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Studies show
dogs take solace in music
February 22, 2007
As my colleagues have observed, music helps me relieve stress during a
hectic day, which these days is practically every day. Soft tunes
playing in the background is relaxing, eases anxiety and helps me
through pressing deadlines.
Likewise, music at home helps me through evening chores, and if it's the
right kind of music, my canine companions are benefiting as well,
studies say.
Animal behaviorists, veterinarians and shelter workers are recognizing
that a little Bach goes a long way in easing a pet's anxiety.
Current studies, focused primarily on canines, demonstrate that dogs
feel the rhythm and harmony of music in the same way humans do. A study
conducted at Queens University in Belfast, Northern Ireland, found that
music, particularly classical music, made dogs rest more and stand up
less.
In the study, researchers observed the reaction of 50 dogs to different
types of music and sound. They played a variety of sounds, including a
pop compilation ranging from Britney Spears to Bob Marley; a classical
CD with composers such as Bach and Vivaldi; a heavy-metal Metallica
album; and a recording of human conversation.
"We had no reason to think that dogs should find classical music more
relaxing," said Deborah Wells, who led the research. But dogs' reactions
revealed just that.
They created quite a ruckus while listening to Metallica, but classical
music really calmed them down. Bach had them barking least of all.
Interestingly, they appeared to be indifferent to pop music, reacting to
it the same way they did to silence.
Shelters and other animal professionals are embracing the concept more
and more. In fact, the new Louisiana SPCA shelter, scheduled to open in
the spring, will include a sound system that will provide piped-in
classical music for the shelter animals.
At the Battersea Dogs Home in London, they've found that mixing
classical music with very soft pop tunes also helps. They've noticed
that a little variety is good because the dogs seem to filter out the
sound if there's not enough.
Music for dogs is blossoming into its own cottage industry. Go online,
and you can find a variety of CD compilations from which to choose. For
example, musician and producer Skip Haynes put together a CD titled "Ask
the Animals: Songs to Make Dogs Happy!"
The CD includes unique titles as "I'll Be Back" and "I Love Food."
Haynes worked with an animal communicator and convened focus groups with
breeds of all kinds to find out what types of music worked best for the
animals. Their studies showed that our canine companions pooh-pooh too
much percussion, and that the word "no" was even less popular.
These findings are enlightening when you consider how many times on a
daily basis we use the word "no" when correcting our four-legged family
members.
Some of the revelations are not surprising, when you consider that
booming fireworks, loud parties and Mardi Gras revelry can be quite
upsetting for animals. It's also not surprising for those of us who are
aware of our pet's capacity for intelligence and their deep, soulful
qualities.
So if you're looking for a way to ease your pooch's stress and anxiety,
along with your own, try a little Bach. Better than a drug, it's easy
and safe, with no harmful side effects.
- Laura Maloney
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