Did you know that you can make your dog obey you with the help of whistle commands?
Training
your dog will make your task of ensuring your pet's safety easier. Whistle training in dogs means
training your dogs with a whistle. A dog whistle produces a high-pitched sound
that humans are incapable of hearing. Only animals like dogs and cats can hear
it.
Dogs can
be whistle trained to recall. Training your pet is easy if you are patient and reward
your dog. In the early stages, the simple act of blowing a whistle and then
using a familiar verbal command to attract their attention will help you recall
them initially. Reward your furball when he comes and repeat the process. When
he gets acquainted with it, remove the familiar word from the operation and use
this method to get your dog to come.
Jump right
into the article to learn more about whistle training!
Why Is Training Important For Your Dog?
Training,
in general, is essential for dogs for numerous reasons. Here are some reasons
listed as to why you should train your dog:
• It
improves your dog's behavior and encourages activity.
• It helps
you ensure your dog's safety.
• Your dog
becomes manageable in social gatherings.
• Anyone
but you can also take care of him using the commands.
• You can
teach your dog new things and tricks with commands.
Therefore,
to easily manage and take care of your dog, training of any kind is essential.
Verbal Commands vs. Whistle Commands
A verbal
command and a whistle command are two completely different ways of training
your four-legged friend.
Verbal
commands mean using words to make your dog follow your instructions. You can
train your dog to follow your voice commands in any language, but it's best to
use a speech where you usually communicate with them.
A whistle
command makes use of a high-pitch-producing sound whistle to attract the dog's
reaction. They are easy to teach and help you communicate with your dog even
when they are not visible.
Why Should You Consider Whistle Training?
The silent
whistle sound helps you to grab your dog's attention and make them follow your
commands. Following are a few of the reasons why you should consider having
your dog whistle trained:
• If your
dog is trained to follow the various whistle sounds, he will obey instructions
given by others as well
• It helps
you give emotionless commands to your dog
• A
whistle's sound travels a more extended range than a human's voice and is a
perfect way to train herding dogs
• Dogs
like the sound emitted by whistles
• Inculcates
good behavior in your dog
All of the
reasons mentioned above make whistle training in dogs is significant.
How Does a Dog Whistle Work?
Dogs are
capable of hearing high-pitched sounds up to the frequency range of 45,000Hz.
On the other hand, humans can only hear sounds up to 18,000Hz.
A dog's
whistle means a device that emits a sound of 35,000Hz, which lies in their
hearing range. While these whistles may appear to be silent for humans, they
produce a loud, piercing, and long-distance traveling sound to dogs.
Thus,
since the whistle is effective for dogs, it can be used as a great tool to
train them.
How Effective Are Dog Whistles on Dogs?
Dog
whistles can be an effective training tool if the whistle is rightly used for
dogs. What makes it valuable is the fact that it produces a distinct and
audible sound. Also, it can be heard from far away.
It is
important to note here that you can appropriately use a dog's whistle if your
canine friend is trained for it. Without training, it is just like any other
sound to your pet.
Is Whistle Training Good For Dogs?
Yes,
whistle training is suitable for your dog and is a great training tool. Dog
whistles don't have any adverse effects and are fun to teach dogs.
A dog
learns quickly all the instructions that are taught to him using whistles if
appropriately used. You can make your pup understand the different instructions
to ensure his safety and encourage good behavior.
Does The Sound Of A Dog Whistle Hurt A Dog's Ear?
Even
though a dog whistle might appear to be a silent whistle to you due to its high
frequency, your dog can hear it. But, this doesn't mean that its sound hurt
their ears.
Whistle
carries a high pitch sound, but your dog won't find it hurting unless you blow
it hardly, near their ears, or continuously for a long time.
Unless you
misuse the whistle, your dog won't find the sound of it disturbing or
unpleasant.
Advantages Of Using Whistle For Training
A whistle
is a helpful tool when it comes to training dogs. Dogs happen to like the sound
of a whistle. Following are some of its advantages:
• Whistles
are effective in obedience training because of the distinct sound it produces.
• You can
use them for command training.
• You can
customize instructions according to your desire. For example, you can use three
short blasts to give your dog a command to stop barking, or you can teach any
other commands of your choice.
• The
sound of the whistle can also be customized so that your dog listens to you
only.
• You can
combine different types of commands, like whistle and hand commands.
It is
essential to use the whistle wisely to make the most out of it.
Disadvantages Of Using Whistle For Training
Training
dogs with whistles does not come without its disadvantages. Listed here are
some of its cons:
• The
effectiveness of dog whistles solely depends on your pup. Some dogs might be
quick learners, while others may not associate the dog whistle with the
commands.
• When
used for punishments, it may lose its effectiveness with time.
• The
whistle may cause the pup to associate you with it.
• In rare
cases, a dog may dislike the sound of a whistle.
Although
whistles have some disadvantages, their advantages outweigh them.
What Is The Best Dog Whistle For Training?
A dog
whistle has to be suitable enough so that you can use it for your fur baby's
lifetime. They are available in variety, and it's vital to choose the right
kind for your puppy.
Audibility
You should
always buy a whistle that is audible by dogs. But, this doesn't necessarily
mean that you must opt for a very high pitch whistle. They might appear silent
to you, but your dog can hear them.
The
essential criteria here is that it must be less than 45,000Hz; that's it.
Resilient Built
Whistles
come in various types like wood, plastic, and metal. A metal whistle is of the
highest quality among all other types.
You must
go with the durable one and can resist day-to-day wear and tear.
Consistent Frequency Range
Whistles
come in numerous frequency ranges. Frequency range means the pitch of the sound
that is emitted.
It is
immaterial what frequency you go with, but it is significant that you
consistently use whistles of the same frequency. Puppies only respond in the
trained matter when a whistle of the same frequency is used.
All of the
above criteria must be considered when purchasing a whistle for your pup.
How Do You
Train a Dog with a Dog Whistle?
Using a
whistle, you can teach your dog by associating it with different commands like
recall and making the process fun. Here are two instructions to teach your dog
using a whistle made for dogs.
Training Your Dog to Come Back
Teaching
recall is the first step of the training process.
Start
training by taking him in a confined area and blowing the whistle in short
blasts when he is at a distance. If your dog does not come to you to find out
about the sound, use voice cues or hand signals known to him.
When your
dog comes back to you, treat him. Always reward lavishly to encourage your dog
to follow your commands. Repeat this process until your furball starts connecting
whistle commands to the instruction.
Training Your Dog to Sit Down
Training your dog to sit is a little complicated than recalling.
The main difference here is that you are supposed to blow the whistle after
they have sat down.
To trick
your dog into sitting down, hold a piece of their treat just above their head
so that they sit down to get a good view of it. As soon as they sit down, blow
one short blast of the whistle and feed them their treat. Or, you can use your
verbal commands to make your puppy sit and then blow the whistle.
For better
results, keep in mind to treat them every time your dog makes the correct
association of the whistle and the treat.
Does Whistle Command Deter a Dog from Barking?
Yes,
whistling can help you stop your dog from barking.
Begin the
process of training when your pet is barking. Blow one long blast of the
whistle. The sudden blowing of the whistle will distract your dog. Reward your
dog with a treat when he stops barking.
Repeat the
process when your dog barks again to make him familiar with the training.
Tips for Effective Whistle Training
It is
crucial to use the whistle in the right way to get results. If you want your
pup to respond in the proper manner to your command, you should not exploit the
whistle.
• Avoid
making frequent use of the whistle. If you exploit the dog whistle, your pet
will not follow your command and may start disliking it.
• Try not
to blow the whistle too hardly or too softly.
• If your
dog is not paying attention, wait some time for him to focus and make a fresh
start.
• Connect
whistle with fun activities for a better response.
• Teach a
command to your dog in a rewarding manner and a friendly tone.
These tips
will simplify the process of training your dog with a whistle.
Summing Up
The
process of whistle training is pretty easy if it is done properly. Use the
whistle appropriately, and your canine friend will follow your instructions.
Remember
that puppies don't align instructions and the sound of the whistle on their
own. You have to teach them properly to follow your command to sit, recall or
stop barking. Also, make sure that you don't overdo the whistle-blowing. Too
much of it can annoy your pet and discourage him.
Note that training with a Dog whistle is always
not practical. It depends on how clear your instructions are and how much your
pet grasps.
