What Kind of Music Does Your Dog Like?
Research has shown that different types of music effect people differently: grunge music is associated with sadness and fatigue, while classical music tends to reduce stress. But how do dogs respond to music? Research published in Psychology Today magazine illustrated how music influences the emotions of dogs. One study suggests that heavy metal agitated dogs, pop music elicited no reaction, and classical music was calming (but did we really need scientific research to show us common sense?!) Analysis also suggests that canines have a sense of pitch. A dog will change his tone when others join in, hearkening back to wolves calling to assemble their pack. Pay attention when you crank up the speakers and see how your dog reacts. Does she howl mournfully (which might follow reed instruments such as a clarinet or a saxophone)? Does she cover her ears, or does Diana Ross inspire her to go find her best toy? If the tunes elicit positive emotions, you’ve got a paws up!
—Tracie Hotchner
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photo credit: You aint nothin but a hound dog… via photopin (license)