How fun would it be if your furry friend also liked to groove along to your favourite beats? But have you ever wondered what music do dogs like?
Music is such a huge part of our lives as humans. I know I personally love jamming out to jazz and funky metal sounds! Now imagine if your dog was also a fan of your favourite music tastes.
Let’s understand how and what kind of music dogs enjoy and how can we improve our bonds while playing that favourite track, So, keep reading while you are vibing on your favourite track!
What Music Do Dogs Like?
Although there is no single answer that applies to all dogs, some types of music may be more appealing to our dogs.
According to some studies📰, dogs may enjoy listening to classical music, reggae, and soft rock. These genres often have gentle melodies and rhythms that can help calm dogs down.🐶 The reasons why dogs like music are not entirely clear, but there are some reasonable explanations.
Dogs have a heightened sense of hearing and can pick up on the emotional cues in music.🎼 Certain genres, such as classical music, may help reduce their stress and anxiety.
Music can also create a comforting and familiar environment, which can be particularly soothing for dogs when their owners are away.
"It is well established that music can influence our moods. Classical music, for example, can help to reduce levels of stress, whilst grunge music can promote hostility, sadness, tension, and fatigue", confirms experts at the American Kennel Club.
How to Know Your Dog’s Music Preferences
While dogs may not understand music in the same way humans do, they certainly appear to have the capacity to appreciate and respond to it, making the connection between dogs and music a unique and endearing one.💖
To determine your dog’s music preference, you can try playing different genres of music and observe their reaction. If they seem relaxed and calm, it’s likely that they enjoy the music.✨ Let’s see some more signs:
- Observe your dog’s reactions. If they seem relaxed, attentive, and happy, they probably enjoy that song. If they seem anxious or disturbed, they may not like it.
- Dogs tend to prefer classical music over other genres. The predictable patterns and tempos have a calming effect. Baroque music by Bach or Vivaldi are good option.
- Dogs usually don’t enjoy pop music as much, as the changing tones and beats can be confusing or annoying. Stick to mellower pop if playing it.
- Look for music between 50-60 beats per minute. This aligns with a dog’s resting heart rate and has a soothing effect.
- Pay attention to volume. Dogs’ hearing is very sensitive, so keep music moderate, not blaring.
- Dogs tend to prefer simpler instrumental and vocal music over heavily amplified genres. Acoustic and solo instruments are a safer bet.
On the other hand, if they appear agitated or restless, it's best to switch to a different genre. It's advisable to avoid🚫 playing music that has loud and sudden sounds or high-pitched tones as it can cause anxiety in dogs. Heavy metal and rap music are examples of genres that dogs may not enjoy.
Benefits of Playing Music for Dogs
Classical music has been shown to decrease stress and anxiety levels in dogs, helping high-strung pups remain calm and content. The ordered patterns and lack of jarring changes have a soothing effect[1].
Dogs process and respond to the emotional content in music, so happy-sounding songs can boost dogs’ moods while relaxing tunes can scatter nervous energy. The optimal effect depends on the dog’s current state and personality.
Playing music adds structure and predictability to a dog’s environment, creating a feeling of safety and reassuring dogs when home alone.
Tuning into music humans enjoy releases feel-good neurochemicals in dogs like serotonin, oxytocin, and dopamine, enhancing their overall sense of well-being[2].
Listening to slower-tempo music aligning with a dog’s resting heart rate can lower blood pressure and heart rates in anxious dogs. Background music can mask sudden loud noises that startle dogs, acting as a buffer against noises that spike anxiety and stress responses.
The right music played at a moderate volume can distract dogs from discomfort, whether due to injury, surgery, or conditions like arthritis, reducing pain perception. So the mental and physical benefits are clear: music is much more than entertainment for dogs!
FAQs
❔Do Dogs Feel Emotion From Music?
Dogs and cats feel emotions just like humans do and it’s clear that music affects their moods, too. Every pet owner wants their best friend to be comfortable when they’re feeling stressed or nervous. The right music might be the perfect way to help.
❔Is Music Relaxing to Dogs?
Dogs appear most calm when listening to classical music, reggae, and soft rock. In addition to genre and rhythm, variety is key. Dogs tend to tune out the music they hear all the time. The relaxing effect declines once music turns into ambient noise.
❔What Music Do Dogs Like?
Reggae, soft rock, and spa-like music have also been found to help reduce stress and anxiety in dogs. On the other hand, genres like hard rock, grunge, heavy metal, pop, and rap usually have the opposite effect. These genres’ faster tempos are known to cause agitation, hostility, and restlessness in pups.
❔Can Dogs Have Favourite Music?
Studies show that dogs prefer certain genres and songs, just like humans. While individual tastes vary, higher-pitched female voices and simpler arrangements tend to appeal more to dogs. Avoid loud, chaotic, or bass-heavy, which could startle them.
It’s a wRAP
And it’s a wrap for our quest of “What music do dogs like?” we understood how just like us music affects dog’s well-being too. Music makes them happy too.
Pretty fascinating, right? So next time you are vibing on any track observe your furry friend too, and by any luck, your musical tastes will match!
Reference:
- Bowman, A., Dowell, F. J., & Evans, N. P. (2017). ‘The effect of different genres of music on the stress levels of kennelled dogs.’ Physiology & Behavior, 171, 207–215- NIH.
- How music affects your mind, mood and body. (n.d.).- Tallahassee Memorial Healthcare.
