Can Classical Music Help Calm Dogs Down?

It is common knowledge among dog owners that playing soothing music or white noise in the background can help alleviate anxiety in dogs when home alone or relieve stress in dogs who fear fireworks or thunder.

And there is scientific research to back it up. A study suggests that environmental enrichment, including auditory stimulation, has a calming effect on dogs.

Research

Through the combined efforts of the Scottish SPCA and the University of Glasgow, the welfare of kennelled dogs in professional facilities were observed for two weeks.

The study investigated the impact of certain genres of music, such as classical and heavy metal, on the level of activity, body shaking, and vocalization of 117 kennelled dogs.

Results

Researchers have observed that dogs spend more time sleeping and less time vocalizing when exposed to classical music, as opposed to other music genres or without music. Heavy metal music appears to increase body shaking, a behavior that suggests nervousness.

Analysis

Initial findings show that classical music does have a positive impact on the welfare of kennelled dogs.

As the average stay of dogs in rescue and rehoming centers can range from as short as one week to as long as one year, the ultimate aim of all related research is to make their stay as comfortable as possible.

The study is published in the Physiology and behavior journal.

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