Calming Music for Dogs

When you leave your dog home alone you might be tempted to leave a TV show on so that they can stay distracted. We’re sure you’ve wondered whether or not that’s worked, but have you ever wondered about music? We know. Music for dogs sounds crazy, but there have been quite a few studies done to see if they actually enjoy it. If they do like it, what are your options?

Do dogs even like music?

We’re sure you’ve noticed that there are certain sounds that drive your dog nuts. It only makes sense that some sounds do the opposite, right? A study done in 2002 and another done more recently found that dogs genuinely enjoy certain genres of music. The mashup of appealing noises drive them crazy, sometimes to the point of singing (which just means howling.) Every tempo and beat is different, so as you explore your options make sure you pay attention to how they react.

Some Calming Music

If you need calming music to play for your dog on long road trips, then head towards classical music. The 2002 study found that piano music, among other classical instrumentals, appeals to dogs’ sensory receptors because of their gentle rhythms and steady beats. The more recent study found that reggae (crazy, right?) appeals to dogs just as much, if not more than classical music does. So, you’ve got a wide range of options from Bob Marley to Mozart. You could also try Motown, soft rock, and pop. We recommend Adele!

Some Not-so-calming Music

Since they enjoy soft, steady sounds you should avoid anything fast paced and hectic. That means that heavy metal, heavy rap, and heavy rock are a no-go. They can cause anxiety in your dog, which is the exact opposite reaction you want. Don’t believe it, see for yourself?

Overall…

The studies we mentioned above are scientific, but they might not apply to your dog. When you look for something to calm them down, it’s always best to go through a process of trial and error. Maybe your dog actually hates Mozart and prefers Metallica. Be patient with them and try new things.