Music plays a significant role in setting moods, creating atmospheres, and evoking memories in humans, and research suggests it can have similar effects on dogs. Pet owners, trainers, and animal shelter workers utilize music as a training tool, a distraction from triggers, and a way to create a calming environment for dogs in kennels or home alone. However, studies indicate that the effectiveness of music can vary based on a dog's temperament, the setting, and the type and volume of music played.
Social media often features videos of dogs howling, relaxing to specially curated playlists, or being calmed by familiar songs during crate training. These instances highlight the role music plays in enhancing dogs' lives. Despite anecdotal evidence, some trainers find music beneficial, while animal behaviorists note the need for more research to understand how and when music impacts dogs' behavior. Experts propose several strategies to maximize the positive effects of music on dogs.
Various factors can contribute to a dog's stress and anxiety levels, including separation anxiety and noise phobias. These stressors can lead to negative behaviors such as aggression or submissive urination. According to Seana Dowling-Guyer, a lecturer at Tufts University’s Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, music may help dogs relax but should not be the primary solution for addressing their stress. Dowling-Guyer has conducted research aimed at improving the lives of dogs, particularly those in shelters or at risk of abandonment. Her interest stemmed from observing that loud or excitable dogs may deter potential adopters, prompting the idea to create a calmer shelter environment through music.
Dog shelters, such as High Country Humane in Flagstaff, Arizona, have implemented playing classical and instrumental music to ease the stress of their animals. Shelter manager Megan Boyer reports that classical music helps calm the dogs, leading to a more peaceful environment. Additionally, dog music compilations are specifically designed with elements that help humans relax, while also considering dogs' unique auditory processing.
Aniruddh Patel, a Tufts University psychology professor, suggests that dog-calming music often features simplified classical compositions—slow, repetitive, and gentle—providing predictability in sound, which may be soothing for dogs in unpredictable situations. Nonetheless, experts emphasize that not all dogs respond to the same types of music. Lori Kogan, a professor at Colorado State University, believes that dogs tend to form preferences based on their exposure rather than having inherent likes or dislikes for specific genres.
To determine if music is beneficial for a dog, pet owners might leave TVs or music on during their absences to engage or distract their pets. Dowling-Guyer recommends varying playlists to prevent monotony and the potential association of negative experiences with particular songs. Individual dogs may react positively to visual stimuli, like television featuring dog programming. For instance, Tawny Keiser shares how her 10-year-old pug, Margarita, who suffers from separation anxiety, enjoys watching dog-related shows on YouTube, often showing excitement during these moments.
Owners are encouraged to observe their dog's reactions to music or television to gauge their comfort level. Signs of discomfort, such as panting or lip licking, should prompt a reassessment of the audio environment. While there is generally no harm in playing music for dogs, Dowling-Guyer advises caution against trainers who might suggest music as a comprehensive solution for behavioral issues. Such claims could indicate a lack of proper understanding of animal behavior.
The American College of Veterinary Behaviorists warns pet owners to be cautious when seeking training advice, as improper techniques can lead to lasting harm. Instead, they recommend consulting licensed trainers with advanced qualifications who are recognized by reputable organizations in animal behavior. In this context, the integration of music into dogs' lives appears promising yet requires a thoughtful approach to ensure beneficial outcomes for pets.
