Can Classical Music Help Dogs Fall Asleep Faster?

Several studies have concluded classical music helps de-stress dogs in kennels or other stressful situations. In the studies, hundreds of dogs listened to a range of classical pieces from various artists, as well as heavy metal and other genres. Only classical music caused the dogs to relax and lie down.

  1. Classical Music Info

    • The term "classical music" stems from the Latin classicus, referring to the high classes of society. Several styles and significant historical periods of classical music exist, and it's still produced today. Whether it's medieval, renaissance, baroque, romantic or 20th century, dogs can get in on the cachet, too. But classical music not only makes dogs -- and their human parents -- align with elite members of society, it can also help dogs relax, offering more chance of peaceful drift-offs.

    Colorado State University Findings

    • A Colorado State University study published in the "Journal of Veterinary Behavior" suggests classical music may de-stress dogs, increasing the likelihood they will relax enough to fall asleep. The study focused on more than a hundred dogs at the same kennel. During the four-month study, researcher Lori Kogan conducted thousands of behavioral evaluations. Researchers played three types of music over 45 minutes, recording the dogs' behavior. The classical music caused relaxed, restful behavior. Incidentally, heavy metal caused anxiety.

    United Kingdom Studies

    • United Kingdom studies found similar results. Researcher Deborah Wells, an animal behaviorist from Queens University, conducted a trial during which she played classical music to 50 dogs in an animal shelter. As the music played, the dogs grew calm and laid down. A third study from the Rehoming Center of the National Canine Defense League in England found similar results. Shelters like the Arizona Animal Welfare League now play classical music to soothe the animals under their care.

    Examples of Pieces

    • If you're looking to help guide your dog -- or any dogs -- into relaxation and subsequent rest, there are numerous artists and pieces from which to choose. In the Queens University study, Deborah Wells and her team played a selection of songs including, "Four Seasons" from Vivaldi and "Morning'' from Grieg, and the dogs in the Colorado State University study heard Beethoven's "Fu ̈r Elise" and "Moonlight Sonata," Bach's "Air on a G String" and Strauss' "Blue Danube Waltz."