How Does the Silent Whistle Work?

Silent dog whistles have a variety of uses, from training your dog to communicating with it. English scientist Francis Galton first used silent whistles in the 1870s to test the upper limits of human hearing. When it was discovered that dogs and other animals responded to them, companies began manufacturing them for use in dog training.

  1. What is Frequency?

    • Frequency is an expression of the number of times that a sound vibrates per second. Frequency is measured in hertz; one hertz equals one vibration per second. Dogs can hear a wider range of frequencies because, in the wild, their prey is typically small, such as rodents, which produce higher-frequency sounds. Young adult human beings can hear frequencies ranging from 20Hz to 20,000Hz; dogs can hear sounds at much higher frequencies, from about 60Hz to 45,000Hz.

    How Do Silent Dog Whistles Work?

    • Silent dog whistles are inaudible to humans because they produce sound at a frequency that we cannot hear. Most dog whistles produce sounds that vibrate at a frequency of 16,000Hz to 22,000Hz, which is well within the range of hearing for dogs. Since the upper limit of human hearing is at 20,000Hz, most people cannot hear silent dog whistles; however, it is possible for some people to hear them. Some whistles have sliders that can be used to adjust the frequency of the sound produced.

    How Can They Be Used in Training?

    • Silent whistles are useful in dog training because they offer a quick way to get a dog's attention. The sound from a whistle is quick and even, unlike a person's voice, which can vary according to the person's mood and demeanor. Whistles allow owners to communicate with their dogs over great distance in a way that does not require shouting and isn't bothersome to other people. The high pitch of a whistle can also pierce through noise interference such as rain, vegetation and the sounds of a busy road.

    Take Care When Using Silent Whistles

    • While you may not be able to hear your own whistle, rest assured that your dog can. You may underestimate the volume of your whistling since you can't hear it, and whistling too loud can be painful to your dog. Keep silent whistles away from children, who may not understand that loud whistling can be uncomfortable for dogs.