Introduction
Across their long history as companions to humans, dogs have been bred for a variety of purposes. One result of this selective breeding is that many dogs are quite sensitive to stress and anxiety. Fortunately, there are various techniques that can help dogs relax, including leveraging the calming effects of certain sounds.
This article will explain the types of sounds that research shows can help alleviate anxiety in dogs. It will cover how classical music, nature sounds, white noise, and dog-directed music can have soothing effects. The article will also discuss the ideal frequency range and tempos for canine-calming music. Additionally, it will outline how to avoid loud or sudden sounds that may startle nervous pups. Recognizing each dog’s individual needs is an important factor as well.
Classical Music
Research has shown that classical music, especially slower tempo compositions, can have a calming effect on dogs. In a 2002 study by animal behaviorist Dr. Deborah Wells (PetMD), dogs exposed to classical music demonstrated more relaxed behaviors compared to other genres. The slower tempo compositions by composers like Bach, Mozart, and Beethoven seemed to have the most profound impact.
The reason slower classical music reduces stress in dogs relates to tempo. Higher beats per minute tend to be more arousing and stimulating. Slower compositions around 50-60 bpm align more closely to a dog’s resting heart rate, inducing a calmer state. The legato phrasing and lack of sudden volume changes also contributes to the relaxing effect.
Overall, research indicates classical music, especially slower sonatas or solo instrumental works, can relieve anxiety and provide a soothing environment for many dogs.
Nature Sounds
Nature sounds like ocean waves, rainfall, and birdsong can have a relaxing effect on dogs. The theory behind why these ambient sounds are calming is that they mimic the natural environment that dogs’ wild ancestors lived in. The gentle, repetitive noises remind dogs of being outdoors in nature and tap into their innate instincts. Listening to recordings of rainfall or other water sounds may evoke the soothing feeling of being near a lake or stream for a dog. Birdsong provides a familiar woodsy atmosphere. Ocean waves offer a steady, rhythmic backdrop of white noise. There’s even some evidence that specific nature sounds can lower heart rate, reduce anxiety, and encourage relaxation through sound wave stimulation. Overall, nature recordings can help trigger a dog’s natural calming mechanisms and create a peaceful state of mind. YouTube video showing rainfall soothing anxious dog
White Noise
White noise is a sound containing many frequencies played in a random pattern, which makes it sound like a bit like static on TV or radio. This type of random, steady sound can have a calming effect on dogs (Source). The random frequencies and patterns in white noise can help mask sudden sounds that might startle or upset a dog.
Some examples of white noise that may relax dogs include the humming of fans or air conditioners, the static sound of a radio tuned between stations, the white noise of a TV turned to an empty channel, or recordings of steady rainfall or ocean waves. The key is choosing a white noise with no discernible patterns, tones, music or voices. This provides a masking effect for a dog’s sensitive hearing without additional stimulation.
Playing white noise like a fan or recordings of steady rain or waves can create an ambient calming environment for a anxious or nervous dog. The white noise blankets the environment with a neutral sound that dogs find soothing.
Dog-Directed Music
In recent years, there has been an increase in music designed specifically to relax and soothe dogs. This music takes into account the fact that dogs can hear higher frequency sounds that humans can’t, and they perceive music very differently than we do.
For example, the company Pet Acoustics has developed a line of music just for dogs, created by sound behaviorists. Their music uses pure tones, simple melodies, and ambient sounds optimized for a dog’s hearing. It is designed to have a calming effect and reduce anxiety in stressful situations like separation, loud noises, or vet visits.
Other products like Relax My Dog and SoundHound Play soundtracks combine instrumental music with sounds from nature to help relax dogs. They avoid sudden noises, vary tempos gently, and stick to frequencies in dogs’ audible range. Having music tailored just for them seems to appeal to many dogs’ listening preferences.
The concept of species-specific music is relatively new but holds promise as an additional relaxation and anxiety relief tool for our canine companions. Dog-directed music utilizes an understanding of dog hearing and musical perception to create a soothing experience just for them.
Frequency Range
Dogs have a wider range of hearing compared to humans, able to detect frequencies from approximately 67 Hz to 45 kHz (Frequency Hearing Ranges in Dogs and Other Species). Dogs can hear sounds as high as 47,000 to 65,000 Hz, which are inaudible to humans (Sounds Only Dogs Can Hear: Higher Pitches Is Where …). This means dogs can hear high-pitched sounds more easily than humans can. High-frequency music contains more high-pitched tones that grab a dog’s attention. The unique frequencies stimulate their ears and can have a calming effect. High-pitched classical music or sounds from nature like birds chirping relax dogs by engaging their sharp sense of hearing.
Slow Tempo
Research has shown that slower music tempos tend to have a more relaxing effect on dogs. Classical music or other genres with a slower beat of 50-60 BPM can help lower a dog’s heart rate and reduce anxiety. Slower music is less stimulating and allows a dog’s body and mind to settle into a calmer state.
Studies have found the most effective tempo ranges for dog relaxation music to be between 50-60 BPM. Music any slower than 50 BPM may be too dragging, while music above 60 BPM starts to lose its calming properties. Aim for selections solidly within the 50-60 BPM range for optimal relaxation. This slower tempo range works well for reducing separation anxiety, curbing excitable behavior, and helping high strung dogs unwind.
The key is choosing slower music that creates a peaceful ambience without being somber or monotonous. Lyrical new age music or soothing solo piano works well. Nature sounds blended with light music are another good option. The tempo should be slow but not to the point of boredom.
Avoid Loud, Sudden Sounds
Note that loud or jarring sounds can startle and stress dogs. Advise readers to avoid these. Thunder, fireworks, gunshots, loud vehicles like buses and trash trucks, vacuum cleaners, and skateboards on pavement are examples of noises that many dogs find frightening or upsetting[1]. The sudden loud noises put dogs on high alert. Their sensitive ears pick up frequencies and volumes humans cannot detect. What may seem reasonable to you can feel like an assault on your dog’s ears.
It’s best to limit your dog’s exposure to abrupt loud sounds whenever possible. If unavoidable noise occurs, try to mitigate it by providing ambient soothing music and a safe space for your dog to retreat to until the disruptive sounds pass. With conditioning, you may be able to desensitize your dog to some degree, but sensitivity to noise varies greatly between individual dogs based on breed, age, past experiences, and personality. Get to know what upsets your unique dog and do your best to control their environment to avoid those stressors.
Individual Needs
Not all dogs respond to sounds in the same way. What may be calming and relaxing for one dog may cause anxiety or even fear in another. It’s important to acknowledge that each dog has unique sound preferences based on their personality, age, breed, past experiences, and more. The key is to experiment to find what works best for each individual dog.
Some dogs may become agitated or stressed with certain musical genres while remaining relaxed with others. An older dog who startles easily may prefer softer nature sounds rather than music. Puppies who haven’t developed noise sensitivities may respond well to a variety of audio stimuli. Getting to know your dog’s sensitivities and testing different sounds is the best way to determine their preferences. Remain attentive to their body language and reactions to identify what they find most soothing. With patience and care, you can discover the optimal sounds to promote calmness and relaxation in your unique dog.
Conclusion
In summary, certain sounds can help dogs relax, including classical music, nature sounds, white noise, and dog-directed music designed specifically with a frequency range and tempo meant to soothe canines. Loud, sudden noises should be avoided, and each dog’s individual needs and preferences should be considered. The research shows that the right kinds of sounds can aid dog relaxation through measurable changes like reduced heart rate and restlessness. Dog owners are encouraged to experiment to find the optimal sound relaxation techniques for their pets. Start with the kinds of audio listed here, observe your dog’s reactions, and adjust until you find the sounds that work best to help your furry friend feel calm and comfortable.