Bob Marley is quoted as saying “One good thing about music, when it hits you, you feel no pain.”  Could it be the same for dogs?  A quick internet search reveals that dog owners can purchase a variety of anxiety vests with music speakers (and even aromatherapy!) for walking anxious dogs. Speakers are embedded into these “calming jackets” and collars. But does science support that music can be used as a tool to help with dog behavior and training?

Research articles have revealed that incorporating music into stressful situations benefited most animals in a group setting, but the type of music, tempo, and instruments had different results. For example, studies found that cows exposed to classical music produced more milk and showed fewer stress behaviors than cows only exposed to the sounds of their typical environment.  Other studies have shown that music therapy can reduce stress for dogs during vet visits and during stressful situations at home. The type of music however is important. Rock and heavy metal music was observed to not have as many positive effects as classical music, and some dogs even prefer audiobooks, which can be more relaxing.  This is also seen in shelter and rescue volunteer programs where people can come in and read to the dogs to provide a soothing voice and company to animals awaiting adoption. The researchers postulate that the praising tone of voice may activate the pleasure centers in dogs’ brains. 

Consideration should be given to the type of music, temperament, and past experiences of individual dogs. 

Music is inexpensive, widely accessible and easy to incorporate in a multitude of situations. Music might serve as a beneficial addition to veterinary clinics, home settings, kennels, or shelters to ease anxiety and stress.  Perhaps future research will help to further define the specific types of music that are most soothing to dogs however it is something to try with your pup during those times where it might help alleviate some anxiety or create a calmer environment.

Reference: Lindig AM, McGreevy PD, Crean AJ. Musical Dogs: A Review of the Influence of Auditory Enrichment on Canine Health and Behavior. Animals (Basel). 2020 Jan 13;10(1):127. doi: 10.3390/ani10010127. PMID: 31941064; PMCID: PMC7022433

#music #dogbehavior #caninehumanbond

Naomi Soffa is a certified Veterinary Assistant as well as a University of Washington-certified Animal Behaviorist.  She is a longtime volunteer at several animal shelters and rescue organizations around the San Francisco Bay Area. Naomi is also the proud mom of a rescue pet and avid animal lover.