Do dogs like music? Experts reveal how songs can affect their mood
Aradhana Jha | TimesPets Bureau | Feb 03, 2026, 12:04 IST
Do dogs like music?
Music is used by people to relax or to improve their moods. Many dog owners also think that music can have the same effect on dogs. From calming down nervous dogs to keeping them relaxed when left alone, music is becoming a new trend among trainers and dog shelters.
Music is used by people to relax or to improve their moods. Many dog owners also think that music can have the same effect on dogs. From calming down nervous dogs to keeping them relaxed when left alone, music is becoming a new trend among trainers and dog shelters. (Photo Credit: Google images)
Some dog shelters and dog owners use music to calm down barking, stress, and restlessness. Videos on social media platforms show dogs relaxing to soft music, howling to music, and staying calm in their crates while music plays in the background.
But according to experts, the impact of music on dogs is different for each dog. The dog’s temperament, environment, type of music, and volume all affect each dog. While some dogs stay relaxed, others do not even notice the music.
According to veterinarians and behavior experts, there are many reasons why dogs can become stressed. Separation anxiety and noise phobias are just two of the problems that dogs can experience. This can result in barking, aggression, and other behavioral problems.
Seana Dowling-Guyer, a lecturer at Tufts University’s Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine in the US, says that music can be beneficial, but it should not be the primary treatment. She thinks that training and care are more important when it comes to treating anxious dogs.
While Dowling-Guyer was working with shelter dogs, she realized that dogs that were too excited were being passed over by people who wanted to adopt them. To make the environment less stressful, the shelter started playing music. This helped to lower the stress levels of the dogs.
According to shelter manager Megan Boyer, soft and classical music can calm dogs in stressful surroundings. “The dogs appear to be less tense and more relaxed,” she said. However, according to experts, music specifically designed for dogs is not the same as music for humans. It tends to be slow-paced, soft, and predictable. These sounds may be comforting to dogs, especially when they are in unfamiliar settings.
Although music can calm some dogs, experts agree that more studies are needed. Music can be beneficial to a dog’s well-being, but it should not be used in place of training, care, or treatment.
Some dog shelters and dog owners use music to calm down barking, stress, and restlessness. Videos on social media platforms show dogs relaxing to soft music, howling to music, and staying calm in their crates while music plays in the background.
But according to experts, the impact of music on dogs is different for each dog. The dog’s temperament, environment, type of music, and volume all affect each dog. While some dogs stay relaxed, others do not even notice the music.
According to veterinarians and behavior experts, there are many reasons why dogs can become stressed. Separation anxiety and noise phobias are just two of the problems that dogs can experience. This can result in barking, aggression, and other behavioral problems.
Seana Dowling-Guyer, a lecturer at Tufts University’s Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine in the US, says that music can be beneficial, but it should not be the primary treatment. She thinks that training and care are more important when it comes to treating anxious dogs.
While Dowling-Guyer was working with shelter dogs, she realized that dogs that were too excited were being passed over by people who wanted to adopt them. To make the environment less stressful, the shelter started playing music. This helped to lower the stress levels of the dogs.
According to shelter manager Megan Boyer, soft and classical music can calm dogs in stressful surroundings. “The dogs appear to be less tense and more relaxed,” she said. However, according to experts, music specifically designed for dogs is not the same as music for humans. It tends to be slow-paced, soft, and predictable. These sounds may be comforting to dogs, especially when they are in unfamiliar settings.
Although music can calm some dogs, experts agree that more studies are needed. Music can be beneficial to a dog’s well-being, but it should not be used in place of training, care, or treatment.