Training your furry friend is an important part of being a dog parent; plus, it has many benefits, including socialization and obedience. If you're looking to incorporate a training tool, a dog whistle may be a good option for you and your pup.

But as a pet parent, you may be wondering: How does a dog whistle work? Do dog whistles hurt dogs' ears? What are the advantages of using a whistle? These are important questions to consider when looking into using a dog whistle.

How Dog Whistles Work

Whistles have been used for dog training and communication for generations. Prior to that, humans communicated with their dogs by whistling the old-fashioned way, with their breath. You can use a whistle to "talk" with your dog and establish a behavioral routine, just as you do with verbal commands or clicker training for "sit" and "stay" or playing fetch.

Dogs respond to even the quietest of whistles because they hear at a much higher frequency than humans. "Dogs and people hear about the same at low frequencies of sound (around 20Hz). This changes at high frequencies of sound, where dogs hear up to 70-100kHz, much better than people at only 20kHz," say scientists at the University of Adelaide in Australia, and dogs "hear sound frequencies at least three times as high compared to people." It may seem as if dogs react to a noise that's not there when, in reality, they're highly sensitive to something we can't hear.

Pet Owner Training Dog Using Whistle

You may have to try out a few different types of whistles to see which one offers you the range of sounds you (and your dog) prefer. Start by learning how to use the whistle properly (practice, practice, practice), and then play around with the sounds to figure out which tones will work for which commands.

Audible and Silent Whistles

There are two types of whistles to choose from: audible or silent — with "silent" in this case meaning silent for humans, not dogs. Some whistles are equipped with adjustable pitches, too.

Audible whistles are helpful when you're working out the sounds you want to use and ensure that you're being consistent. This style looks much like a whistle used at sporting events and, in fact, it's used during herding dog events.

Many dog parents prefer silent whistles because there's less noise interference for people. This type of whistle, invented in 1876 by Sir Francis Galton, was used to test hearing levels in humans, cats and dogs. The term "ultrasonic whistle" is more accurate because, as noted above, the whistle isn't silent — it emits ultrasonic sounds to which dogs respond. According to researchers at Psychology Today, the advantage of this type of whistle is that these sound signals travel farther than the human voice and, therefore, can reach dogs at farther distances.

Do Dog Whistles Hurt Dogs' Ears?

A dog whistle won't harm your dog when used properly. Read the manufacturer information carefully and speak with your veterinarian about any questions you have.

Because dogs hear at a much higher frequency than humans, they're naturally more sensitive to sounds. Don't use the whistle close to their ears, and avoid blowing it at full strength. As Dr. Pippa Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS, writes for Petful, these "noises to the top of the dog's ability to hear can cause pain if they are loud enough. It's like the difference between a referee blowing a whistle on the football field versus blowing that same whistle directly in your ear." That's a big difference.

Be mindful of other animals in your home and surroundings, too. Cats hear high-frequency sounds even better than dogs and will respond accordingly. Always remember that what seems like a benign noise to you can be disruptive and uncomfortable for your dog (and cat).

As with any behavior training, using a dog whistle consistently and patiently is the key to success.

Christine O'Brien Christine O'Brien

Christine O'Brien is a writer, mom, and long-time cat parent whose two Russian Blues rule the house. Her work also appears in Care.com, What to Expect, and Fit Pregnancy, where she writes about pets, pregnancy, and family life. Find and follow her on Instagram and Twitter @brovelliobrien.

Related articles

Steps to Take If Your Dog Is Vomiting Blood

Here are three steps to take if you find that your dog is vomiting blood.

Fact or Fiction: Can Dogs Smell Cancer?

Learn about dogs' ability to smell cancer in humans before even traditional screenings, including amazing real life stories demonstrating this ability.

Safe Dog Biscuits to Share with Your Pup

You love your dog, and you want to spoil him with treats all year round without compromising his health. What are the best safe dog biscuits?

Dogs & Holiday Sweets: Which Are Bad & What To Do if a Dog Eats Them

If you suspect that your dog has eaten holiday sweets or candy, find out which common treats might be dangerous for him and what you should do next.

Dog Nipping & Puppy Play Biting

Discover why dog nipping is such a common behavior, even among the best behaved pups, as well as how to get your puppy to stop nipping.

Change a Bored Dog into a Playful Dog with These 6 Games

Are you worried you may have a bored dog? Learn about five common signs of boredom in dogs and games you can play to help beat the bored blues.

Common Health Issues in Puppies

While vaccinations can help guard your dog or puppy against a range of health problems, there are some common dog health problems that can't. Learn more.

Grooming Suggestions for Keeping Your Dog's Coat Healthy

Your dog's coat and skin are a big part of your dog's overall health. Ensure you keep your dog's coat healthy, by following these simple tips.

Heterochromia in Dogs: Why Your Dog Has Two Different-Colored Eyes

If you've wondered why your dog has two different colored eyes, learn about this condition called heterochromia and if it's tied to any health issues.

Is Your Dog's Play Behavior Too Aggressive?

Wondering if your dog's play is too aggressive? Learn to spot differences between two dogs having fun & dogs showing aggression toward each other.

Puppy House Training With These 5 Hacks

If you've tried house training your puppy and are still seeing accidents, try these five house training tips to help his chances for success.

Do Male Dogs Go Into Heat?

You probably know about female dogs going into heat, but do male dogs? Learn whether male dogs have a heat cycle & handling them around females in heat.

Things to Consider When Adopting An Older Dog

Before adopting an adult dog from a local pet shelter, be sure to consider this list of questions to ensure you are ready to properly care for them.

Can I Give My Dog Melatonin?

Learn all about melatonin for dogs, whether its safe to give to your pup, and different reasons why your vet might suggest using it.

Dental Disease in Dogs: Symptoms & Treatment

Discover what dental disease means for dogs, and how you can be treating oral health issues by simply feeding your dog food with proper nutrition.

Can Dogs Have Cinnamon?

Learn whether cinnamon is safe for your dog, what to do if they got into cinnamon bark, oil, sticks or spice, and what quantity of it is a health concern.

What Does Dog Pointing Mean?

Why do dogs point? Discover what your dog is telling you with his nose and which breeds are naturally suited for training to point.

Managing Megaesophagus in Dogs

Learn about megaesophagus in dogs, how it makes digestion difficult & impacts your dog's health, and tips for helping you manage this condition.

How to Prevent and Treat Fleas on Dogs

Learn how to protect your dog from fleas, as well as how to provide your dog with the proper treatment if you notice they have been infested.

Pyoderma in Dogs: What You Need to Know

Learn what pyoderma in dogs looks like, what causes it and how nutrition & your dog's food can play a role in preventing and treating the infection.