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22 August 2022
Everybody loves a good, relaxing song to listen to. Loud and ear-piercing music could even do it for some! People like to put some music on both to calm and excite their nerves. But what about dogs? Do dogs like music?
There are more aspects to the question, like what exactly are the canine-approved pitches and genres. There are also varying effects for dogs with different breeds and personalities. But to answer the question—yes, dogs like music!
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Research has found that different genres of music have unique effects on dogs. Classical music makes dogs more relaxed and calm, whereas heavy metal induces more barking and aggression.
Studies are very generalized, so it could still depend from case to case. Heavy metal may be avoided by most, but it could also encourage excitability depending on the dog’s personality. So try different genres of music, study their effects on your pet’s moods, and note striking behaviors and reactions.
As previously mentioned, certain types of songs have calming effects on dogs. Most research has pointed to classical music as the best genre to help calm the nerves. A study conducted by an animal welfare organization has found that classical music has significantly lowered dogs’ stress levels.
Your canine friend may even prefer white noise! The soft sounds of rainfall, wind, and the ocean may help soothe your pet’s stress and anxiety. Various white noise machines are available in the market to relax your dog and you.
So what exactly are the types of melodies most suited for your dog? While they generally appreciate music as humans do, it also comes down to personality. Like you, your pet also likes to listen to various sounds. And so, the most appropriate thing to do as a pet owner is to study the different effects of different musical genres.
Here are some kinds of music and the typical effects they could have on your canine friend:
Classics like Four Seasons by Vivaldi are associated with positive reactions. They are calming and relaxing and lessen your dog’s stress levels.
Pet owners like to leave Metallica out of their canine playlists. Research has found that it elicits more nervous shaking and aggression in dogs.
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Most studies report that pop music has little to no effects on dogs. Depending on your dog’s current mood and personality, it could excite them or not.
Like classical music, soft rock and reggae are associated with lower stress levels. Dogs also show greater interest and preference in listening to both genres.
Dogs perceive music differently than humans do. When experimenting with various musical genres, note behaviors like excessive barking, whining, tail wagging, and pacing. You might want to skip to the next track if they look uneasy. Remember to use not only general research but also your pet’s unique character as a basis for finding the most appropriate music!
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