Introduction
This article will examine the effects that different genres and types of music can have on dogs. We will explore how music impacts dog behavior, identifying music that relaxes, excites or distresses dogs. Optimal music volume for dogs will be discussed. Potential music preferences among different dog breeds and personalities will be reviewed. Finally, we will look at how music can be used in dog training.
The goal is to provide dog owners with a deeper understanding of how their pet is affected by music. This knowledge can allow owners to create environments more suitable for their dog’s needs and preferences. Ultimately, the aim is to enable owners to utilize music as a tool to improve their dog’s quality of life.
Music’s Effect on Dog Behavior
Research has shown that music can have various effects on dog behavior and mood, depending on factors like genre, volume, and dog personality. A 2020 study published in the National Library of Medicine reviewed existing research on music’s influence on dogs. The researchers found strong evidence that exposure to music alters behavioral traits in dogs.
Certain types of music, especially classical music, have been found to have a calming effect on many dogs. A study by psychologist Lori Kogan found that dogs exposed to classical music spent more time sleeping and less time barking. The music appeared to soothe the dogs and reduce stress. However, the volume must be kept relatively low, as loud music can have the opposite effect and agitate dogs.
On the other hand, upbeat pop music and heavy metal have been observed to excite some dogs and make them more energetic or reactive. Loud, percussive music may also cause anxiety in certain dogs. Additionally, research shows that dogs prefer species-appropriate music written specifically for canines over human music genres.
Ultimately, the effect of music depends on the individual dog’s personality and sensitivity to sound. It’s best to closely observe a dog’s reactions to determine if a particular music style helps create a calmer or more stimulating environment for them.
Calming Music for Dogs
Research has shown that certain genres of music can have a calming effect on dogs. In particular, classical music, reggae and soft rock have been found to help relax dogs in high-stress environments like shelters, homes and veterinary offices.
A 2017 study by the Scottish SPCA and the University of Glasgow played various musical genres for dogs at a rehoming center. They monitored the dogs’ heart rates and behavior, and found that dogs were most relaxed when listening to reggae and soft rock. Their heart rates lowered and they showed more resting behavior.
Classical music, especially slower tempos, can also have a calming influence. Researchers believe classical music may sound similar to a dog’s natural pulse and heartbeat, creating a soothing effect. Playing specific classical pieces like Adagio for Strings by Samuel Barber have been shown to ease anxiety in shelter dogs.
Veterinarians and pet owners often play calming music to help relax dogs during exams, grooming, or times of stress at home. By creating a peaceful environment, music can help anxious or nervous dogs feel more comfortable and settled.
Exciting Music for Dogs
Some research has shown that upbeat pop, dance, and metal music can energize and engage dogs. One study found that dogs exposed to fast-tempo music around 200 beats per minute showed more increased activity and playful behavior compared to slower music (Lindig, 2020). The faster beats and changing melodies can stimulate dogs and encourage activity and play.
Similarly, a study on shelter dogs found more barking and agitated behavior when played heavy metal music with a fast tempo. The researchers believed the loud, chaotic nature of the music led to arousal and stress reactions (Amaya et al., 2021). Loud, energetic music may overstimulate some dogs, while energizing others.
Upbeat, faster music can be used in short bursts for playtime with excitable dogs who enjoy stimulation and activity. But for calmer dogs, slower paced music is likely more preferable.
Distressing Music for Dogs
Certain genres and types of music can cause distress in dogs. Hard rock, punk, and music with excessive bass are examples of sounds that can be upsetting. The loud volumes, screaming vocals, and heavy percussion in hard rock and punk can overstimulate a dog’s sensitive hearing (Source). Additionally, the low frequencies and heavy vibrations from loud bass have been found to make dogs anxious. Research suggests dogs perceive bass frequencies differently than humans, so what sounds normal to us may be deeply disturbing in a dog’s ears (Source).
Owners should pay attention to their dog’s body language and reactions when playing certain music. Panting, trembling, pacing, hiding, or trying to leave the room could signal the music is causing stress. Hard rock, punk, and other noise music with screaming, aggressive tones does not make for a relaxing atmosphere for canine companions.
Optimal Music Volume for Dogs
While the genre or style of music does not matter much to dogs, the volume of the music can significantly impact their wellbeing. Dogs have much more sensitive hearing than humans, able to hear sounds down to -15 decibels compared to humans only hearing down to 0 decibels. Any sounds over 85 decibels can be potentially damaging for a dog’s hearing according to experts (see sources 1 and 2).
Prolonged exposure to sounds over 85 decibels can permanently damage a dog’s hearing over time. While the safe listening time decreases the louder the sound gets, 85 decibels is considered the threshold. Owners should be mindful of music or TV volume when dogs are present, and avoid subjecting them to loud music or noises for extended periods of time.
Music Preferences by Dog Breed
Researchers have found that certain dog breeds tend to prefer specific genres of music over others. For example, one study found that herding breeds such as collies and shepherds often respond most positively to soft rock music.[1] The gentle, rhythmic nature of soft rock seems to relax and calm herding dogs who are used to following commands and working in sync with their owners. On the other hand, scenthound breeds including beagles and basset hounds showed more affinity for classical music. The complex instrumentation and orchestration of classical pieces may appeal to dogs with an intense sense of smell and focus. Lastly, terrier breeds full of energy and spunk tended to be stimulated by upbeat pop music. The high tempo and changing tones of pop likely complement terriers’ playful, lively personalities.
Dog Personality and Music
A dog’s individual personality and temperament have an influence on their music preferences.
High-strung and anxious dogs seem to benefit from calmer music genres like soft rock, classical and reggae, which can have a soothing effect and help them relax. For example, research from What’s Your Dog’s Theme Song? found that more nervous dogs responded well to slower tempos and gentler sounds.
On the other hand, energetic dog breeds and dogs with more excitable personalities may be more positively stimulated by upbeat, faster-paced music like pop and dance. As noted in Music for the Pets, music with a lively rhythm and tempo can engage active dogs, capturing their interest and attention.
Observing a dog’s unique personality and nature can help pet owners curate music choices that will have the most beneficial impact.
Using Music for Dog Training
Playing certain types of music during training sessions can help dogs learn faster and more effectively. Research has shown that classical music, with its predictable rhythms and tempos, can boost a dog’s focus and concentration during training. The patterns in classical music tend to be soothing and calming, which helps dogs pay closer attention to commands and tasks. Studies have found that dogs undergoing obedience training have higher success rates when classical music is played in the background. One study conducted by a psychology team at the University of Glasgow that appeared in the Applied Animal Behaviour Science journal found that shelter dogs exposed to classical music showed significantly greater reduction in barking, lower stress behaviors and an increase in resting postures. So using classical music as a calming backdrop during training can get dogs into an optimal learning state.
Upbeat pop or rock music is useful as a reward mechanism during training. When dogs successfully complete a command or task, playing an upbeat tune provides positive reinforcement and energizes dogs to keep performing well. The shift from classical during focused training to upbeat as a reward creates a pattern dogs can recognize. Finding songs with a tempo of 120 to 140 beats per minute works well for an energizing effect as a short reward during training sessions. Keep the upbeat songs short, about 10-30 seconds when used as rewards. This intermittent shift from classical to upbeat music layers in powerful reinforcement to get dogs excited about obeying commands and participating actively in training.
Conclusion
In summary, research shows that music can have varying effects on dogs depending on the genre, volume, and individual traits of each dog. Classical music tends to have a calming effect and can reduce stress and anxiety in many dogs. However, rock, metal, and high tempo music often leads to increased barking, agitation, and restlessness. Loud music at high volumes is unpleasant for dogs and can cause hearing damage over time. The breed and personality of the dog also impacts how they respond to different types of music. High energy, active breeds may be more stimulated by upbeat music, while timid, anxious dogs prefer slower classical pieces. Overall, music can be a useful tool for enriching a dog’s environment and meeting their needs when selected thoughtfully based on the individual dog. Further research is still needed to better understand dogs’ physiological and psychological responses to music.