The Effects of a Dog Whistle on Dogs

Owner who want to train their dogs use whistles to achieve the desired results while controlling them from a distance. Whistle training was previously used with gun dogs to avoid any human noise while hunting. A dog's ears are better capable of catching the higher frequency sound waves like that of a whistle over the lower frequency sound of the human voice.

  1. Distance Sit and Distance Recall

    • The two most important effects of a dog whistle on a dog are teaching the "distance sit" and the "distance recall." The distance sit effect means you can control the dog's activities when you are in a crowded or high-traffic area. The whistling effect on the dog is to make him sit and stay wherever he is, so that you can the dog can avoid any unknown danger. The distance recall effect of the whistle means your dog will run toward you right away.

    Distance Sit Effect

    • Start the training using a hand signal. Hold a dog treat in your hand and train the dog to move his head toward the treat and sit back in the process. Praise the dog and give him the treat. After similar repetitions, remove the treat and simply use a hand signal to make the dog sit. Add the sound of the whistle when your dog starts to sit. Praise and reward him for each of his achievements. Make the whistling sound noticeable and distinct. After he is reasonably trained to follow the whistle sound, start practicing it from a distance and increasing the distance after each successful try.

    Distance Recall Effect

    • To train your dog for the distance recall effect, you need to revolve your training around two factors: distance and distraction. Start the training from the distance of 6 feet. Wait until the dog is not paying attention to you and is not in a "sit-stay" position, as you want the dog to respond to the recall whistle when he is busy with something else. To start the process, simply run backwards and let your dog follow you. Call out his name and praise him. After he is used to this game, slowly replace the name with a quick and distinct whistle sound. Praise and treat the dog every time, increasing the distance gradually.

    Different Dog Whistles

    • You can find different types of dog whistles, which include whistles made of plastic, metal and animal horn such as stag or buffalo. Some special kinds of whistles are available like the "thunderer" whistle and the silent dog whistle. Silent dog whistles generate high-frequency sound waves, which are more audible to the dog's ears than human ears. Other whistles work at different frequency levels.