Do dogs like music? Genres to play and avoid for pet parents

For us humans, music is there for every mood, emotion and life event. But is it the same for dogs? And are our furry friends distressed by background music at family events, or settled by the playlist you leave on while you go out? Do dogs like music?

Yes, dogs do like music, but not every genre is right to play for dogs. Many studies have shown that calming music (such as spa-like music, chilled-out reggae and some classical music) can reduce stress and anxiety. Other genres like heavy metal, some pop music and grunge have been found to have the opposite effect, creating discomfort, agitation and a lack of ease in dogs.

For more on the fascinating world of music and dogs, take a look below as we explore the research out there that’ll help you make the best musical choices for your pooch.

Can dogs hear music?

As a fellow pet parent and animal lover, you’ll know that dogs have great hearing abilities. But what does music sound like to dogs? Do dogs hear music like humans? Well while we can’t prove this for sure, many studies have shown that dogs certainly have a preference for certain types of music and sounds.

The first thing to consider is that dogs can hear a much wider frequency range than us humans, which might suggest that the different notes might not be as obvious to them. Humans on the other hand, only hear a smaller frequency range, which helps us to hear the subtle differences between different notes.

According to Psychology Today, dogs can hear up to 67,000 Hertz, whereas we humans only 64,000 Hertz. So, while dogs may not be able to tell the difference between subtle note changes, they can certainly hear higher-frequency sounds than we can.

In fact, this ability to tune into higher notes than us humans has influenced musical artists like Paul McCartney. According to Gigwise, he added a high-pitched whistle in his song ‘A Day in the Life’, that us humans will never hear, and is there purely for canine enjoyment.
Something else that suggests dogs can hear music is wolf behavior when howling. According to Psychology Today, wolves will deliberately adjust the pitch of their howl in order to blend in with that of their pack.

Do dogs like music?

Yes! We can confirm that dogs do like music. Playing music to your dog can promote relaxation, anxiety relief and a sense of comfort - this is particularly the case with playlists made especially for dogs.

Up-beat or heavier genres of music like rock and some pop music can cause agitation and stress in dogs, so pick wisely when choosing music for your dog.

What kind of music do dogs like?

Studies show that dogs enjoy calming spa-like music or classical, and grow agitated during heavy rock or high-energy pop music.

Do dogs like calming music?

If your pooch is suffering from a stint of dog anxiety and you’re looking for ways to calm a dog down, you’ll love to hear about the positive effects of calming music for dogs.

The answer is yes - dogs prefer calming music. A study published in the Journal of Veterinary Behavior found that calmer music can reduce stress, and can even have a therapeutic effect on dogs. 

Do dogs like rock music?

Generally no, dogs don’t like rock music. Faster tempos, multiple instruments, erratic melodies and shout-like singing can be distressing for dogs. 
In fact, according to Psychology Today, a study at Belfast’s Queens University found that dogs showed signs of agitation (such as barking) when heavy metal music was played to them. Safe to say, heavy metal is a type of music to be avoided around our furry friends.

Do dogs like pop music?

The best kind of music for your pooch is something slow and calming - and as you’ll know, pop music comes in all shapes and sizes. 

Use your judgment, and make sure you’d consider it relatively calming before playing it to your pooch.

Do dogs like classical music?

Like other forms of calming music, dogs like classical music, as long as it follows a slower tempo. This study conducted by the University of Glasgow suggested that classical music reduces stress levels in dogs.. 

If you’re looking for specific classical music to play to your pooch, this study found that The Four Seasons by Vivaldi had a positive response from kenneled dogs when played, so give it a go on your pup! 

Do dogs like piano music?

Many studies show that dogs respond well to classical music, so do dogs like music that’s centered around the piano? Potentially - if it’s at a slow tempo, there’s no reason why it won’t relax your dog. Why not give it a try to find out?

Do dogs like country music?

While we can’t say for sure whether your doggo will enjoy country music, we can predict (based on the studies we’ve explored), that they’d definitely prefer something classical, or slightly more relaxing. 

With that said though, you might be able to select a laid-back country playlist that your dog responds well to. Give it a whirl and monitor your dog’s response.

Do dogs like music or TV?

If the music you’re playing is calming and slow, your pooch will certainly prefer it to a high-energy TV show, but often the TV can provide familiar background noise while you’re out - depending on the programme you choose.

Does loud music hurt dogs' ears?

Yes, you should be extremely careful not to play loud music around your dog. According to Psychology Today, a dog’s hearing is four times as sensitive as that of us humans’, and they can hear sounds from up to 80 feet. 

Because of this ultra-sensitive hearing, loud music can cause pain in dogs, and could even lead to hearing loss.

Alongside those very valid reasons to avoid playing loud music around dogs, bass-heavy music can also be frightening for dogs, just like the noises of fireworks, thunderstorms and building works.

Why do dogs howl to music?

Ever noticed your dog howling to music with the violin, clarinet or saxophone? Well luckily, it doesn’t mean they’re distressed, necessarily. 

Most of the time, dogs howl to music because when once part of a wolf pack, dogs would howl altogether. If one dog was howling, others would join in. So, modern dogs of today might be howling because the elongated sounds of wind and some string instruments remind them of the wolf’s howl, and they feel they simply must join in by instinct.

Do dogs like music when they are alone?

For some dogs who aren’t used to being left alone, listening to music that’s calming can help to relieve separation anxiety.

Calming music for dogs

So, now we’ve explored your question - do dogs like music - let’s take a look at a few playlists that - when played in the background - might help your pup relax.

• Relax my dog: Calming music for dogs
• Canine chillzone: Relaxing in the doghouse
• Dog music: Soothing sleep music for stressed dogs
• Seasons of joy: music for dogs all year
• 12 Hours anti-anxiety music for dogs
• 20 hours of calming music For dogs

Is your dog anxious?

While incredibly common, there are ways you can reduce anxiety in your four-pawed pal. Explore our blog on how to help an anxious dog to get started.