To relax and reassure pets. To treat phobias, fears and behavior problems. Also for the simple pleasure of listening and enjoying. There is music for dogs and they, on many occasions, have a good time with it.
Matter of taste
Just like humans, dogs have individualized musical tastes. Some specimens show curiosity towards certain genres (classical music, reggae and even symphonic rock). Others are indifferent almost all the time, no matter what the reproductive system sounds like. And also there are cases of dancing dogs that dance to the sound of Caribbean rhythms.
What is a more or less widespread feature is that classical music serves to reassure them. On the contrary, heavy metal and heavy rock only stress them.
Most ethologists agree that rarely do the musical tastes of dogs and their owners coincide. Except in some cases where Beethoven or Chopin form the backbone of the music heard at home.
Likewise, as a general rule, most of today's pop hits don't care about dogs. To put it in plain language: artists like Shakira or Rihanna produce neither cold nor heat in dogs.
Music therapy for pets
Music therapy is used by ethologists, dog trainers and other specialists. It is an effective tool in the work of modifying some behaviors in dogs.
One of its most widespread uses is with aggressive specimens. It is used in dogs with anger problems or that the violent character obeys manifestations of fear or distrust.
Music for dogs fosters environments of calm and trust. Both are essential elements for animal therapists to work.
Music therapy is also applied to pets with extreme fear, phobias or hyperactivity. Similarly, in cases of dogs that bark constantly for no apparent reason (for their owners).
These treatments have yielded positive results in highly dependent dogs. or with difficulties to handle moments of solitude.
Other specific times to appeal to dog music are:
- In convalescent animals, during the recovery process.
- Before and after visits to the vet.
- Before going to the canine beauty centers.
- When home visits are expected, (mainly in specimens that have difficulties to socialize with strangers).
- On days with torrential rains accompanied by thunder.
- Faced with the constant explosion of pyrotechnic fires.
- In animals that find it difficult to sleep or cannot do it for a long time.
- Music for dogs can also help those pets that don't like to go on vacation.
Music therapy not only to relax
One of the most frequent uses of music with dogs is for those lazy and lazy dogs. Dogs that move, run or any aerobic activity is not among their favorite things to do. But exercising is not optional. For most domestic dogs, it is a vital necessity.
In these cases, music should be used as an activating element, which encourages animals to move and concentrate.
Great care must be taken with do not select songs that generate distress. For this, observation is important.
Owners must discover the genres that stimulate your pets, taking into account that each dog is different with respect to their musical preferences.
The same principle applies to finding the songs that have calming effects or those that cause distress and discomfort. Also to discard those that do not generate any reaction.
How does dog music sound?
Most dogs tend to react positively to compositions by classical musicians. Moonlight by Beethoven, it is one of the pieces most listened to by domestic dogs around the world. Other specimens are more identified with reggae and the songs of Bob Marley.
But beyond some music for humans to which dogs show interest or curiosity, there are composers who have dedicated themselves to researching and making music for dogs, thought only of them.
Félix Pando is one of the most popular pet musicians. The former member of the Argentine rock band La Joven Guardia, has among his new occupations making music with pets in mind.
His work is based on taking familiar themes, ranging from Mozart to Celin Dion, and versioning them for dogs. These versions are becoming more and more popular. Building on the original melodic base, build a new song by adding sounds familiar to dogs, such as barking.
Another musician who has set out to build music for dogs is the American DJ and rapper Gnash. The motivation for this was found in Daisy, a small poodle that serves as a companion animal.
Victim of anxiety attacks, the little pet did not have a good time every time the musician left the house. Looking for a solution to this dependency situation, Gnash asked for help from specialists at the University of Glasgow. His idea: to compose a special song that would help his dog to reduce the anguish in moments of loneliness.
The result is Song for Daisy (Song for Daisy). The theme is available on YouTube and can be used to support pets with the same difficulties.
According to the musician's own testimony, the changes in your poodle have been evident.
Where to find music for dogs
There are several options where those interested can find special music for dogs. On YouTube there are several channels with a wide musical selection designed only for pets.
Similarly, In services such as Apple Music, iTunes, Spotify or Deezer, several reference playlists can be found.
For mobile devices there are applications like Relaxing music for dogs. Its premise is to help owners calm their dogs at all times, regardless of the location. It is available in the Play Store for Android operating systems.
Online there are also several radio stations designed exclusively for dogs. They transmit 24/7 without interruption, all kinds of music and sounds familiar to dogs.
Some prominent examples are Radio Can from Spain or Hallo Hasso from Germany.
Image sources: YouTube / World Dogs