Music and Everyone Else Music is a huge mood influencer, and we’re sure everyone would agree with this. If you’re feeling low or sad, then listening to a fast-beat or a pop song can actually uplift your mood. Similarly, there are songs can prove to be nostalgic due to some form of memory that your brain associates it with. So, Do Dogs Like Music?
Some music can just make you want to get out of your bed and dance. Isn’t it amazing how songs can completely change your mood? Now, imagine how music has such a tremendous effect on you and picture the kind of impact it could be having on your dog. We’ve seen countless videos where dogs were captured dancing to music, moving their little butts and shaking their body rhythmically. One thing that we can all agree with from most of these videos is that our canine friends seem to be taken by it. But do they really like music?
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Music and Your Dog
Dogs are amazing, loyal creatures and most dog owners want to find the answer to this question. Well, if their dogs like something then who wouldn’t want to make them happy? In recent times, some artists have specially developed music for dogs and other pet animals. But first, let us focus on whether human music has any effect on them or not. Human music is, well, designed for humans.
Now, dogs have a different body setting for human beings. They have different voice ranges and different heartbeat rates. Now, human music is designed for us humans, and considering how different dogs are from us, it is understandable why this kind of music is utterly incomprehensible for the canines. You must then be wondering why their little butts wag about or why their legs thump at the sound of music. Well, scientifically they don’t really have an interest in human music, but if they see human beings’ dancing, then they’ll join along.
That’s just how they’re wired. They’re happy when their human friends are happy. So does this mean any kind of music does not have any effect on a dog? Well, not exactly. Why Research Would Beg to Differ According to scientific studies, dogs do get affected by the music playing. Though their mood relies heavily on their owner’s attitude, music can have specific effects on them.
Different Dog Breeds Have Different Music Preferences
God has blessed us with a variety of dog breeds to choose from. Different dog breeds come in a variety of sizes, heartbeat rates, and voice ranges. What the researchers are trying to prove here is that dogs do respond emotionally to music, but where human music is concerned, big dogs are more likely to respond to it.
Larger breeds like Mastiff, Huskies, etc., have a vocal range similar to that of humans and as far as size is concerned, they can be compared to adult male human beings. This, in turn, makes them more likely to enjoy human music or any music in our frequency range. Smaller dog breeds like a French Bulldog wouldn’t really enjoy the music of our frequency. But like we mentioned above, artists are keen on developing music especially for dogs, which in turn has proved to have significant effects on them. As a dog owner, you can also enjoy this music, though you would need special headphones to listen to it due to the difference in frequency levels.
Music Genre Is Important for Your Dog
Yes, genre plays a considerable role in establishing whether a dog will enjoy the music or not. We already know that canines have different voice ranges, which makes them have no interest in human music, or even if they do, the interest is mostly negligible. In comes, classical music. Classical music is mainly instrumental and soothing.
They’re not too fast-paced and comfortable to the ears. This genre of music has a calming and soothing effect on canines. A recent study found out that dogs will actually start to rest when exposed to classical music. The soothing effect of classical music is greatly contrasted by heavy metal.
In an experiment carried out on dogs, the canines showed behaviors bordering on aggression and restlessness when heavy metal or punk rock music was placed near them. So, music does have an effect on dogs – calming or exciting is another story.
Music Has an Amazing Impact on Shelter Dogs
We have already discussed the calming effect of music on dogs, but this is even more apt for shelter dogs. Shelter owners had remarked as to how when they played soft music, most of the dogs just settle down and relax. This also has helped dramatically in increasing the dog adoption rates. When the dogs remain calmer, then they tend to bark less. This, in turn, makes potential owners stay longer and spend more time in the shelter, which can help them in reaching a decision as to what dog to take as a pet.
More Research-Based Findings
A study carried out to find the effect of classical music on dogs living in kennels revealed that the dogs were. In fact, lesser stressed than before. Their barking frequency, as well as body movement and energy levels, were all given equal importance and only then the conclusion was arrived at.
The studies further established how these effects were remarkably similar to those of human beings. After listening to music, the dogs showed profound calmness, with reduced stress and anxiety levels. There were also remarkable patterns of peaceful sleep and an overall improved demeanor, just like how we humans would respond to the same phenomenon.
The Takeaway?
Before giving out the final verdict, let’s summarize some of the points that were established in the articles.
Human music doesn’t really arouse much interest from dogs. They may move along the beat, but due to the difference in frequency, they can’t really appreciate it. Classical music has a calming effect on dogs, reducing their agitation and promoting peacefulness whereas heavy metal has the exact opposite effect as it excites them.
Depending on dog breeds, different music preferences are enjoyed by them. Larger breeds can develop a taste for human music but smaller breeds will not. Research conducted has also established the soothing effect of music on the canines.
Conclusion
Yes, dogs do like music, and now we have enough proof in support of it. However, they have a particular taste and will not respond to any form of music. But whatever the style, genre, pitch or volume. It is generally observed that our canine friends react to music more or less as we do.