Scottish SPCA will soon have improved sound technology in their kennels, thanks to research conducted at their rehoming center on dogs where reggae proved most popular with them.
Music of this nature can help relieve stress levels and support canine sleep patterns – two aspects essential to good health.
It’s a meditative type of music
Researchers from the Scottish SPCA and University of Glasgow recently conducted a groundbreaking research project which demonstrated how reggae music helps calm dogs. After playing various genres to shelter dogs at Glasgow SPCA and University, researchers noticed their heart rates change when reggae or soft rock music was played; their stress levels reduced and more time was spent lying down, with less shaking or barking as evidence of anxiety – providing dogs with better chances at finding homes.
Reggae music features its own distinct rhythm and harmony, usually played in 4/4 time or swing time with easy chord progressions that tend to use one or two chords per song (example being “Exodus” by Bob Marley and the Wailers), although more complex chord structures such as those used by Steel Pulse can create songs that can be very hypnotic.
Reggae music stands out from its counterparts with its distinct percussion style. While other forms of popular music employ regular beats, reggae uses irregular beats on offbeats of measures to produce its distinctive “jumpy” sound. Furthermore, reggae-organ shuffle rhythm can be heard in Sly and Robbie songs and Black Uhuru recordings.
Reggae music’s lyrics have long been used as an outlet for social commentary and religion; yet many songs also focus on lighter topics such as love and socializing. Furthermore, many reggae bands feature vocal harmony parts or feature toasting styles in order to add another layer. Toasting originated when DJs would improvise over dub tracks; it is thought of as the precursor of rap.
Many pet owners have already discovered the power of music to calm their dogs, but this new research indicates certain genres may be more effective than others. When dealing with stressful events like fireworks and thunderstorms, reggae music can help dogs unwind more easily while classical can help relax them further.
It’s calming
Many pet parents play music for their dogs to keep them at ease while they’re away, with certain genres having been proven helpful – research from Scottish SPCA and University of Glasgow revealed that reggae music proved most successful at soothing canines. Heart monitors were placed on kenneled dogs listening to various types of music genres. While results differed depending on each dog individually, reggae or soft rock music proved most relaxing; dogs who listened to classical music experienced higher stress levels compared to their counterparts listening to reggae or soft rock had lower stress levels compared with classical.
Researchers discovered that the rhythm of reggae music matched dogs’ own heart rates, providing potential calming benefits. Reggae music also contains deep bass sounds which mimic frequencies heard when listening to mothers’ heartbeats; furthermore, its low BPM (beats per minute) and slow tempo also helped soothe them.
Research also demonstrated that each dog had unique musical preferences; some may prefer Motown and pop, while others preferred Bob Marley. No matter their musical preference, researchers observed that when music was playing dogs spent significantly more time lying down than barking.
Researchers found that in addition to decreasing stress levels, dogs also demonstrated reduced saliva production and more relaxed behavior, leading them to believe that physical and behavioral modifications could help these dogs find permanent homes quicker.
Research indicating that dogs spending months or years in shelters is good news. This research may lead to positive outcomes such as increasing adoptions and developing stronger relationships between shelter dogs and potential adopters, increasing adoptions, improving relationships between shelter dogs and potential adopters and improved relationships among them – this simple step could make an enormous difference for so many pups! So the next time your canine starts being mischievous, try turning on some Trenchtown Rock instead!
It’s relaxing
No matter if your dog gets anxious during car rides or barks at other dogs, music can help soothe them down. According to studies conducted by several institutes and universities, music has an inducing calming effect on pets; some pet owners even use music therapy as a method for helping their pup sleep through the night. But not all genres have equal effects – research conducted by Scottish SPCA and University of Glasgow showed that certain genres – specifically reggae and soft rock music – were preferred over others by dogs who exhibited significant behavioral changes as a result of listening.
Reggae music features an undeniably distinct rhythm. Its signature sound combines bass, drums and staccato chords played on keyboard or guitar; additionally its style often incorporates a choppy feel as repeated bass lines can emphasise rhythm; additionally horn sections often play their own part with introductions and countermelodies while distorted guitar adds rock influence – all making reggae an enjoyable form of entertainment.
The Scottish SPCA plans on incorporating reggae music into all their animal shelters, starting with those currently using speakers playing Trenchtown Rock to keep animals relaxed and calm. Studies conducted have proven that dogs who listened to reggae or soft rock had lower heart rates and showed less anxiety than those listening to other genres of music.
Music not only reduces stress levels for dogs but it can also aid them with separation anxiety – this is especially important when small breeds spend six months or more in shelters before being adopted out. Furthermore, music may help dogs cope with noise phobia and other stressful situations.
The Scottish SPCA plans on releasing a series of reggae songs specifically targeted toward dogs. Their intention is that this music will help owners relax their pets during car rides, thunderstorms and traveling – two out of three dog owners report that their furry companions become anxious during car trips due to long distances, noisy highways or simply not being used to traveling yet.
It’s a distraction
Many pet owners play music to keep their dogs calm and company. Some breeds of dogs may prefer classical music while other genres, like reggae or soft rock can also be relaxing for dogs. Studies show that soft rock and reggae played at low volumes have the power to soothe dogs when played at low volumes, masking loud or frightening noises such as fireworks or car horns while simultaneously disorienting thunderous noises like children playing ball in the yard.
Music can help a dog focus on relaxing activities such as resting and chewing, which helps reduce stress and anxiety. Music may also soothe nervousness during thunderstorms or when leaving the house; dogs suffering from separation anxiety often enjoy listening to soothing tunes in their homes while alone.
Reggae music has its own distinct style and sound, distinguished by a Hammond organ shuffle and choppy rhythm. Reggae became popular in Jamaica thanks to artists like Bob Marley and the Wailers, while its spiritual lyrics often praise Jah. Reggae reached its creative zenith during the ’70s when groups such as Burning Spear and Black Uhuru dominated Jamaican musical scene.
Researchers with the Scottish SPCA and University of Glasgow monitored heart rates and saliva samples of shelter dogs while listening to Motown, pop and classical musical genres; Reggae and soft rock music was often preferred over these other genres by these animals in shelters.
Researchers also observed that dogs were more relaxed when listening to reggae and soft rock music versus Motown or other genres. With this knowledge in hand, researchers are now conducting trials using piped soft rock and reggae into animal shelters to reduce stress among shelter residents; specifically aiming to relieve their lives of shelter dogs which can often become very stressful environments for them. They hope that eventually testing music’s effects on cats as well.