The Best Dog Training Whistles
Whether you have a new pup or want to teach your old dog new tricks, dog training whistles can come in handy. These devices are easy to use and work by emitting a sound that gets your dog's attention. They can help you communicate with your furry friend, teach them basic commands, and lessen disruptive behavior. Having a well-trained dog will make your life easier and help keep your pup safe. Given the number of dog training whistles on the market, choosing the right one isn't always an easy task. To help you separate the good from the bad, we've rounded up some of the best whistles the internet has to offer.
What to Look For
We recommend keeping the following things in mind when shopping for a whistle to help train your pup: Does it have adjustable frequencies so you can teach your dog to respond to different pitches? Is the whistle loud enough that your dog will be able to hear it in crowds or at a long distance? How easy is it to clean? Our top pick was the dog whistle from Sportdog, which is easy on the ears and produces a high-pitched sound that’s easy to hear. We were also impressed by the whistle from Acme, which is easy to blow and effective for working with a variety of breeds. Read on to learn more about our top picks and discover the best training whistle for your dog.
Sportdog High-Pitched Dog Training Whistle
Loud and clear
If you’re looking for a professional-grade dog whistle to train your pup, look no further than this whistle from Sportdog. The whistle has a unique design that helps simplify training, making it quick and straightforward. It’s made from premium metal and doesn’t produce any trills. It stands out for its effectiveness with close-work training and is suitable for puppies and larger dogs.
Pros:
- Bright orange color makes it easy to see at a distance
- Pealess design
- Doesn’t freeze up
- Easy on the ears
Cons:
- Not loud enough for training at long distances
Acme 210.5 Dog Training Whistle 2-Pack
This whistle from Acme produces a high-pitched sound on a single frequency designed to be heard by dogs diagnosed with hearing problems. That’s not all; it’s an excellent choice for obedience training. The sound it produces is audible to both dogs and humans, so it’s always apparent when a command has been issued. You won’t have to worry about it getting damaged easily because it’s made of heavy-duty plastic.
Pros:
- Available in eight colors
- Lightweight and easy to carry
- Made of highly durable plastic
- Easy to blow
Cons:
- Only operates at a single frequency
Sportdog Competition Dog Training Whistle
At attention
When you need to communicate with your dog while in the field, this whistle from Sportdog can help you do so effectively. This whistle excels at training hunting and agility dogs, helping them learn to respond to commands rapidly. It’s easy to use this whistle and produces a low-pitched sound that carries further than other options, allowing your dog to respond at a distance. Furthermore, it directs the sound forward, helping to protect your ears during training.
Pros:
- Works well in windy and wet conditions
- Produces a loud, distinct sound that dogs can hear at a distance
- Quickly gets dogs’ attention
- Sound is directed away from whistle, protecting trainer’s ears
Cons:
- Requires using a lot of air to use it at top volume
Poshaf Ultrasonic Dog Training Whistle 2-Pack
From behavior correction to training, this ultrasonic whistle from Poshaf has many uses. You can adjust the whistle’s tone, customizing it to suit your pooch’s needs. Moreover, you can adjust the whistle’s frequencies to specify commands you’d like your dog to follow. It comes with a locking nut, cover, and lanyard, making it easy to keep track and access as needed.
Pros:
- Comes with anti-loss features
- Adjustable frequency
- Made of high-quality stainless steel
- Dogs can hear the whistle at distances up to 200 meters away
Cons:
- Frequency must be adjusted regularly
Jmcbbin Dual Sensor Dog Training Whistle
Peace and quiet
Incessant barking can try the patience of any dog owner, leaving them searching for ways to calm their pooch and restore tranquility. This whistle from Jmcbbin offers a solution, allowing pet parents to modify their dog’s barking behavior. It uses ultrasonic technology to emit a sound that gets dogs’ attention but is inaudible to human ears. It doesn’t end there; it also has a flashing light that works with the whistle as an effective deterrent, scaring aggressive dogs away if they approach while you’re out walking.
Pros:
- Powerful LED flashlight for walking at night
- Deterrent mode to keep aggressive dogs away
- Vibrates to let you know if the device is working
- Has a control range of up to 25 feet
Cons:
- Bigger than other whistles
Is a dog whistle or sonic training device better for barking?
If your dog barks incessantly, both dog whistles and sonic training devices can help. When using an anti-bark sonic training device, all you have to do is press a dog to let your dog know it’s time to stop barking. It works the same way as a training whistle, so you’ll have to teach your dog to stop barking when they hear the sound.
Can whistles hurt my dog’s ears?
While your dog’s hearing is more sensitive than yours, a dog whistle shouldn’t cause them any pain. However, if your dog appears distressed when you use the whistle, you should stop using it and consult a veterinarian.
How can I train my dog to respond to a whistle?
You should start training your dog at a close distance while leashed or in a fenced area. Blow the whistle, and give your dog a treat or praise when they look at you. As your dog gets used to the whistle, they’ll associate it with a reward, so they’ll come to you when they hear it.
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