Three Things to Know
Previous studies have demonstrated that classical music can have a calming effect on shelter dogs. In an Australian experiment, researchers further observed the reactions of ten shelter dogs to music varying in pitch and tempo.
The study revealed that low-pitch tracks increased the dogs’ alertness and activity. This finding aligns with the theory that low-frequency sounds may be perceived as aggressive signals, prompting a heightened state of vigilance. While researchers anticipated that slow-tempo tracks would promote relaxation, this effect was not observed.
For the ten dogs in the study population, this increased alertness was not considered detrimental as the dogs were generally calm. However, in shelters aiming to create a more relaxed environment, this increased arousal could be a concern.
For Dog Welfare Practitioners:
Shelters should incorporate music or audiobooks as valuable enrichment tools for dogs. Research demonstrates that music choice significantly impacts canine behavior. Crucially, consider the desired effect: During public viewing hours, prioritize calming music to encourage a relaxed atmosphere for both dogs and potential adopters.
When designing or renovating a shelter, include equipment for music playback. If your shelter lacks a dedicated sound system, consider engaging volunteers to explore creative solutions, such as repurposing old phones and Bluetooth speakers.
The Full Picture
Dogs residing in shelters, laboratories, and kennels frequently endure stressful and unpredictable environments, which can significantly impact their well-being and contribute to heightened anxiety. To mitigate these negative impacts, researchers have explored various strategies, including brief outings, temporary fostering, and group housing. Another promising avenue for stress reduction is the incorporation of sensory enrichment, such as playing music, into their daily routines.
Previous studies have shown that classical music can have a calming effect on shelter dogs, reducing barking and encouraging rest. Conversely, heavy metal music has been observed to increase stress behaviors like shaking. However, research in other settings, such as veterinary hospitals and police dog training facilities, has produced mixed results. For instance, classical music lowered heart rate and blood pressure in anesthetized cats, while music specifically designed for cats encouraged social interaction.
Despite these findings, little is known about how specific musical qualities, such as tempo and pitch, affect a dog’s stress levels. To address this gap, a study titled “Effects of Music Pitch and Tempo on the Behaviour of Kennelled Dogs” was conducted. The study aimed to observe the behavioral responses of kennelled dogs when exposed to different types of music (slow vs. fast tempo, high vs. low pitch), white noise, and silence.
The researchers hypothesized that slow-tempo music would have a more calming effect on the dogs compared to other stimuli.
Study Methods
Ten neutered dogs (six females, four males) participated in the study. Their ages ranged from 1.2 to 5 years, with an average age of 2.8 years. Five of the dogs were retired greyhounds from the racing industry, while the others were mixed breeds (Boxer, Labrador, Kelpie, and Mastiff) from a local animal shelter.
This study examined the effects of auditory stimuli on dogs over 10 days, divided into two 5-day blocks with a 2-day break to prevent habituation. Dogs were exposed to 10 modified music tracks, white noise, and ambient noise. Music tracks were manipulated to create four variations: high pitch, low pitch, fast tempo, and slow tempo. Two cameras per kennel recorded behavior, which was subsequently analyzed by an experienced observer to identify behavioral responses to each stimulus.
Study Results
Pitch and Tempo
The study revealed significant differences in dog behavior depending on the music played.
- Low-pitch tracks encouraged more tail wagging and higher tail positions compared to slow-tempo music and silence.
- Dogs were more active during low-pitch tracks, spending more time standing and walking and less time lying down.
- Slow-tempo tracks led to more time spent with the tail lowered and the dog remaining still.
These findings suggest that low-pitch music had the most significant impact on the dogs’ behavior. It appears to have increased their alertness, as indicated by more active tail movements. This aligns with Morton’s motivation-structural rules, which suggests that low-frequency sounds can be perceived as aggressive signals, prompting dogs to become more vigilant and active.
Surprisingly, slow-tempo music, which was expected to have a calming effect, had limited influence on the dogs’ behavior. This may be because the dogs were already relatively calm in their familiar kennel environment. Additionally, the short duration of music exposure (10 minutes) and the dogs’ prior habituation to the kennel environment may have reduced the observable effects of the music.
Song-Specific Effects
The song “Etudes” elicited the most pronounced behavioral changes, increasing tail wags and standing while reducing lying down. Conversely, the song “Bagatelle” increased lying down and decreased standing. “Etudes” was likely more arousing, though its faster tempo had no significant effect. White noise had minimal impact, mirroring human studies where it fails to reduce stress in stimulating environments. The subtle effects of music may be due to the calm environment, brief exposure, and minor musical modifications.
Conclusion
This study found that low-pitch music appeared to increase dog alertness, potentially due to an association with aggressive vocalizations, as suggested by Morton’s motivation-structural rules. This increased vigilance was likely not detrimental given the dogs’ generally calm demeanor. Future research could benefit from a larger sample size, greater breed diversity, a wider range of baseline behaviors, and longer treatment durations.
Miscellaneous
Data From Study:
–
Year of Publication:
2021
External Link:
Amaya V, Descovich K, Paterson MBA, Phillips CJC. Effects of Music Pitch and Tempo on the Behaviour of Kennelled Dogs. Animals. 2021; 11(1):10. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani11010010