Dogs’ Hearing Abilities
Dogs can hear frequencies from 67 Hz to 45 kHz, whereas the human hearing range is around 64 Hz to 23 kHz (LSU, 2022). This means dogs can detect higher pitched sounds that humans normally can’t hear. Dogs have excellent high frequency hearing due to structural adaptations in their ears.
A dog’s ear contains more ear muscles than humans, allowing them to tilt, rotate, raise, or lower their ears to better locate sounds and identify where they originate. Their ear canal is also longer than a human’s ear canal, allowing dogs to detect fainter sounds. Dogs also have a large number of inner ear hair cells that are responsive to high frequency stimuli up to 60 kHz (AKC, 2018).
Overall, a dog’s hearing anatomy gives them a broader range and greater sensitivity to high frequency sounds compared to humans. This allows dogs to hear subtle sounds like whistle tones that are normally out of a human’s range of hearing.
Dogs’ Musical Preferences
Research has shown that dogs may have preferences for certain genres and tempos of music. A study published in Applied Animal Behaviour Science looked at how different genres of music like classical, heavy metal, pop, and reggae affected dogs’ behaviors (Lindig, 2020). The results showed dogs were more relaxed when listening to classical music compared to the other genres. Heavy metal led to increased agitation in many of the dogs.
Another study published in Physiology & Behavior examined how music tempo influenced dogs’ stress levels in a veterinary clinic setting (Amaya et al., 2021). The findings revealed that slower tempo music (70-80 beats per minute) helped lower dogs’ stress compared to faster music (190 beats per minute). Slower music seemed to have a calming effect.
Overall, research indicates dogs may prefer slower, classical music over other genres and tempos. However, individual preferences can vary between dogs, so it’s worth experimenting to find what your dog responds to best.
Impact of Music on Dogs
Research has shown that music can have various effects on dog behavior. Classical music generally has a calming effect and can help to reduce stress and anxiety in dogs. According to a 2020 study, dogs exposed to classical music showed more relaxed behaviors and slept more. On the other hand, rock music was found to increase anxious and agitated behaviors like body shaking and nervousness.
Playing calming music for dogs can be especially helpful for separation anxiety. The sounds can help mask triggers like outside noises and provide a sense of comfort when their owner is away. A 2022 article notes that music therapy can help reduce stress behaviors in dogs with separation anxiety such as barking, destruction, and elimination issues.
It’s important not to play the same music repeatedly as dogs can become accustomed to it. Rotating different genres and pieces can help maintain the beneficial effects. Overall, carefully selected music can be a positive part of a dog’s routine and environment.
Music Therapy for Dogs
Music therapy uses music to help improve the physical, emotional, cognitive, and social needs of individuals. For dogs, music therapy can provide similar benefits. One study from the National Library of Medicine reviewed existing research on the effects of music on dogs.
The researchers found that music therapy can help reduce stress and anxiety in dogs, especially in challenging environments like shelters or veterinary offices. Soothing music is thought to release calming hormones that lower heart rate and blood pressure. Music also provides mental stimulation and enrichment for dogs.
In training and behavioral modification programs, music therapy techniques can reinforce positive behaviors. Upbeat tunes may help motivate and engage dogs during training. Specific music playlists can also be used as part of desensitization training to help dogs overcome fears or phobias.
Overall, the initial research indicates music therapy can provide similar benefits for dogs as it does for humans. More studies are still needed, but music is an accessible and drug-free way to potentially improve canine health and welfare.
Creating Music for Dogs
There are a number of considerations when composing music specifically for dogs. The tempo, tones, instruments used, and rhythms can all impact how relaxing or stimulating the music is for canines (source). Research has found that dogs respond best to music that mimics the soothing qualities of human lullabies, with drawn out notes, a slower tempo, and minimal percussion.
Some examples of artists who have created music designed for dogs include composer Iain Jackson, who was commissioned by the pet food brand Eukanuba to write music to relax dogs. He incorporated synthesized tones, steady rhythms, and slower tempos. Similarly, reggae artist Don Nino created an entire reggae album meant to calm anxious pups.
Dog-Friendly Musical Instruments
Just like humans, dogs are able to enjoy and interact with musical instruments. There are a wide variety of dog-friendly musical instruments available that allow dogs to make their own music.
Some popular options include:1
- Piano mats – These floor mats have different piano keys that make sounds when pressed by a dog’s paws.
- Squeaky musical toys – Many plush dog toys incorporate musical elements like squeakers, crinkle material, and bells.
- Shake-activated toys – Toys that make noise when shaken or moved appeal to a dog’s playful nature.
- Drums/xylophones – Specially designed drums and xylophones allow dogs to tap out their own tunes.
Interacting with musical instruments provides great mental and physical benefits for dogs. It stimulates their minds through engaging their curiosity and problem-solving skills. The activities also provide physical exercise as dogs tap, shake, and manipulate the toys. Overall, musical play is a enriching way for dogs to interact with sound and have fun.
Dancing Dogs
Some breeds of dogs seem to have an innate love for dancing and moving to music. Herding breeds in particular, like Border Collies, Australian Shepherds, and Australian Cattle Dogs, often naturally “dance” as they move livestock. Their quick, nimble movements resemble dancing. These intelligent working dogs have energy to burn and often seem to enjoy moving rhythmically.
Certain individual dogs also demonstrate a propensity for “dancing” when music is played. Their owners may nurture this talent by teaching them routines set to music. Dog dancing competitions have become popular in recent years, inspired by activities like musical canine freestyle and heelwork to music. Competitions like Crufts and the World Canine Freestyle Organization allow dogs to perform choreographed dances alongside their trainers. Border Collies excel in these competitions, with their athleticism and eagerness to learn sequences of moves. But all breeds and mixes can potentially succeed if properly trained. The key is finding activities suitable for the individual dog’s abilities and preferences. Some dogs seem to relish performing and dancing along to music.
Sources:
https://www.hulu.com/series/the-secret-life-of-dancing-dogs-4df02fde-ad1d-4b73-97a2-ed52772d3469
Famous Musical Dogs
Dogs have made notable appearances in various forms of music over the years. Some have become famous for their musical talents, while others are known for their cameos in songs, music videos, Broadway shows, and more. Here are some of the most well-known musical canines:
Several dogs have become stars of the stage. Annie’s lovable companion Sandy helped comfort the title character through tough times in the classic Broadway musical Annie. Toto was Dorothy’s faithful friend and popped up throughout musical numbers in The Wizard of Oz. More recently, the Jack Russell terrier Cosmo played Sandy in a Broadway revival of Annie in 2012-2014.
Many music videos feature cute, playful dogs. Lewis Capaldi dances with his pooch in “Wish You The Best,” Buzzy Lee’s dog makes an appearance in “Cinderblock,” and a crew of pups cause chaos in Corook’s “The Dog.” These cameos show dogs are beloved members of musicians’ real lives.
Some talented pups have become musical performers in their own right. Known for their vocals, featured stars include Jolene the singing Husky, Tillman the skateboarding bulldog, Candy the saxophone playing Pomeranian, and more. Their videos delight millions of viewers online.
Dogs also get namedropped and referenced in lyrics. Snoop Dogg, DMX, and Nate Dogg built hip-hop personas referencing their canine names. And everyone knows the famous opening line “Who let the dogs out?” from the Baha Men’s hit song.
From Broadway stages to music charts, dogs hold a special place in musical history and pop culture. Their presence brings joy to audiences and adds a dose of cuteness to performances of all kinds.
Dog Training with Music
Music can be an effective reward and training tool for dogs. The right kind of music at the right volume can help dogs stay calm and focused during training sessions. Upbeat, motivating music can also be used as a reward for desired behaviors. According to one article, “Adding a little music can help make training your dog a more rewarding and calming experience.” (source).
Trainers can also use music to teach dogs to identify and respond to different songs. For example, one song could signal it’s time for a walk, while another indicates dinner time. With consistent training, dogs can learn to recognize and react to these musical cues. Start by playing a distinct song right before each activity, then reward the dog when they demonstrate the desired response. Over time, the dog will begin to associate each song with a specific behavior or routine.
The Debate
Some experts argue dogs don’t appreciate music emotionally like humans (https://www.reddit.com/r/dogs/comments/wrhj6i/do_dogs_appreciate_music_like_we_do/). They believe that while dogs may respond to and be soothed by certain types of music, they do not actually enjoy it in the same complex emotional way that humans do. This is because dogs’ brains are not wired to derive pleasure from music the way the human brain is.
However, others believe dogs do enjoy music recreationally (https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/news/do-dogs-like-listening-to-music/). They argue dogs may not comprehend music the same way humans do, but they can still find it pleasant, relaxing, or stimulating. The rhythms, tones, and patterns in music can elicit positive reactions in dogs, indicating they gain some enjoyment from it. These experts point to studies showing classical music having a calming effect on dogs.
While the debate continues, most dog owners notice their pets responding to and showing interest in music on some level. Determining exactly how dogs experience music remains challenging due to their limited ability to communicate complex thoughts and emotions.