Dog Music: What Types Are Best For My Dog?

Did you know that music can help your dog with various issues such as anxiety, stress, barking, and trouble sleeping? But what are the best types of music for them to listen to?

Music has been proven to help humans chill out, and this is exactly the same for dogs. However, you may be wondering what type of dog music is best to play for their specific issues.

In this blog post, I’ll tell you what actual research shows to be effective.

Does Music Really Help Dogs?

There are many studies supporting the healing properties of music on humans such as improving depression, slowing of heart rate, reduction of stress, and more (source).

But do the minds of dogs really work the same way?

Yes, and science even backs this up.

Good Music For Sleeping

A team of researchers (Kogan, Schoenfeld-Tacher, and Simon) found that playing classical music increased the amount of time dogs spent sleeping – while also decreasing vocalization (i.e. dog barking, whining or crying) (source).

They conducted this study by comparing classical and heavy metal music.

Unsurprisingly, the heavy metal sounds increased the dog’s shaking and nervousness. 

According to Dr. Christie Cornelius, DVM, dogs seem to relax when exposed to songs with a tempo of 50-60 beats per minute.

By the way, I also have an article on the best calming dog bed to further improve sleep.

Pro tip: Keep in mind that another study found that the calming effects of playing classical music from a set playlist disappeared within 7 days, so try to vary the songs to continue its benefits (source).

Music for Relaxation And Reduced Stress

In a recent study conducted by the Scottish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SSPCA), the researchers played five different types of music to kennelled dogs: classical, soft rock, Motown, pop, and reggae.

The researchers found that regardless of the type of music, dogs spent significantly more time lying down and significantly less time standing.

More importantly, after reviewing heart rates, they determined that the best music was soft rock and reggae, which had the biggest effect on dogs to lower their stress (source).

However, they did also point out that each dog still has their own individual tastes. Since music clearly has an impact, it’s worth experimenting at home with different types to see how your dog reacts.

Music For Anxiety

It stands to reason that a high strung dog, like a hung strung person, will benefit from listening to some music that soothes them.

Music helps to reduce anxiety by distracting the brain, diverting attention away and reducing stress.

According to some experts, they suggest playing classical music to relax your dog if they’re having anxiety such as separation anxiety.

However, based on the study in the last section, you may want to also try soft rock and reggae as well to lower their stress.

Pro tip: Do not play the music too loud because this can actually cause more anxiety since dogs have better hearing than humans.

On a related note, it’s important that a dog also gets plenty of exercise to help relieve anxiety.

Music For Barking

One common issue with dogs is excessive barking.

There are a number of potential causes for excessive barking such as boredom, excitement, anxiety, disturbances and attention-seeking.

If the reason for the barking is anxiety or excitement, then classical, reggae, or soft rock are best to calm your dog. As mentioned previously, research shows that these types of music result in less stress, longer sleep, etc.

If the barking is caused my something else, you may want to speak to your veterinarian or try some obedience training.

Playing a variety of these genres of music seems to be the most effective for anxiety and stress relief. As stated earlier, the benefits can disappear if you don’t vary the music.

Specific Music Made To Calm Dogs

A musician got together with experts with the specific intent to create music that calmed, soothed, and healed dogs. This musician, singer, and composer by the name of gnash made a musical composition to relax his stressed-out dog Daisy. Veterinarians put Daisy on medication to calm and soothe her – but it was to no avail.

Through trial and error, gnash and animal behaviorists found that certain musical elements, such as simple arrangements and repetitions, provided the most soothing and best effect. He created “Song for Daisy”, which was highly effective at calming Daisy, along with other dogs who listened to this song. Here is his story behind the song:

Conclusion

Music is a proven way to help with certain dog issues. Based on the research, the best types are classical, soft rock, or reggae.

Even if you don’t have a high strung dog, music is good for the soul – a human or a dog one. If you’re like most of us and have a typical, normal-energy dog, you’ll find that a little music puts them in a relaxed, lazy mood.

If you’re looking for specific dog music that helps your dog’s particular issue, study the types of music I mentioned in the article – and remember to switch things up so your dog doesn’t acclimate to one genre of music.

Music can really make a world of difference for you and your dog.