This is a form of negative reinforcement. If you’re considering using a dog silencer, it’s advisable to utilize other methods of training. Because of this, the dog whistle is a favored training tool, though it may not be for every dog owner. Some dog whistles won’t affect your dog at all, but maybe heard by a cat. Some dog whistles won’t affect your dog at all. While there aren’t many studies on a dog whistle’s effectivity, there is good reason to believe that they aren’t. Dog whistles wont hurt a dogs ears. The problem is that many people use “silent” dog whistles which emit a high pitched sound that dogs can hear and humans cannot. This goes to show that punishment does not lessen problematic behavior, but in fact does the opposite. Originally developed to test the range of human hearing, the very first prototype was a brass whistle with a slide that allowed alteration of the whistle’s frequency. If you lose it, you need the same one because it’s what your dog has trained with. This isn’t entirely unsurprising. It is not known if dog whistles hurt cat ears. An example is one pitch for coming and another for retrieving. Work with deaf or hard of hearing dogs: Dogs who have some hearing loss may hear some frequencies, but not others. 1 decade ago. But just because an animal can hear a dog whistle doesn’t mean that it’s effective. So they most likely can hear a dog whistle. In this study, researchers observed that dogs were only obedient to tasks that used positive rewards. Dog silencers are also sometimes marketed for cats. This is an important point because if you are trying to use a dog whistle for something it’s not intended for, it may cause you to blow hard or constantly, affecting not only your dog, but the cats and other animals around you. This could: Imagine someone standing in the same room as you blowing a whistle that you can hear really loudly. Even when noticed, it can be attributed to other things, like being picky or unfriendly. Whether or not cats are hurt by whistles or not, it’s best to stay on the safe side and avoid them altogether. Small bursts of sounds, like those that can easily be made with a whistle, is bound to alarm a cat. Find one that you can alter the pitch, but also remain pitch consistent when you need it to. Because most ultrasonic whistles only operate on rangers higher than human hearing, you have no way to know how loud it actually is. Can Cats and Dogs Communicate with Each Other. This is because there are dog whistles that can change frequency so that you can find the one that your dog responds to. Just as a whistle may reinforce fear in a dog, the same could happen to a cat. This mostly because of habituation. For example, when a dog barks incessantly, an owner will use a dog whistle. Without the ability to vocalize, pets will resort to other means to communicate their needs. This has led some to wonder if the sound of sirens actually hurts a dog’s ears. According to most anecdotes by cat owners, cats don’t seem to react to dog whistles that much. Cats have personalities like dogs, and a dog whistle will affect each cat differently. This is why dogs that are punished can sometimes develop problematic behaviors, instead of being obedient. The sound a whistle makes is very similar to the high pitched squeal many of the prey like rodents emit. A whistle needs to be replaceable. Cats don’t just have sensitive hearing. Cats can rotate their ears separately. Cats who are timid may think they are being punished if the whistle is painful or scary to them. Most anecdotal evidence shows that cats can easily ignore them. Ideally, you wouldn’t use a whistle standing next to a cat, you just need to be aware that the whistle will affect cats as well as dogs. They may make the dog stop momentarily out of curiosity or aggravation, but they will start again when the whistle stops for a period of time. In the wild, a cat that looks like it’s in pain is seen as weak. However, the whistle is used to train dogs, cats, and other animals, according to Wikipedia. For a dog whistle to be effective, it relies on being an aversive. It comes down to the way you use the whistle. Dog whistles vary a lot. In this scenario, a dog whistle will likely hurt a cat’s ears, or make it panic and run. Aversives function on the concept of using punishment to train a pet. Dog silencers emit a sound that is well within a cat’s hearing range. The lower the number, the lower the pitch. Using a silent dog whistle may make you think only dogs hear them, but if you are near a cat and blow hard or continuously, you may hurt the cat or scare it causing it to run away. In the upper frequencies of a dog… Audio frequencies that hurt a dog's ears can be damaging as well as uncomfortable, according to Psychology Today. Cats can hear at higher and lower frequencies. Dogs and cats hear the whistle because they can detect sounds in the ultrasonic range whereas humans cannot. As far as if a dog can actually hear the whistles, they probably can. At the point when an individual blows an ordinary whistle, it will probably stand out enough to be noticed. In the same vein, short and abrupt commands like “No,” or “Stop!” work because they are alarming. In fact, ultrasonic devices, such as dog whistles, are often used in training and communication with dogs. Correct use will mitigate any negative outcomes in the majority of cases. Some canine proprietors may be worried that the high recurrence of a dog whistle may really damage or harm their mutts’ ears. Despite their superior hearing, felines do not seem to be affected by dog whistles. In the case of excessive barking, barks are the main way our pets communicate with us. It comes down to the way you use the whistle. Some make a noise, and others as in this article, are silent. The majority of manufacturers that produce ultrasonic mouse repellers claim that such devices do not harm dogs. Conversely, loud noises will lead to a fear response in cats, so prolonged…, Cats and dogs often have a difficult relationship. The frequency of most silent whistles is within the range of 23-54kHz. What could be high-pitched to us may just be normal sounds to animals. Megan. This makes them a target of larger predators, putting their life in danger. https://www.quora.com/Can-cats-hear-dog-whistles-1, https://www.littlethings.com/when-to-use-dog-whistles/3, https://www.puppywire.com/pros-and-cons-of-using-dog-whistles-for-training/?utm_medium=google, https://www.wikihow.pet/Use-a-Dog-Whistle, https://www.rangersdog.com/pet-advice/dog-whistle-training-uk/, https://www.gundogsupply.com/whistle-buyers-guide.html. Researchers found that owners who used punishment-based methods had dogs that had more anxious and excitable behavior. The dog whistle sound doesn’t need to be high in volume to get the dog… Unlike most animals, it is hard to determine whether cats are in pain. Dog whistles clock in around 23 to 54 kHz when blown, so while humans can only hear a hiss, dogs can hear a full-blown whistle. Illnesses and diseases can cause pain that is probably worse than that of a whistle. You've run out of cat food, but have plenty of dog food. Here are three reasons why dog whistles are most likely ineffective: Habitation means getting used to a stimulus. Therefore, cats link hissing sounds to aggression and fright. Because of the nature of a dog whistle, it can be used over short or long distances. Cats ignore the dog (or cat) whistle because they haven’t been trained in paired associates learning….a stimulus and a response with a reward ala Pavlov. Conclusion: Do Silent Dog Whistles Really Work? However, this doesn’t mean that dog whistles don’t affect cats negatively. I tried the whistle on our barking neighbor dog and it would quiet him down, but for less than a minute. Anti-barking Whistle : Works with dogs of various breeds by fine-tuning high pitch levels to capture attention when a dog barks depending on unique hearing needs and conditions. 1 decade ago. This sound is unpleasant to dogs, making it a way to punish certain behaviors. Even if whistles were to harm cats, we may not know until it is too late. Whether dog whistles are unpleasant or not, they are still harmful to both cats and dogs. Dogs can hear these sounds, however, as can cats and other animals. A quality dog whistle is only as effective as the skill of the trainer using it. The sound a whistle makes is very similar to the high pitched squeal many of the prey like rodents emit. Dogs are renowned for their superior sense of smell, but they’ve got pretty sharp ears too. But when it comes to animal hearing, things may not be as straightforward as it seems. On experim… Punishment-Based Training Is Less Effective. Deer whistles make noise in a variety of ranges, so it’s important to get one that deer can hear in order for it to be effective. However, when the sound is repeated without seemingly any rhyme or reason, things are bound to get annoying for a cat. This emitted noise is beyond a human’s hearing range, but not a dog’s. These cat deterrents work the same way as dog silencers: they emit a sound that is meant to stop a certain behavior in cats. Dog whistles aren't silent for cats, they simply choose not to respond to them. Choose a sturdy type. Are Dog Whistles Effective Training Tools? As with all animals, you could also find the whistle doesn’t bother a cat at all. Herding dogs are also often trained to respond to whistle commands and dog handlers in the police and military services often use such whistles as an alternative to verbal commands. Choose the right whistle for you and your dog, and make sure that you get a whistle for the right reason and for which they will be effective. That’s why the question asking if a dog whistle used by dog owners and trainers will hurt a cat is often asked. Even when noticed, it can be attributed to other things, like being picky or unfriendly. And since we’re not bothered by normal sounds, it makes sense that animals aren’t, either. Dog whistles operate on the principle of positive punishment. Even if dog whistles could hurt cats, we probably wouldn’t know. Dogs are able to hear sounds of a much higher frequency than humans are, and the dog whistle creates one such sound. But cats can hear sounds at higher ranges than people. A cat’s reaction to pain is easy to miss. Humans can detect sounds up to around 23 kHz, but dogs can hear them up to around 45 kHz. The sound of hissing can make cats aggressive and stressed, and they will seek to avoid this noise. These behaviors are often excessive barking. This allows them to tune in to two different locations—even when they’re on the opposite sides of a room. You may not be keen on other animals like cats, but we all make sure our actions of looking after and training our dog, should never harm other animals. This is a training whistle; a very good training whistle, but not a silencer. Any animal or human will hear a whistle with a pea or a whistle that emits a sound, so we will concentrate on the ‘silent’dog whistle. This allows them to detect the softest noise, avoid predators, and track prey. There isn’t scientific data that shows that cats are negatively affected by dog whistles. You will drop your whistle or bang it around. This stereotype isn’t completely unfounded, but it can be an issue when it comes to your cat’s health. (They’re mentioned in his book ‘Inquiries Into Human Faculty and Its Development’). The whistle won’t hurt a cat if used sensibly, but they will hear it, and that is something a responsible owner must be aware of. According to Animal Welfare, using punishments is less effective than using rewards. Keep your commands consistent, so your dog doesn’t get confused. But dogs can, and the sound drives them nuts. Use treats to reinforce correct behavior. It may also condition the cat to run every time it hears a whistle. More often than not, owners don’t report their cats reacting negatively to dog whistles. They can move backwards, forwards, and sideways, to further hone in on a noise. It would be extremely irritating and probably painful. Then he was back to barking again. Cat ears are intended to hear exceptionally well, making cats stealthy and effective predators. Dog whistles create noises at extremely high frequencies that only dogs can hear and we can’t (ultrasound frequency). On the higher frequencies, cats can hear 1 octave higher than canines. Can a dog whistle hurt human ears? Cats get along with…, Cats have good hearing. Cats can hear on frequencies lower and higher than that of dogs. I'm Richard, the lead writer for Senior Cat Wellness. Punishment-based training is not only less effective, but actually increases problematic behavior. Aversives are directly harmful to animals. This means that it’s easy to incorrectly use the whistle as the owner cannot hear if the whistle is being blown too hard. The same goes for the effect of a dog whistle on cats and dogs. Of course, there are much worse things that can happen to cats. After a time, animals learn to ignore a sound, no matter the range. As cats are territorial, the canine must be…. They emit a sound that’s believed to be unpleasant for dogs to lessen negative behaviors. ... Granted, the stranger was a bubbly woman (my dog does better with female strangers than males) who meant to knock on my neighbor's door, but even a few months ago this wouldn't have been possible. However, there is a lot of data that shows that punishment-based training is less effective than rewards-based training. It may have some effect on the dog’s behavior, but it’s certainly not something you can rely on. This includes computer screens, fluorescent lightbulbs, and remote controls. No, it will not bother the cats. For barking? Choosing the right dog and breed is essential to having a harmonious multi-species home. However, stress and anxiety is still a pain that we shouldn’t inflict on our cats if we can avoid it. Stop a dog from barking: A lot of people buy a dog whistle out of frustration at their dog’s barking, or their neighbor has a dog that barks a lot. The best way to explore the effect of a dog whistle on cats is to look at what sounds animals can hear. Does a dog whistle hurt cats? My neighbors are morons who bought two puppies they didn't really want and couldn't take care of, so the two dogs sit out there barking their fool heads off all day every day at every little noise or movement there is. Consider buying two of the same type when you find one that works. This means cats who are curious or who like to hunt may come looking at what is making the sound. They use their ears to hunt and remain alert to any potential threats. There is good reason to believe that cats can hear dog silencers. They have such good hearing, they will be affected by any activity on the whistle. Dog whistles emit a noise in the range of 23 Hz to 64 KHz. Dogs hear a higher frequency of sounds than a person, which is why ultrasonic signals such as those used in training whistles can be heard by dogs. Even if we aren’t sure whether dog whistles affect cats, there’s good reason to believe that it does. Think about it, do dogs hate the sound of a tap running, or a person making kissy sounds, or any number of ultrasound emitters? Repel a dog for walkers and joggers: Whistles won’t cause a dog to leave you alone or leave the area. When using a dog whistle to train your dog, and knowing cats can hear it, you must be prepared for cats to respond or act on the whistle. These animals use…, Cats and dogs don’t usually like each other, but there are exceptions. Same place you get a boxing gloves to box your own ears. These whistles are very loud and they are very high pitched, so it can be a concern for many people that don’t have experience using them or working with them. This means that when you blow into your high-pitched dog whistle, he can hear it, but your ears just aren't built to do the same. I'm experienced in all cat health-related matters, behavioral issues, grooming techniques, and general pet care. However, even with adjustable whistles, there is no way to set a whistle so that it only affects dogs and not cats. So my guess would be no, but I do not know for sure. Find the pitch your dog responds to and use different pitches for different commands. Morgan Swofford for LittleThings Different Types Of Dog Whistles Dog whistles should NEVER hurt dog’s ears when they are used properly. Remember that the term ultrasound means anything above human hearing. Dog whistles affect cats because their hearing is better than dogs. The dog will continue to not bark to avoid the unpleasant sound. More often than not, owners don’t report their cats reacting negatively to dog whistles. Mumu Sugar Professional Dog Whistles. If a dog can hear a dog whistle, then a cat definitely can as well. Dog whistles are not designed for this. A sound that’s loud for you will be even louder for a cat. Dog whistles can have either fixed or adjustable frequencies. Cats can hear up to 64 KHz. Cats, with their ultrasonic hearing, can be easily startled by quick noises. forePets Professional WistCall Bark Control & Obedience Training Dog Whistle. Dog whistles can easily be a combination of the kinds of sounds that would irritate cats. It may come as a surprise to you that cats actually hear both higher and lower frequencies than dogs. There could be an unintended change in your cat’s behavior. Do Dog Whistles affect cats? Studies have shown that cats instinctually hide their pain, and they are good at doing so. Do Dog Whistles Hurt Dogs? According to Cornell University, connect an unpleasant sound--like blowing a whistle or ringing a bell--with the behavior you want to get rid of. You never know what is happening around you with animals and their sensitive hearing. A dog whistle is used for various training requirements, including reinforcing verbal commands and as another method for a dog that’s not responding to training. I credit the basic dog whistle for helping me shut my neighbor’s dog up. Training and patience arekey. The way their ears are designed is made for sensitive hearing, too. But it can also be for other behaviors, like biting or going into a restricted room. Rather than using dog whistles, there are more effective, humane, and safe ways to lessen a pet’s behavior. Lv 4. Cats are primed to dislike the sound of hissing. Compare this to the human range, which only reaches up to 20 KHz. However, a cat’s hearing is much better than that of a dog. The key is understanding why an animal has that behavioral problem in the first place. However, this doesn’t mean that they aren’t being hurt by the sound it emits.