Acoustics

For the purposes of analyzing hearing, sound is measured in “acoustic vibrations per second (Hz).  We humans with normal hearing abilities can hear sounds within the frequency range of 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz, on average.  Although we cannot hear anything below 20 Hz, we can feel it.  When your car shakes from the rap music in the car behind you, you can bet that the frequency is below 20 Hz, giving it that powerful bass vibration.  On the other hand, humans generally can’t discern sounds above the frequency of 20.000 Hz.

Canine Acoustics
Dogs, however, have a much wider sound spectrum…40 Hz to 60,000 HZ.  BarkOff delivers an ultrasonic signal within the upper end of that range. The breed of the dog and it’s age will influence the width of this range for that particular dog.  Some breeds have the characteristic of becoming totally deaf with age, while others may become deaf as a natural process of aging.

Acoustics & BarkOff

Because of the dog’s ability to hear higher frequency sounds, they are subjected to everyday stimuli that are unrecognized and often unknown to us.  This is the science behind the use of high frequency dog whistles and barking control devices like BarkOff that only they can hear and respond to.  The BarkOff emits an ultrasonic signal that’s inaudible to humans.  When you switch on the unit, the signal immediately captures the dog’s attention and interrupts his concentration on the item he was barking at.  He will lose focus on that subject, and will immediately quit barking.  The battery powered, hand held unit operates without wire, leads or collars, and is very affordable.
Being aware of our dog’s hearing ability should give us a better comprehension of the “how and why” our pets react.   This understanding will lead to better compatibility and much easier training.