Music Therapy for Dogs: Soothing Music for Canines
Let your dogs relax at the sound of music!
Music has entertained, aroused and relaxed humans for centuries with its wonderful blend of notes creating a divinely sound. This harmonious and melodic organization of sounds that is music ''for our ears'' can now be appreciated by our canine companions as well. If you notice your dog tending his ear and relaxing to the notes of your favorite classical CD, it is not just fruit of your imagination. Indeed, there are several studies that back up the fact that dogs indeed enjoy music. But with this, don't just pop any CD in your player, dogs can be quite a bit picky when it comes to selecting their favorite genre.
Psychologist and animal behaviorist Dr. Deborah Wells decided to undertake an interesting research in 2002. The goal of this research was to evaluate in dogs the effect of different five types of auditory stimulation: human conversation, classical music, heavy metal music, pop music and absence of music.
Among all of the auditory stimulations, shelter dogs appeared to respond well to the soothing effects of classical music. Dr. Wells stated, "Classical music resulted in dogs spending more of their time resting than any of the other experimental conditions of auditory stimulation. This type of music also resulted in a significantly lower level of barking.'' Heavy metal on the other hand, agitated the dogs, causing them to stand up and bark, whereas no apparent effect was seen in response to pop music or human conversation.
The effect of music on the nervous system in humans is known as ''psychoacoustics'' and this is likely the principal behind the therapeutic effect music may have on dogs. A special company '' Through a dog's ears'' has developed music specifically with dogs in mind. A compilation of music therapy can be purchased and played to sooth anxious canines.
The Book to Better Understand Music Therapy for Dogs
Selecting the Right Type of Music
But what makes the music produced by ''Through a Dog's Ears'' so special that dogs suffering from separation anxiety, thunderstorm panic, and other behavior problems seem to respond so well? The book ''Through a Dog’s Ear'' written by psychoacoustic expert Joshua Leeds and veterinary neurologist Susan Wagner does a good job in explaining the effect of music on dogs.
It appears that the recordings are simplified so to encourage passive listening, which means that the music is not that complex to require concentration and alertness. This is a big plus since dogs living in busy households tend to be over-stimulated for most of the day. Solo piano music also appears to have the most relaxing effect on dogs.
We share many great experiences with our dogs, so why not share music? Soothing music for dogs may also help owners relax as well after a long day at work. It's ultimately a win win situation that will benefit both and there is nothing to lose.
References
Wells, D. L., et al. "The Influence of Auditory Stimualtion on the Behaviour of Dogs Housed in a Rescue Shelter." Animal Welfare 11 (2002): 385-393
Through a Dog's Ear: CD Compilations for Canines
Other CD'S Crafted for Dogs
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