Beats to Soothe the Beast: Music for Dogs
Sound is an integral component of a dog’s sensory environment. While humans often use music to regulate mood, focus, or relaxation, a growing body of scientific evidence indicates that auditory stimulation exerts a measurable influence on canine behaviour and welfare. Music, when carefully selected, can serve as a practical, non-invasive intervention to reduce anxiety and promote calmness in dogs, particularly those housed in kennels, shelters, or exposed to stressful home environments.
Scientific Insights into Music and Dogs
Research has demonstrated that not all forms of music produce the same behavioural outcomes in dogs. Genres characterised by slower tempos, steady rhythms, and lower frequency tones consistently elicit signs of relaxation, while those with faster tempos, irregular beats, or sharp, high-frequency sounds tend to increase arousal or stress.
Classical Music
Classical compositions, particularly those featuring slower movements, have repeatedly been associated with reduced vocalisation, increased resting behaviour, and lower indicators of stress in dogs. This effect has been observed in both shelter and domestic settings.
Reggae
In controlled studies, reggae has emerged as one of the most reliably calming genres. Its steady rhythm and warm tonal qualities may act directly upon the canine nervous system, supporting parasympathetic activation and relaxation.
Soft Rock
Soft rock has also been shown to exert a beneficial effect, though slightly less pronounced than classical or reggae. Its moderate tempo and predictable rhythm patterns provide auditory engagement without overstimulation, making it a useful addition to auditory enrichment strategies.
Ambient Music
Ambient music, often used in meditation and relaxation practices, provides flowing, non-repetitive soundscapes. Evidence suggests this genre may be particularly beneficial for dogs that are highly sensitive to environmental stimuli, as it promotes calmness without habituation.
In contrast, heavy metal and fast-tempo electronic music have been linked with increased agitation, heightened arousal, and in some cases elevated stress markers, making them unsuitable for anxiety reduction in dogs.
Practical Applications for Dog Owners
When incorporating music into a dog’s environment, several evidence-based recommendations should be observed:
Select calming genres: Classical, reggae, soft rock, and ambient music are most consistently associated with relaxation.
Provide variety: Dogs, like humans, are susceptible to habituation. Rotating between appropriate genres prevents desensitisation and sustains effectiveness.
Maintain moderate volume: Music should remain at background level. Excessive loudness is counterproductive, as canine auditory perception is considerably more acute than that of humans.
Employ music strategically: Use during predictable stressors (e.g., thunderstorms, fireworks, owner departure) or as a general enrichment tool to promote calm states.
Integrate holistically: Music should complement — rather than replace — other management strategies, including training, enrichment, and appropriate nutrition.
Mechanisms of Action
The physiological mechanisms underlying the calming effects of music are not yet fully elucidated, but current evidence suggests modulation of the autonomic nervous system plays a central role. Exposure to slower tempos and lower frequencies appears to facilitate parasympathetic dominance, which is associated with reduced heart rate, lowered cortisol secretion, and a shift toward a “rest and digest” physiological state.
Thus, music does not merely mask aversive environmental sounds; it acts directly upon the canine neurophysiological system, altering both emotional state and observable behaviour.
Evidence-Based Listening
For dog owners seeking practical application, curated playlists designed specifically for canines are now available through major streaming services. Among the most recognised is Through a Dog’s Ear, developed by sound researcher Joshua Leeds in collaboration with veterinary neurologist Dr. Susan Wagner. This collection employs psychoacoustic principles specifically tailored to canine auditory perception and has been widely adopted as a calming tool.
🎧 Through a Dog’s Ear – Spotify Playlist
Music represents a scientifically supported, low-cost, and non-invasive adjunct to canine anxiety management. By carefully selecting appropriate genres, maintaining optimal listening conditions, and integrating music into a broader behavioural and environmental management strategy, owners can significantly enhance their dog’s welfare. Classical and reggae remain the most consistently beneficial, with soft rock and ambient music also offering demonstrable value. Conversely, heavy metal and high-tempo electronic music should be avoided.
Incorporating music into the daily environment not only supports calmer behaviour but also strengthens the overall bond between dogs and their human caregivers through the creation of a more peaceful shared space.
📚 References
Kogan, L. R., Schoenfeld-Tacher, R., & Simon, A. A. (2012). Behavioral effects of auditory stimulation on kenneled dogs. Journal of Veterinary Behavior, 7(5), 268–275. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jveb.2011.11.002
Bowman, A., Scottish SPCA, & Mills, D. S. (2017). The effect of different genres of music on the stress levels of kennelled dogs. Physiology & Behavior, 171, 207–215. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.physbeh.2017.01.024
Wells, D. L., Graham, L., & Hepper, P. G. (2002). The influence of auditory stimulation on the behaviour of dogs housed in a rescue shelter. Animal Welfare, 11(4), 385–393. https://www.ingentaconnect.com/contentone/ufaw/aw/2002/00000011/00000004/art00007
Bowman, A., Dowell, F. J., Evans, N. P., & Mills, D. S. (2015). The effect of different types of auditory stimulation on kennelled dogs’ behaviour and welfare. Physiology & Behavior, 138, 143–150. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.physbeh.2014.10.014