Introduction
Dog whistles are devices used to produce high-frequency sounds that are audible to dogs but nearly or completely inaudible to humans. The high pitch allows handlers or trainers to give commands that dogs can hear but humans cannot, reducing the chance of confusion. Dog whistles are used to get dogs’ attention or to train them to listen for and respond to different sounds.
They work because of the differences between human and canine hearing ranges. Most people can hear sounds between 20 Hz and 20 kHz, while dogs can hear pitches up to around 45 kHz. Dog whistles produce sounds above the human range but still within what dogs can hear. However, some dogs can have hearing loss or deafness just like humans. This raises the question of whether deaf dogs are still able to hear dog whistles.
How Dog Whistles Work
Dog whistles produce very high frequency sounds that are often beyond the range of human hearing. The high pitch whistle typically emits sound waves in the range of 23-54 kHz, at a frequency higher than most humans can detect (the normal human hearing range is 64 Hz to 23 kHz)https://www.hillspet.com/dog-care/training/everything-about-dog-whistles
Dogs have a wider range of hearing than humans, allowing them to detect sounds at higher frequencies. The average healthy dog can hear sounds up to around 45 kHz, giving them the ability to hear dog whistles. Their sensitive ears and expanded auditory range lets dogs pick up on the high pitched whistle that sounds silent to us. This allows dog owners to give commands to dogs at a frequency they can hear clearly, but without disturbing nearby humans. The whistle becomes a communication tool between dog and owner.https://craftycanineclub.com/how-and-when-to-use-a-dog-whistle-for-training/
Dog Hearing Range
Dogs have a much wider hearing range compared to humans. According to research from Louisiana State University, the human hearing range is typically between 64-23,000 Hz, while the dog hearing range is approximately between 67-45,000 Hz with their greatest sensitivity between 4-10kHz (Frequency Hearing Ranges in Dogs and Other Species). This means dogs can detect sounds at a significantly higher frequency than humans can. For example, dogs can hear high-pitched sounds up to 65,000 Hz according to the AKC, which are sounds far beyond what is audible to the human ear (Sounds Only Dogs Can Hear: Higher Pitches Is Where …). The wider frequency range allows dogs to hear sounds that are inaudible to us.
Deafness in Dogs
Deafness in dogs can be either acquired or inherited. Acquired deafness may result from blockage of the external ear canal due to inflammation or excess ear wax. It can also occur from loud noise exposure, trauma, hypothyroidism, and reactions to certain medications like aminoglycoside antibiotics.
Hereditary deafness is passed down genetically and has two types: cochleosaccular and neuroepithelial. Cochleosaccular affects the inner ear and is the most common form of inherited deafness in dogs. It often occurs in dogs with white pigmentation, like Dalmatians. Neuroepithelial deafness affects the hearing nerve and is found in breeds like the Australian Cattle Dog.
Sometimes dogs can be unilaterally deaf, meaning they are only deaf in one ear. They may still respond to commands but have difficulty locating the source of sounds. Signs of deafness include lack of response when called or startled by sudden noises. Testing by veterinarians can confirm diagnosis.
Deaf Dogs’ Remaining Hearing
Even though a dog may be considered deaf, they often still have some residual hearing. Total deafness, where a dog cannot hear any sound at all, is rare. Most deaf dogs retain some level of hearing, especially at high frequencies.
A dog’s hearing range is approximately 40Hz to 60,000 Hz, while a human’s hearing range is 20Hz to 20,000 Hz. Dogs can hear higher pitched sounds that are outside of the human audible range.
When dogs start to lose their hearing, the lower frequencies tend to disappear first. Higher pitched sounds remain longer. So dogs with partial deafness often retain the ability to hear some high pitched sounds.
The upper limit of residual hearing for deaf dogs tends to be around 4,000-8,000 Hz. If a deaf dog does have any residual hearing, it tends to be isolated to higher pitched sounds. This allows them to potentially still hear sounds like fire alarms, whistles, and other high frequency noises.
Hearing a Dog Whistle
Dog whistles emit ultrasonic sound waves at frequencies that are typically above the range of human hearing but within the range of a dog’s hearing. So whether or not a deaf dog can hear a dog whistle depends on the type and degree of their hearing loss. Many deaf dogs aren’t completely deaf but rather hard of hearing – they have reduced hearing capabilities but may still be able to detect some sounds.
Some deaf dogs retain the ability to hear higher frequency sounds like those emitted by standard dog whistles. This is because hearing loss in dogs often affects the lower end of their hearing range first. So while a deaf dog may not hear normal sounds very well, they can sometimes still pick up the high-pitched ultrasonic frequencies of a dog whistle (1). However, dogs with complete or profound hearing loss will be unable to hear dog whistles.
The type of dog whistle being used is also a factor. Some specialty “silent” dog whistles are designed to be virtually inaudible to humans while still audible to most dogs. These very high frequency whistles are more likely to be heard by a deaf dog than standard dog whistles (2). However, no dog whistle can be guaranteed to work on every deaf dog.
In summary, it depends on the specifics of the dog’s hearing loss and the exact frequency of the whistle being used. Many deaf dogs retain some high frequency hearing and can detect standard or specialty dog whistles. But dogs with severe or complete hearing loss will be unable to hear them.
Training Deaf Dogs
Training a deaf dog requires using alternative methods like hand signals and vibrations in place of verbal commands. According to the AKC, the first step is teaching deaf dogs to pay attention and focus on you, rewarding them with treats or play when they make eye contact (Source). Hand signals like pointing down for “sit” or making a fist for “stay” can replace spoken cues. Pair the hand signals with treats to reinforce the behaviors.
Vibrating collars are another useful tool for deaf dog training. The collar delivers a vibration when a button is pressed to get the dog’s attention and cue behaviors like “come.” Always pair the vibration with a reward like a treat initially so the dog associates it positively rather than as a punishment. With consistent training, deaf dogs can learn hand signals and vibrations to follow basic commands.
Living with a Deaf Dog
Living with a deaf dog requires making some adjustments and accommodations to help the dog thrive. Since deaf dogs cannot hear verbal cues or sounds around them, owners need to use hand signals, vibrations, and visual cues to get their attention and communicate. It’s important to be patient when training a deaf dog, using positive reinforcement and consistent hand signals so they can learn commands. Feeding time, walks, and playtime may need adjustments like Scheduling routines, keeping them on a leash, tagging their collar, and monitoring their environment. Deaf dogs startle easily when touched unexpectedly, so gentle pats and vibrations help alert them you are near. Deaf dogs can live long, happy lives with accommodations like flashing lights for the doorbell and smoke alarms, fenced yards, and monitoring from a distance.
Alternatives to Dog Whistles
For deaf dogs, there are alternatives available that can be used instead of a traditional dog whistle for training and getting their attention. Two of the most common tools for deaf dogs are vibration collars and flashing lights.
Vibration collars work by providing a physical stimulus in the form of vibrations against the dog’s neck when a remote is triggered. This allows the owner to “signal” the dog from a distance without needing audible cues. Vibration collars are a great option for deaf dogs, as they do not rely on hearing at all. In fact, research shows that vibration collars can be used very successfully in training deaf dogs. They provide clear, consistent cues the dog can easily understand.
Another alternative is a collar with a flashing light or LEDs. When activated remotely, these collars will flash brightly to get the dog’s visual attention. Like vibration collars, flash lights provide a way to signal a deaf dog from a distance using senses other than hearing. With proper training and conditioning, flash lights can work very well for deaf dogs.
When used properly and paired with positive reinforcement training techniques, tools like vibration collars and flash lights give owners effective alternatives for communicating with and training deaf dogs without needing audible cues like dog whistles.
Conclusion
In summary, deaf dogs generally cannot hear dog whistles due to their high frequency pitch being outside of a deaf dog’s limited hearing range. However, each dog’s level of hearing loss varies, so some deaf dogs may still be able to detect sounds within the frequency range of certain dog whistles. It’s important not to rely solely on whistles for training or managing deaf dogs.
Dog owners can make accommodations like using hand signals and vibrations for training. Living with a deaf dog requires patience and understanding, but deaf dogs can still live happy and fulfilling lives as part of a family. While whistles can be useful training tools for some dogs, they should not be considered a necessity, especially for dogs with disabilities like deafness. With some adaptations to communication and training methods, deaf dogs can be wonderful and loving companions.