Do Dog Whistle Apps Work? Effectivity & Restrictions
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Odds are, you may have never heard of a dog whistle app, and if so, let us begin this article by explaining what a dog whistle app actually is. Dog whistle apps aid in training techniques by sounding off a “whistle” at high frequencies that dogs pick up well but humans cannot.
They help with behavioral issues, potty training, and other training techniques. Police and military dogs are often trained using a dog whistle app, and the results seem to be effective without restrictions.
There are several apps to choose from with various frequencies, and it’s essential to know which frequencies to steer clear of. Read on to learn more to keep your dog safe.
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Are Dog Whistle Apps Effective?
What makes whistle apps effective is the frequency range. A rule of thumb is that the higher the hertz¹, the higher the frequency. Whether you have an iPhone or an Android, you will find many apps you can download through the App Store or Google Play. Some apps even come complete with a clicker¹, which is an excellent training tool.
Ensure you have treats on hand when training your dog with a whistle to ensure a positive outcome. Every dog is different, and the responses and reactions to a dog whistle may vary. Also, it’s best not to blow the whistle for a long time. You only need short blows for the whistle to be effective, and you want your dog to associate the whistle sound with a positive outlook.
Do Dog Whistle Apps Hurt Dogs?
According to Louisiana State University¹, dogs can hear between 67 and 45,000 hertz (Hz), which are ranges humans cannot hear. Humans can hear 20–20,000 Hz¹. Typically, dogs’ ears are sensitive to 25,000 Hz and up, which can be irritating to your dog. So, if you use a whistle app, ensure it does not exceed that range.
Many whistle apps have customizable ranges of around 200–28,000 Hz. Now that you know which frequency becomes uncomfortable for dogs (25,000 Hz and up), you can set the app not to exceed that range.
Is There a Phone App That Scares Dogs Away?
It can be scary if you’re out for a walk with your dog and a stray approaches you and your pet aggressively. Luckily, there are dog-repellent apps you can download for this very purpose. They allow you to adjust the frequency, and you can select a high pitch that will likely send an aggressive dog on its way. Again, be careful not to set the pitch at a dangerous level (over 25,000 Hz).
Final Thoughts
Dog whistle apps can be very effective in dog training. It’s wise, though, not to rely solely on a dog whistle app to train¹ your dog. Not all dogs will respond to a dog whistle in the same way, and knowing other effective methods will only boost the training process. Ensure you have plenty of treats while training, and always use positive reinforcement¹.
Featured Image Credit: Jari Hindstroem, Shutterstock
