Dog whistles are a type of whistle that emit sound in the ultrasonic range, which humans cannot hear but dogs and some other animals can. They were invented in 1876 by Sir Francis Galton as a tool to test the upper limits of audible sound on humans. The sound emitted by a dog whistle measures about 35,000 Hz, which is well beyond the average range of 20 to 20,000 Hz that is detectable by the human ear.
Dog whistles are most commonly used during dog training, and they are often paired with clickers and treats to signal to a dog that they have performed a task correctly. Dogs can hear these sounds, and they respond to even the quietest of whistles because they hear at a much higher frequency than humans. The high frequency emitted by a dog whistle can travel far greater distances than a humans voice, making it a great tool for hunting or herding dogs.
A dog whistle can be used in a variety of different ways, such as recall training, to stop barking, train basic obedience, or even modify specific behaviors. However, without proper training, the dog whistle is just another sound in the world, and dogs can become desensitized to it and learn to ignore it over time.
It is important to note that dog whistles are not silent, and they emit a tone of around 35,000Hz, which is piercing to a dog but indiscernible to humans. While most dogs can hear a 35,000 Hz dog whistle, it will not harm them when used properly. However, it is recommended to avoid blowing the whistle at full strength or close to the dogs ears, as noises to the top of the dogs ability to hear can cause pain if they are too loud.
In summary, dog whistles emit high-frequency sounds that are inaudible to humans but can be heard by dogs and some other animals. They are commonly used during dog training and can be a great tool if used properly.