern dog whistles are battery operated. If you bet on this option, it consists of always having spare ones at hand so that they do not abandon you at the least convenient time.
On the other hand, conventional whistles do not incorporate any complex mechanism, just a wheel that turns to adjust the frequency, but they do not need electrical power to operate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: How to use a dog whistle?
Before using an adjustable dog whistle, you must adjust the sound frequency. This can be done through a rotating wheel that you will find on the body of the device. You should test until you see that the dog does indeed respond to the signals it receives. Once the frequency has been set, blow gently until the beep sounds. To help your dog learn to associate sound with a certain action, you can show him a treat and give it to him when he does it. Finally, blow the whistle and you will learn that, when it sounds, you must perform that action.
Q2: How does a dog whistle work?
A dog whistle is a device indicated to obtain some response from the animal. With practice, the pet will eventually associate the sound of this device with a specific routine. For example, to learn to give you his paw, to sit down or to stop barking. When the whistle blows, you’ll remember what you had to do. The operation of a canine whistle is very similar to that of a conventional one. Just hold it and blow through the nozzle. Depending on the type, you may need to adjust the frequency so that it is audible to the dog.
Q3: How do you regulate a dog whistle?
If you notice, all adjustable dog whistles are equipped with a small regulator. The mechanism is quite simple, although at first it may take a bit of work to give the right frequency. Before you start using it, it is convenient to turn the little wheel that you will find on the body of the whistle. So, blow for it and check the answer you get from your pet. You’ll have to turn that little wheel and try it out until you get the answer you’re looking for. Remember that every dog reacts differently to each frequency, so all you have to do is adjust the regulator until the right one is identified.
Q4: What is the frequency of the dog whistle?
A dog can hear sound frequencies between 40 kHz and 60 kHz, although this will depend on aspects such as its breed and size. It’s funny because humans only have frequencies around 20 kHz that are audible. For this reason, the frequency range of dog whistles is between approximately 23 kHz and 55 kHz. Of course, it depends on the model and the manufacturer. Knowing this data, you will be able to choose the whistle with success.
Q5: What does a dog whistle sound like?
In the market, it is possible to identify dog whistles that sound very similar to conventional models, such as those used by the referee in a football match. In these cases, the sound can become annoying for the people around. However, ultrasonic devices manage to emit a tone that is not perceptible to the human ear. Sometimes it will make a faint sound, while at other times it will seem silent.
Q6: How should a whistle be used for dogs that bark a lot?
Fortunately for owners of dogs that bark too much, there are whistles specifically designed for this type of animal. His mission is none other than to make the dog stop barking, because, after all, it is a task that is part of dog training. First, the frequency of the whistle itself must be adjusted until it is perceptible by the dog and makes it restless.
So, the idea is that it somehow links the annoyance of the whistle sound with each bark and, in this way, stops it. Depending on the model, it may or may not be audible to people, although in most cases it is an annoying sound for the dog, but not for humans.
Q7: How to make a homemade dog whistle?
If you consider yourself a handyman and would rather make a dog whistle yourself than buy it in a store, we’ll tell you how. The first thing you’ll need is a tube that’s about 6 mm in diameter. You should also get a wooden stick and a small piece of wood that is cylindrical in shape. Finally, keep silicone handy to put all the pieces together.
In the tube you will have to make an incision in the shape of a mouthpiece, helping you with a cut. Then insert the small wooden cylinder which you have previously cut in half, with the flat side up. You’ll notice how there’s only a small hole for air to pass through. The wooden stick, which will be at the other end, will be responsible for regulating the different frequencies, introducing it more or less as appropriate.
Summary
Dog whistles are excellent training accessories that allow you to train your pets for different activities. They are used to teach the right places to relieve themselves and also to show them how a certain sport is practiced. They are ideal for walking outdoors and keeping your dogs always under control.
If you use them the right way, your furry friends will have the best possible behavior and will not be nervous pets. To conclude, we encourage you to ensure the well-being of your dogs, taking them for walks and taking them regularly to their appointment with the vet. Of course, you should also feed and bathe them properly.
We come to the end of the complete guide to dog whistles. We hope you liked it. If so, we invite you to leave a comment, in addition to sharing on your social networks. See you soon!
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Dog, Pet, Sound, Ultrasound, Hertz, Dog whistle, Frequency, Dog training, Human activities, Calibration, Bark sound, Perception, Animals, Communication, Psychological stress, Domesticated animals, Behavior, Animals and humans, Pet store, Dog whistle, Dogs, Brain, Exercise, Sense, Psychological concepts, Whistle, Ear, Animal, Physical activity, Acoustics
