A guy down the street from us has a little garage band going. Every few days, in the late afternoon, band guy starts to play. His number one fan? My dog Moose, who goes and sits in the corner of the yard closest to where the musicians are and just sits.
I think music is a personal taste for dogs, just like it is for people. My dog Miko used to howl every time we sang “Happy Birthday”. Moose loves the neighborhood band. In general, according to a study done by Queen’s University in Belfast, Northern Ireland, dogs tend to relax when they hear slow, soft music and become agitated when they hear loud, drum-based songs. Guide Dogs for the Blind tested soothing music for pets and now endorse Doggone Songs by Thomas Schoenberger for use in stressful situations.
Music can be soothing for dogs even as a distraction — if it isn’t the type of music calming the dog, it may be the white noise. Dogs with separation anxiety or nervous dispositions may find music soothing because it covers up other noises that could be frightening or upsetting. Dogs who bark at every little sound may benefit from the cover of music or television — it will drown out some of the noises and help keep barking down. Some shelters and kennels even leave soft music on overnight to keep the dogs company. I have friends who do this too.
And I’ll be the first to confess: I sing to my dogs. I used to have a special song for Miko when it was tummy rub time. When he rolled over to give me his belly, I’d sing the tummy rub song. Here are my lyrics, but you can feel free to make up your own words!
(To the tune of “This Old Man”)
This old man, he played one, he gets scratches on his tum
With a knick knack, paddy whack, give a dog a snack
This old man lay on his back.
This old man, he played two, he loves scratches, yes he do
This old man, he played three, he gets scratches from mommy
This old man, he played four, he gets scratches on the floor
This old man, he played five, he gets scratches all the time
This old man, he played six, he gets scratches and gives licks
This old man, he played seven, scratches send him right to heaven
This old man, he played eight, he thinks scratches are just great
This old man, he played nine, he gets scratches on his hind
This old man, he played ten, he would like the song again!