Although dogs are most commonly renowned for their snoring abilities, their hearing capabilities are an excellent alternative. They can hear things we can’t attend to and are sensitive to sounds that express emotions. No wonder sounds we easily dismiss, such as thunderstorms or vacuum cleaners, could agitate our dogs.
You’re probably aware of the sounds that drive your dog crazy, but what about music that dogs like? Knowing which sounds positively affect our beloved pets can assist in creating an environment that is comfortable for them, which improves their health.
It’s crucial to remember that each dog is unique, and their preferences will differ. We’ve listed some sound options for dogs that your dog will like.
Sounds for Dogs 101
Dogs have a keen ability to hear that specific ways are superior to our own. One of these is the hearing sounds that only dogs hear, like high-pitched dogs whistles. “At high pitched, the dog’s hearing is exponentially superior (over 100 times more) than a person’s hearing,” says Dr. Jerry Klein, a chief veterinary officer of the American Kennel Club based in New York City. “The average adult can’t hear Sound higher than 20,000 hertz. Dogs can detect high-pitched sounds that can reach 47,000 to 50,000 hertz.”
They also can register soft sounds more clearly, according to Dr. Klein adds. “Dogs can hear sounds that range between -5 and 15 decibels. These are not high enough to be heard by humans.”
Based on the research of the researcher Dr. Klein, this supersonic hearing is, in part, a product of their past. “As the wolves taught us from the wolves, a distant cousin, their prey-based environment required them to listen to the smallest sounds of tiny animals such as mice and other small animals that they could catch to survive and protect themselves,” he explains.
Canine evolution is only one of the ways dogs process sound, however. Individual dogs will likely respond to sounds largely upon associations derived from previous experiences, according to the researcher Dr. Carley Faughn, senior scientist for life-saving studies for the Best Friends Animal Society in Kanab, Utah, and an animal behaviorist with board certification.
For instance, when someone knocks on doors or rings the bell, “they might yell with excitement, jump in a playful manner and display a loose body language when that sound is typical of someone who enters the home that they are enjoying having a chat with,” the author explains. However, “they might bark, make a noise, or growl if they have previously negative associations with the sound.”
The Sound you hear can translate to different dogs.
Why do dogs like certain Sounds?
In dogs’ cases, sounds associated with positive experiences usually trigger them to respond positively. “Some popular sounds dogs enjoy are those connected to food like the crackle of a treat box or the rustling of a food bowl or the opening of a container, or the sounds the toys make or their owners their voices,” says Dr. Ashley Barnes, medical director at Louisville Family Animal Hospital in Louisville, Colorado.
Our dogs have unique preferences and backgrounds, but their responses to specific sounds could differ. “If your dog is a fan of the sound they hear, they may tilt their heads at a predetermined angle in excitement and display signs of excitement such as playing and barking, or they could just relax and sleep,” says Faughn. “Similar to humans, music, for instance, can have various effects on people and different effects on dogs.”
The differences in their bodies versus ours can affect how our furry friends respond to Sound. We can hear sounds from any direction without needing to move our necks, heads, or ears; according to Dr. Klein, “whereas a dog may lift an ear or tilt their head to hear better, especially dogs with a higher or deafening sound.”
How do puppies respond to Sound?
Dr. Faughn discusses how puppies respond differently to sounds than adult dogs. “Most likely, certain sounds that puppy dogs like could differ from the adult dog’s because they’re not long enough to form connections – positive or negative – for specific sounds,” Dr. Faughn says.
8 Sound Dogs Love
The ability to distinguish between the sounds that dogs enjoy and those that make dogs get agitated can provide an understanding of what causes these adverse reactions, according to Dr. Barnes. “People can also use sound to help in their training, as dogs generally respond well to sounds that connect to good experiences.”
Remember that dogs are different, so your dog might not fall in love with the many sounds featured on our list.
Certain genres of music
While dogs have individual preferences in music, just like us, they are inclined to certain styles. A few studies suggest that dogs seem calmer when listening to classical music. Another study discovered that dogs are more prone to soft and reggae music genres. “Using sensory stimulation based on evidence such as playing reggae is a great instrument, particularly in shelters where it may be stress-inducing regardless of the design and the amount of stimulation offered,” says Dr. Faughn.
Dr. Faughn explains that the programs for puppies at sanctuaries and shelters she has overseen have utilized these genres of music to create more peaceful atmospheres. “And If the puppies are nursing their mothers and mommy, these sounds could help her relax, which can assist the pups in resting and building positive associations with the sound surrounding them.”
Squeaking Noises
Squeaking isn’t the Sound we’re most in love with (it can be pretty annoying! ); however, to dogs, it could be a sign that the beginning of something extraordinary is about to occur. Although some dogs might not enjoy the Sound of Squeaker toys as they could startle the animal, “others will come running when you open the new toy and make it squeak,” Professor. Faughn. Perhaps dogs like the satisfaction of chewing on toys that make a sound, or it fulfills their desire to hunt.
The Sound of Food Containers Opening
What dog wouldn’t be thrilled by sounds telling them that it’s about time to eat dinner served? “Plates and silverware clacking, along with bags and food cans being opened, will send your dog to believe there’s going to be a delicious snack coming to them,” says Dr. Amber Karwacki, a partner doctor at Heart + Paw at their Callowhill, Philadelphia location. The behavior resembles Pavlov’s dogs, who were taught to associate an assistant’s steps with eating.
Other Dogs” Songs
Dogs are social animals who thrive when capable of interacting with humans and canines. One way they communicate is through vocalizations such as barking or howling. Although barking could signal anxiety, loneliness, and anxiety may also allow them to participate in favorable situations, such as playing or forging solid bonds.
Your Soft Voice
The Sound of your voice or the Sound of a baby crying can soothe dogs, according to Karwacki, “and a great way to encourage them to calm down.” It is interesting to note that dogs can distinguish the voices of their familiar ones and those of people they do not recognize. They also recognize emotions, so maintaining a soft voice and being relaxed is vital.
Audiobooks
Although your dog might prefer to hear your familiar voice hearing other humans speaking can be soothing. “Anecdotally I’ve observed dogs calm when calm audiobooks that have an enveloping human voice are playing,” says Dr. Faughn.
A study supports this assertion and found that dogs exposed to audiobooks gained from their relaxing effects. The dogs in the study spent more time at peace listening to audiobooks than to other sounds controlled by a computer, like pop and classical music and specially designed pieces for dogs.
Leash Sounds
“You might observe your dog being super exuberant when they listen to the sounds from their lead, harness, treat bag or other things that can be associated with positive interaction, like taking a walk or having a tasty sweet treat,” says Dr. Faughn.
Remember that the Sound of a leash might not trigger an enthusiastic response from dogs with unpleasant experiences using them. For instance, certain dogs might associate a unidirectional leash with getting into the vehicle and taking it to the vet.
White Noise
Veterinarians suggest that dogs who dislike loud noises such as fireworks and storms can be soothed by white noise. According to research of Klein, “White noise is considered to be a great sound to play for newborn puppies.”
White noise is beneficial because it acts as a distraction. It blocks out noises that make dogs uncomfortable so that they can concentrate on the relaxing sounds.
How can a good dog sound Aid?
Understanding the sounds that dogs love and which they don’t will aid in creating a relaxing atmosphere for them. For instance, “You can play the soothing sounds while your puppy is on their own,” says Dr. Karwacki. “With sounds that cause a response, you can teach your dog to be calm and not be triggered by sounds so that they can remain calm regardless of the sound they are hearing.”
Here are some suggestions to create a happy atmosphere using the sounds that dogs love.
Explore a variety of sounds.
According to Dr. Faughn, try a few different reggae, soft rock, and classical music to determine the dog’s preference. “This tool is useful when your dog is experiencing signs of stress, for instance, when you’re away. Music and audiobooks can be a great way to help our pets calm down in various situations.” The author also suggests exploring various pet toys with different sounds to find out which your dog likes.
Change the Music You Play
According to Dr. Faughn, if you keep playing the same tune, your dog may be adjusting to it, which could eliminate any potential benefits. “Changing the music frequently can help your dog enjoy the same music throughout the day.”
Explore the possibilities of Puppy Sounds.
Slowly and firmly expose your puppy to sounds they’re likely to hear in their lifetime, advises Dr. Faughn. For instance, “Pairing a noise like a garage door opening, with sweet treats and rewarding them with words of praise or other things they love, when they notice an unusual sound or noise that may be new for them.”
Beware of sounds that can make Dogs Get Excited.
Because dogs are so sensitive to ears, specific sounds like thunder, vacuums, and fireworks can affect certain dogs more intensely, according to Dr. Klein. Even the simplest household sounds we take for granted (such as the Sound of a smoke detector that beeps or a malfunctioning microwave oven) could cause distress to dogs.
While many reactions to Sound are rooted in the dog’s previous experiences, they may also result from dog evolution. “A high-pitched sound could be a sign of risk in nature, and so canines (and humans) are trained to be alert when they hear this,” says Dr. Barnes.
Remember body language.
A final recommendation from Klein The final tip from Klein is to try to comprehend the reason your dog reacts to a particular sound through body language. This refers to the “carriage of neck and head and the movement of the tail, to differentiate between the alarming, friendly territorial, scared, or welcoming.”
