Top 10 Best Dog Whistles in the UK 2020 (ACME, Storm and More)

If you’re not sure of the differences between a pea whistle you can trill, a pealess whistle or an ultrasonic whistle, read our buying guide below to find out which one is best for you and your pooch. We'll also get into the different materials available and other features to look for while you shop. 

Although ultrasonic whistles are often cited to be the best choice for dog training, they are not the be all and end all of dog whistles. There can be pros and cons to all types, so it all comes down to your needs and preferences – and obviously your pooch’s, too!

Ultrasonic or silent dog whistles are what most people refer to when talking about dog whistles. These are great as dogs can usually hear these whistles better, even if you have a dog that is hard of hearing or even deaf. Plus, there’s no risk of bothering your neighbours by blowing a loud whistle at all hours of the night!

However, silent whistles are not necessarily perfect for everyone. Although they have their benefits, it may be harder to train your dog if you can’t hear the sound yourself. Plus, in some cases your dog may not respond to the whistle at all – or worse, the sound may even irritate your poor pooch's ears!

Audible whistles are better for beginners for obvious reasons – being able to hear it makes your life a lot easier! Although there's a risk they can be damaging to your ears or a nuisance to others, if you're doing long-distance training this can be a positive as the sound travels further than silent whistles.

They can come in two types: pea whistles or pealess whistles. Pea whistles contain a ‘pea’ inside, which is often a cork ball. This ‘pea’ allows you to make a greater combination of sounds with trills incorporated. This is great for command training as it means you can make a different sound for each command. 

However, these whistles don’t work well in cold weather, as the ‘pea’ may freeze and prevent you from making the proper sounds, so keep this in mind when training in winter!

Pealess whistles are obviously best for colder climates as there’s no pea inside to become frozen. Plus, they are better for quicker blasts of sound rather than long notes, if that is your preference for your commands. However, the range of sounds isn't as large as with a pea or ultrasonic whistle, so it may be harder to train your dog with different commands.

The frequency of a whistle is measured in Hertz (Hz) and is a very important factor to consider. While an average middle-aged adult has a hearing range from 20 Hz - 15,000-17,000 Hz, an average dog’s range goes from 40-60,000 Hz. 

This a huge difference in range and the reason why most ultrasonic dog whistles are considered ‘silent’ to human ears. You should also consider that different dog breeds have different hearing ranges. Smaller breeds such as Jack Russells have a higher range of hearing, whereas larger breeds usually respond better to lower ranges. 

Luckily, many whistles have adjustable frequencies so make sure you pick one with this feature if you're unsure – that way, you can test which range your dog responds best to!

Now you’ve learnt about whistle types and frequencies, it’s time to consider the material of your whistle. You usually get two options to pick from: plastic or metal.

Plastic whistles are great for both ease of use and the purse strings as they are often more affordable than metal ones. Not only are they better for all weather types, but they’re often more comfortable to use. 

Although they may not be as durable as metal whistles, if you're prone to losing things on your dog walks (or in general!) a plastic one is probably a better option for you – they can come in a variety of fun, eye-catching colours, and they're cheaper to replace. 

Metal whistles are of course sturdier and more durable, so if you want a product that will last you for a long while, this is the way to go. Some even have a lifetime warranty! They also look more sleek and stylish, if you care about that kind of thing.

However, the downside is that cold weather may affect these whistles negatively. Not only will it be cold and uncomfortable to use, but the tone of your whistle may change from the cold.

A tiny item like a whistle on its own can be easily misplaced, which is why many dog owners choose to use key rings or lanyards to keep track of them. Some whistles also come with covers to protect the mouthpiece when it's not in use. You're putting it in your mouth after all, and who knows what germs could've gotten on it!

While you can choose to buy these accessories separately, it's helpful to look for a whistle set which comes with these additional extras. It's definitely an incentive to buy a particular product and one less thing for you to worry about.

Now you know what to look out for in your training aid, it’s time to take a look at our list of top dog whistles and select your favourite for your pup!

Worried about your new pup running off during a training session? Or perhaps you'd just like to know which other items could help to make your training sessions a bit easier! Whichever type of canine pal you have by your side, we think you'll both find our related articles helpful. 

So there we have our top best dog whistles, all available to purchase quickly and easily online. Whether you prefer audible or silent, plastic or metal, we hope you’ve found a suitable whistle that you like and your dog responds well to. All that’s left to say is good luck in your training! 

Author: Dodo Wang