Music is a powerful medium: it can energize, inspire, sadden, or calm us down. So, what can it do for our dogs?
Recent studies show that music can have quite an impact on our canine friends. Whether it’s separation anxiety, general anxiety, or trouble sleeping, the right tunes can make a significant difference in your dog’s well-being.
Can Dogs Really Enjoy Music?
While dogs may not understand music like humans do, they can certainly respond to it. Dogs process sounds differently, hearing a wider range of frequencies and being more sensitive to sudden, loud noises.
A notable study by Dr. Deborah Wells, a psychologist at Queen’s University Belfast, found that classical music relaxed dogs in animal shelters, making them bark less and lie down more. On the other hand, heavy metal led to increased agitation, restlessness, and barking.
This suggests that music can significantly influence your dog’s behavior, for better or worse.
How Can Music Help My Dog?
Music therapy for dogs can be effective in various situations, including:
Soothing Separation Anxiety
Dogs with separation anxiety often become anxious when alone. Playing soft, calming music when you leave the house can create a sense of security for your dog, reducing anxiety and destructive behaviors. Additionally, music can mask sudden noises that might otherwise trigger anxiety.
Calming During Fireworks or Thunderstorms
Loud noises, such as fireworks or thunderstorms, are common causes of anxiety in dogs. Music can help drown out these distressing sounds, and slower rhythms can help lower their heart rate and induce relaxation.
Helping Your Dog Sleep
If your dog has trouble settling down at night, music can create a serene environment. Gentle music, similar to a lullaby, can ease your dog into sleep by creating a relaxing atmosphere and reducing stimuli that might keep them awake.
Reducing Hyperactivity
For high-energy dogs, music can act as a tool to wind them down after playtime. Playing soothing tracks during cool-down periods can assist in transitioning them from high energy to rest, reducing stress on their nervous system.
Which Music Genre Should I Play For My Dog?
We talked about how classical music helped dogs in animal shelters feel more relaxed, but it’s not the only genre that works.
This study sought to determine whether other genres could work, too. They found that soft rock and reggae were particularly effective in relaxing dogs–even more than classical music and other genres like jazz or pop.
On the other hand, multiple studies found that heavy metal encouraged dogs to bark and increased body shaking, a sign of nervousness. Avoiding genres with loud instruments, sudden changes in volume, and fast tempos may be wise if you don't want to agitate your canine friend.
Additional Tips for Using Music with Your Dog
Switch It Up
Science shows that music is an effective tool for soothing dogs, but it also determined that habituation can negate these positive results.
In some cases, the calming effects of the music started to wear off by the end of the week, and dogs could become used to the playlist as quickly as after just one day of listening.
To avoid this, rotate between calming genres and playlists to maintain the therapeutic benefits.
Keep the Volume Low
Even if you’re playing a soothing genre, try to keep the volume low. Dogs have much better hearing than us, and loud music can be startling. Anything at or above 70 dB (about the sound of a vacuum cleaner) can make your pup uncomfortable.
Test Your Dog’s Response
Since every dog is different, experiment with different types of music and observe your dog’s reaction. Notice if your dog becomes more relaxed, falls asleep, or shows signs of agitation, and adjust the music accordingly.
While it may not be a cure-all, music therapy is a gentle, accessible, and often successful strategy for many dogs dealing with anxiety.
So, next time your dog is stressed, try turning on some calming tunes—you might be surprised by how effective it can be!