Introduction
Our canine companions interact with music in fascinating ways. From calming a stressed shelter dog to amping up an agility competitor, research shows music can greatly impact dogs’ moods and behaviors. This article explores how dogs hear and react to different music genres, examining the science behind their preferences and highlighting effective music applications. With insights from recent studies, we aim to inform dog owners on optimizing music for improved canine health, performance, and bonding.
Dogs’ Hearing Abilities
Dogs have a much wider range of hearing compared to humans. According to a study by Louisiana State University, dogs can detect sounds up to 46-47 kHz at intensities of 64-73 dB (source). In comparison, the normal hearing range for adult humans is 20 Hz to 20 kHz. This means dogs can hear sounds more than twice as high-pitched as humans can.
As the AKC explains, dogs are able to hear sounds as high as 47,000 to 65,000 Hz, which are frequencies far too high-pitched for humans to detect (source). Their superior high-frequency hearing allows dogs to pick up on subtle sounds like whistles and dog training tools that use high-pitched frequencies.
Music’s Impact on Dogs’ Moods
Several studies have examined how different music genres affect dogs’ moods. According to research conducted at the University of Glasgow, classical music has a calming effect on dogs (Bowman 2017). When dogs were played classical music in an animal shelter environment, they exhibited significantly lower stress behaviors compared to times when no music was played. Scientists theorize that the repetitive and predictable nature of classical music provides comfort for dogs.
In contrast, heavy metal music appears to have an agitating effect. In an experiment by the University of Sydney, dogs exposed to AC/DC heavy metal music showed increased body shaking and nervous panting. However, the dogs’ heart rates actually decreased, suggesting the music was arousing but not stressful (Lindig 2020). Overall, research indicates both classical and heavy metal music elicit strong responses in dogs, but in opposing directions of relaxation versus stimulation.
Musical Preferences
Research has shown that most dogs prefer softer genres of music like soft rock, reggae, and classical[1][2]. These genres tend to have gentler rhythms and harmonies that are soothing for dogs. One study found that dogs exposed to classical music spent more time resting than dogs played heavy metal music[3]. Reggae and soft rock also seem to have a calming effect on most dogs. These are good genres to play for anxious or stressed dogs. On the other hand, many dogs do not seem to enjoy genres like metal, punk, or electronic dance music. The loud, aggressive rhythms tend to agitate them. Owners should monitor their dog’s reactions and avoid music that causes negative reactions.
Physiological Reactions
Research shows that different genres of music can have measurable effects on dogs’ heart rates and blood pressure. A 2017 study published in Emerging Investigators found that when dogs listened to jazz music, their average heart rate decreased. However, when they listened to rock or rap music, their average heart rate increased significantly (https://emerginginvestigators.org/articles/music-s-effect-on-dogs-heart-rates/pdf).
Another 2017 study from Emerging Investigators confirmed these findings. They observed a statistically significant increase in heart rate when dogs listened to rock and rap music. In contrast, jazz music resulted in a noticeable decrease in heart rate (https://emerginginvestigators.org/articles/17-015).
A 2019 study in Applied Animal Behaviour Science also showed improved heart rate variability in dogs exposed to classical music, indicating a calming physiological effect (https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1558787818300972).
Overall, research indicates physiological reactions like decreased heart rate and blood pressure when dogs listen to calm genres like classical or jazz. But louder, more energetic music like rock or rap increases heart rate and stimulation.
Behavioral Reactions
Research has shown that dogs exhibit certain behavioral reactions in response to music, especially relating to tail wagging, panting, and barking. One study found that dogs wagged their tails more frequently when exposed to classical music compared to heavy metal or pop music (Effects of Music Pitch and Tempo on the Behaviour of Kennelled Dogs). The tempo of music also impacts dogs, with a faster tempo leading to more tail wagging. Panting may increase in some dogs when listening to upbeat or louder genres. On the other hand, calmer music can reduce panting in stressed dogs.
Barking responses depend on the individual dog but generally decrease with relaxation-inducing genres like reggae or soft rock, while loud, jarring music may prompt excited barking. Owners report reduced barking when dogs listen to music. Overall, behavioral observations point to music benefiting dogs by lowering stress cues like panting and barking when the proper genre, tempo and volume are used.
Benefits of Music Therapy
Music therapy has been shown to provide many benefits for dogs. According to the AKC, music can help relieve anxiety and boredom in dogs by providing environmental enrichment and mental stimulation (AKC). The cyclical patterns and pleasant tones of music can have a calming effect on the nervous system. Music helps distract dogs from stressors in their environment.
During stressful events like thunderstorms or fireworks, playing calming music for dogs can help ease anxiety by masking frightening sounds. Music therapy gives dogs’ minds something more pleasant to focus on. The AKC recommends playing music for puppies and adult dogs before anxiety triggers even start to help prevent fearful reactions from developing.
Music also helps relieve boredom when dogs are left home alone. Providing background music gives dogs auditory stimulation to keep their minds engaged. This can prevent boredom-related problem behaviors like excessive barking or destruction. Owners can play music for dogs to help them relax and feel less distressed when separated from their human companions.
Risks of Music Overexposure
Playing music too loudly can potentially damage dogs’ sensitive hearing and cause irreversible hearing loss over time. A study on dogs’ physiology showed that dogs’ hearing range is approximately 40 Hz to 60,000 Hz, compared to humans’ range of 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz. Prolonged exposure to sounds over 100 dB can harm dogs’ hearing. Loud music, especially with heavy bass, can surpass this unsafe decibel level.
Overstimulation from music is another risk. Dogs have much more sensitive hearing than humans, so music at a normal volume for us can be overwhelming for them. Signs of overstimulation include panting, pacing, barking, and destructive behaviors. Providing a quiet space away from loud music can help dogs relax and prevent anxiety. Additionally, more research is needed on music’s psychological effects on dogs. Although music therapy shows promise, inappropriate music could potentially cause dogs stress.
Owner Music Recommendations
When choosing music to play for your dog, it’s best to stick to mellow genres shown to have a relaxing effect. Based on research, the top genres owners should select include:
Classical – One study by Chewy found classical music to be very effective at calming dogs. The orderly compositions and slower tempos of classical pieces are soothing. Try playing violin concertos, piano sonatas, or full orchestral works.
Soft Rock – Mellow soft rock songs can also relax dogs. Try acoustic singer-songwriter pieces and love ballads from the 60s/70s. PetMD notes artists like Billy Joel and Elton John are good soft rock choices.
Reggae – Reggae’s gentle rhythmic quality has a tranquilizing effect on canines. Opt for mellower reggae songs and avoid faster dancehall-type beats which may overstimulate.
When selecting specific songs, choose slower-tempo pieces in major keys. Lower-pitched instruments like cellos or piano generally work better than higher violins or soprano singers. Keep volume moderate to prevent overstimulation. Monitor your dog’s reactions to fine-tune music choices.
Conclusion
In summary, research shows that dogs do react to and have preferences for different genres of music. Their advanced hearing allows them to detect a wider range of frequencies and volumes than humans. How a dog reacts to music depends on the genre, their personality and the volume it is played at.
Upbeat pop and classical music tends to have a calming effect on dogs by releasing feel-good hormones like dopamine. However, the opposite may be true for loud rock or metal music, which can overstimulate them. Dogs are sensitive to noises over 45 decibels, so volume levels should be monitored.
While music can benefit dogs by reducing stress and anxiety, overexposure may cause hearing damage or increase aggression. Owners should observe how their dog reacts and avoid playing music too loudly or for too long. The safest bet is to use music judiciously in moderation while also providing a quiet space for dogs to relax in.
With some awareness of proper volume, genre and monitoring of reactions, music can be an enjoyable enrichment for canines. The takeaway is to use music as a complementary therapy but not overdo it. As with most things, moderation is key for dogs as well.