Studies have proven that music can help keep dogs calm. At the Scottish SPCA kennels for stressed out shelter canines, they play soothing music to provide some much-needed respite from anxiety.
Researchers conducted experiments by playing soft rock, Motown, reggae and classical music to dogs at a rehoming centre and found that all four genres led to an increase in time spent lying down compared to standing, regardless of genre choice.
Stress Reduction
Music as a calming technique can be particularly helpful in an animal shelter setting where noise, unfamiliarity and other stressors can cause dogs to cower or exhibit uncharacteristic behavior, particularly those looking for their forever homes – stress may cause barking loudly or acting anxiously, which may deter potential adopters from adopting.
Research by the University of Glasgow indicates that listening to specific genres of music can help kenneled dogs calm down and relax. The research involved 38 shelter dogs exposed to short-term (5 days) auditory enrichment with various genres such as Soft Rock, Motown Pop Reggae Classical. Heart rate, behavioral data collection as well as urine sample collection was performed throughout.
The results of the study were encouraging; all musical genres reduced stress levels among dogs, with Soft Rock and Reggae having the greatest positive effect. Though all genres had an overall beneficial impact, each canine may react differently to one type of music.
Reggae music was found to have a calming effect on dogs as its rhythm closely matched their heart beats, creating a feeling of familiarity and comfort for these canines. Researchers also observed that dogs listening to Reggae were less likely to bark.
The Scottish SPCA has recently begun upgrading their kennels with improved sound systems, turning them into reggae-themed havens for their future residents. While this is an amazing initiative, it is essential to keep in mind that not all dogs respond equally to music genres; effects may wear off over time. So be mindful when leaving your pup alone that certain genres become monotonous over time and cause stress; switch it up occasionally when leaving them home alone so they don’t associate one form with being left alone and become distressed; some dogs might prefer K-Pop while others prefer EDM while Hedgehogs may prefer deep house or something else…but regardless, I think we can all agree: Reggae reign supreme!
Relaxation
Music can be an effective way to soothe your dog during fireworks season or vet appointments; but what kind of tune should be chosen? Traditionally, softer rock and classical have proved effective; however, new research indicates that reggae may provide the optimal relaxation song.
RelaxMyDog is leading this new trend with their range of soothing playlists for dogs. Their music has been specially created with frequencies canine ears are sensitive to. When asked what their success formula might be, Amman Ahmed remains coy but does state: ‘the more the human listens with an open mind, the more likely the dog will enjoy it.”
RelaxMyDog created five playlists featuring everything from soft rock and Motown music to reggae in order to put their theory to the test. Heart monitors were then used on dogs listening to these genres and it was determined that dogs who listened to reggae had lower stress levels compared to dogs exposed to other genres, plus spent less time standing or barking during music listening time than others who heard different genres.
iCalmDog conducted extensive clinical testing, and found that dogs exposed to reggae slept more soundly than those exposed to other genres. According to them, this may be because its rhythms mimic a dog’s heart rate closely enough that they work as an effective method for soothing canines. They plan on creating more relaxing tunes that help with separation anxiety, thunderstorm fear, noise noise stress and other forms of distress in pets.
Behavioral Changes
One of the most commonly employed techniques by dog owners to calm their animals is music. From classical and reggae to Motown, playing music seems to help relax canines and encourage restful restful sleep. But it is essential that owners understand which genre works best with their individual canine; not all music genres may have similar results and some types may actually cause stress for canines.
Researchers from the Scottish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals conducted studies to see how music affects dogs. Over an extended period, they observed sleep, pacing, barking and head shaking behaviors that could indicate stress as well as heart rate variations and cortisol levels so as to determine how these particular dogs were feeling at any particular moment.
Researchers conducted an experiment wherein they monitored kennel dogs while playing various music genres on heart monitors, and discovered that reggae and soft rock had the greatest positive impact on physiological and behavioral changes for these pups. Reggae caused less stress while soft rock increased time spent lying down; there was also less pacing or barking when either genre was playing.
Researchers may seem to have struck upon some magical musical formula, but Evans is more focused on researching different genres of music and their effects on dogs. He hopes that various genres can alter shelter dogs’ behaviors – especially scared or anxious ones who might otherwise exhibit negative behaviors like biting their new owners and engaging in other negative behaviors.
Evans and his team intend to conduct further studies examining different genres, such as pop, country, heavy metal, R&B and R&B to ascertain how each influences dogs’ behavior. Eventually this could lead to more tailored strategies to calm stressful moments like fireworks nights, vet visits or separation anxiety for dogs. Until this research is complete however, Evans advises trying various genres until your pet shows a preference.
Sound Therapy
Music can be an effective tool for soothing and calming dogs. While not a magic cure-all, sound therapy can provide much-needed anxiety relief and support positive behavioral changes in your pet. When combined with other behavioral techniques like desensitization or desensitization techniques, sound therapy creates a safe and welcoming environment for them to experience life to its fullest.
Studies conducted at shelters have demonstrated the power of music to soothe dogs more effectively than others. Reggae and soft rock genres were found most beneficial; classical, harp music and piano have also shown promise as soothing sources.
RelaxMyDog has pioneered this trend of using music as an aid for relaxation and stress reduction among dogs, offering CD and download programs which combine a range of musical styles with animal vocalizations, nature sounds and other relaxing elements into an audio program designed to relax both humans and animals alike. Studies have proven its efficacy at improving focus, concentration, productivity and mood among humans.
Music intended for dogs should be played at a very low volume so as to be tolerated while your canine goes about their daily activities or sleeps. A portable player comes with the program and can be attached to their collar or worn around their neck; quality earphones allow you to hear what is going on around you while listening at an appropriate volume level for your pup.
Reggae music provides more than a relaxing soundtrack – it can also serve as an effective training and playtime tool with your pet! The soothing melodies of reggae provide the ideal atmosphere for teaching obedience commands or playing games with your pup, and mask any sounds which might frighten or disturb your pet, such as thunder or fireworks.
iCalmDog offers an engaging playlist of music designed to promote relaxation. Each piece was chosen by a licensed psychotherapist for its ability to help your dog relax during stressful moments, making this program an invaluable way of aiding his recovery.