What Frequency Is A Dog Whistle?
Post Date:
December 10, 2024
(Date Last Modified: November 13, 2025)
A dog whistle is a handheld or electronic device designed to produce a narrow-band, high-pitched tone to attract a dog’s attention or cue trained responses. It is used as an audible signal in a variety of training and behavior-control contexts.
What a dog whistle is
A dog whistle produces a focused tone intended to be distinctive from ambient sounds so an animal can learn to respond to it. Mechanical whistles are often metal or plastic tubes that produce a tone when blown, while electronic whistles use a speaker to synthesize a sine or pulsed tone; both types are used for recall, attention-getting, and some behavior-control tasks. Common misconceptions include the idea that all dog whistles are entirely “silent” to humans — some emit tones within the human audible band while others emphasize ultrasonic components beyond human hearing.
Basic acoustics: frequency, Hertz, and hearing ranges
Frequency is the number of cycles a sound wave completes each second; it is measured in Hertz, where 1 Hz equals one cycle per second[1].
Human hearing typically spans from about 20 Hz up to around 20 kHz (20,000 Hz) under ideal conditions[2].
Scientific measurements show domestic dogs can detect much higher frequencies, with sensitivity extending roughly as high as 45–65 kHz in many animals depending on age and breed[3].
Sounds above 20 kHz are classed as ultrasonic because they lie above the usual human audible upper limit[1].
Typical frequencies used in dog whistles
Commercial, mechanical dog whistles often emit primary tones in roughly the 8–22 kHz range, which may be audible to people with good high-frequency hearing but are still high-pitched relative to speech frequencies[4].
Higher-end electronic or ultrasonic trainers and whistle devices sometimes advertise outputs up to 40–50 kHz to target the upper end of canine sensitivity[5].
Independent acoustic testing finds that manufacturer specifications and in-use outputs can differ; measured peak frequencies commonly vary by about 2–5 kHz from listed specs depending on device tolerances and environmental factors[6].
Table 1 summarizes typical ranges you will encounter in devices and in animal hearing studies[4].
| Item | Typical range (kHz) | Audible to most humans? |
|---|---|---|
| Human hearing (typical) | 0.02–20 | Yes up to ~20 |
| Mechanical/commercial whistles | 8–22 | Often audible |
| Ultrasonic trainers | 40–50 | No for most people |
| Canine sensitivity (upper) | 45–65 | Not audible |
How frequency affects audibility to humans and dogs
Because humans usually cannot perceive sounds above about 20 kHz, tones emitted above that threshold will be inaudible to most people even if a dog can hear them[2].
Dogs are particularly sensitive to high frequencies, but sensitivity reduces with age and with certain ear conditions; many older dogs lose sensitivity in the highest bands and may not detect tones above roughly 30–40 kHz[4].
Perceived loudness (amplitude) and perceived pitch (frequency) are distinct: a tone within a dog’s audible range but at very low amplitude may be effectively inaudible, while a loud, lower-frequency whistle can be startling even if easily heard by humans.
Does frequency determine training effectiveness?
Frequency alone does not determine whether a whistle will be effective; evidence and expert guidance emphasize the importance of consistent cueing, immediate reinforcement, and timing of the conditioned pairing over the absolute pitch of the signal[5].
Breed, age, and hearing health alter responsiveness; dogs with high-frequency hearing loss will naturally be less responsive to ultrasonic cues and may respond better to lower-frequency tones that remain within their functional range[4].
Adjusting frequency can help in some cases—for instance, choosing a slightly lower primary tone for an older dog with diminished high-frequency sensitivity—but the training plan and reinforcement schedule are usually the primary drivers of success.
Measuring a whistle’s frequency and output
Smartphone spectrum apps can give a rough view of the audible component, but most phone microphones roll off above about 20 kHz so apps may miss ultrasonic content[1].
Professional measurement uses a calibrated measurement microphone and an analog-to-digital system with a sampling rate of at least 96 kHz to capture frequencies up to 48 kHz without aliasing; analysis is typically done with FFT software to report peak frequency, harmonics, and amplitude[1].
When making simple at-home checks, record the peak frequency, note prominent harmonics, and measure amplitude (dB SPL) at a fixed distance such as 1 foot (0.3 m) from the device so results are comparable across tests[6].
Choosing the right whistle for your dog
Choose a whistle by matching its practical output to your dog’s hearing and the training context rather than by marketing claims. Consider durability, how easy it is to use while handling a leash, and whether the device resists moisture and dirt.
- Fixed-frequency mechanical whistles are simple and durable for field use.
- Adjustable or electronic options allow you to target different bands if you are working with multiple dogs or suspect hearing loss.
- For older or hearing-impaired dogs, favor lower primary frequencies and clear amplitude over high ultrasonic pitches.
Adjustable whistles commonly let handlers move the effective pitch across ranges such as about 10–40 kHz to accommodate different dogs and situations[4].
Safety, welfare, and volume considerations
High amplitude near the ear can cause pain or stress; guidance for safe sound exposure in animals often uses thresholds comparable to human occupational guidelines, so avoid sustained exposures above about 85 dB SPL at the dog’s ear and limit the duration of louder signals[5].
Use short, discrete bursts—generally under 1–2 seconds per cue—to reduce startle and stress and combine the sound with positive reinforcement so the cue acquires a predictable, non‑threatening meaning for the dog[5].
Stop use and consult a veterinarian if a dog shows signs of ear pain, bleeding, persistent head shaking, sudden changes in behavior, or an apparent inability to hear previously learned cues.
Practical tips for training with a whistle
Establish a conditioned response by pairing the whistle with a reliable reward: begin with an audible tone paired immediately with a treat or click, repeating the pairing for a series of short sessions until the dog reliably looks for the reward after the tone[5].
Progression commonly used by trainers is to start with clearly audible tones and visible reinforcers for roughly 5–10 repetitions per session, then gradually shift to less audible or higher-frequency tones while maintaining the same reinforcement pattern so the dog generalizes the cue[5].
If a dog does not respond, check hearing with a veterinarian, try a lower primary frequency, reduce background noise, and ensure your timing and reward delivery are precise.
