Benefits of classical music for dogs

Is your pup a nervous wreck over loud noises, unfamiliar people or just being away from you? There is a simple way to help him or her through the rough patches.

Just as listening to classical music has benefits for humans, playing classical music for your pooch has been shown to foster better and longer sleep, reduced agitation and less vocalizing (barking, howling, crying).

Research published by the University of Sydney in Australia found that “the addition of classical music as an enrichment of environments in which animals are confined or potentially under stress … offers potentially considerable benefits in terms of animal behavior, health and welfare.”

The study concluded that owners and trainers should consider using “auditory enrichment,” pointing out that it also is an easy, no-cost method for soothing their animals.

Auditory enrichment of the classical kind, that is.

Another study, from Colorado State researchers in 2012, showed that music such as heavy metal appears to increase body shaking in dogs, suggesting nervousness. In contrast, classical music (especially pieces with a slower tempo, lower pitch and few dynamic changes) has a calming effect, mimicking an animal’s heart rate.

Pet-friendly playlist

Here is a short playlist of favorites to play for your fretful furry friends.

Even though Claude Debussy’s Clair de Lune evokes moonlight, this piano classic will foster nighttime sleep rather than baying.