What Kind of Music Relaxes Dogs?

Just like people, dogs enjoy listening to music, which can have a soothing effect. While not all music relaxes dogs, with some types even inciting agitated behavior, classical music has a calming effect on dogs that listen to it, according to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. Use classical music to reduce your dog's stress and anxiety.

  1. Types

    • When played various types of music, dogs become noticeably calmer listening to soft classical music. Birdsong also appears to have a calming effect on dogs. Discordant music, such as heavy metal, has been found to increase agitation, vocalization and restlessness. Like heavy metal, both rock music and jazz increase a dog's anxiety level and seem to irritate dogs when played. When dogs at the Canine Ranch Doggie Daycare in New York were played various types of music, jazz music made dogs hyperactive and the dogs did not enjoy rap music.

    Classical Music

    • Not all classical music has an equal calming effect; dogs react more favorably to slow and simple classical music. The slower the pace of the music, the slower the heart rate of the dogs, increasing the relaxation reaction to the music. Lowering the octaves of music also appears to increase its calming effect on dogs. Variation of the music played for dogs seems to increase its effectiveness. Alternate between classical music and birdsong, playing each at different times of the day so that the music keeps its enrichment value and the dog does not filter it out.

    Reducing Stress

    • Playing music to calm and relax your dog has many practical uses. Dogs who suffer from separation anxiety with destructive behavior problems may benefit from listening to classical music while you are not home. Some shelters also use classical music to soothe dogs housed there, reducing vocalization and agitation with other dogs in the shelter. You can use music with your own dog to keep it calm during stressful situations, such as trips to the veterinarian or with the introduction of a new pet in your home.

    Therapeutic Effects

    • When dogs become depressed by a move, the introduction of a new family member or pet or from illness, incorporate classical music into their recovery. Used in conjunction with aromatherapy and exercise, music can reduce your dog's depression symptoms. For dogs with painful conditions such as arthritis or those recovering from an injury, you can also incorporate music as part of the therapy. When trying out classical music or birdsong with your dog, watch it for reactions to the music and remove any selections that cause the dog to bark or become agitated. Set a selection of your dog's favorite tunes to play on a continuous loop while you are away or during therapy sessions to relax your dog.