Do Dogs Have Favorite Music or TV Shows?
Have you noticed that your dog enjoys a particular TV show or type of music more than others? Many dog owners use music or television to stimulate or comfort their pups when they leave the home. Or their dog is drawn to specific shows, albums, or music channels. Do dogs have favorite music or TV shows? They certainly have strong preferences. Why is that so? Keep reading to learn more about dogs and their viewing/listening preferences.
Music Appreciation
Many studies have examined whether dogs enjoy music, and the results have resoundingly shown that they do—as long as it’s the right kind of music. For more than 20 years, Janet Marlow has been studying the effect of music on pets. A sound behaviorist and founder of Pet Acoustics, Marlow has perfected the art of pairing animals with music.
Her research has shown that dogs prefer classical, reggae, and soft rock music. Since dogs can hear twice as much as humans, their musical preferences stray to those genres that do not have heavy high or heavy sub-low frequencies. Sometimes, even singers can be too much for a dog listener, so they prefer instrumental pieces. Some dogs do like to sing along with their favorite singer, though. Try out a few different genres to see which is your dog’s favorite.
Calming Music for Dogs
Classical music has been found to provide a calming effect for dogs. Even anxious dogs were more relaxed when listening to the music. Overall, dogs listening to classical music vocalize less and have a lower heart rate variation. Soft rock and reggae also have a calming effect on pups, but not as strong as that of classical music. If you’re looking for good tunes for your dog, try to stick mainly to classical.
Television Aficionados
Dogs see differently than humans, so their television viewing experience differs, but that doesn’t mean it’s not enjoyable. While they cannot see the same spectrum of colors we can, they can still enjoy shapes, movement, and hues like yellow and blue. They are also aware when other animals cross the screen. They have superior vision for motion, so the movement on a show can keep them engaged. Certain sounds will also grab their attention. While not every breed enjoys watching TV, some, like Australian heelers or German shepherds, love the stimulation it brings.
Ultimate Television Shows for Dogs
Some television shows tend to catch the attention of any dog watching. YouTube has an entire DogTV channel with videos designed for a canine audience. Animal Planet is another favorite because it showcases so many different species. The Australian cartoon Bluey is another favorite among dogs. Experts believe it’s because the show uses plenty of colors that dogs can see, has a lot of interesting movement, and has patterns, which dogs love.
So, do dogs have favorite music or TV shows? Definitely. Take note and you may find yourself with a happier, less anxious pup.
At Oakland Veterinary Referral Services, we believe in educating pet owners to help them create the most supportive living environment for their animals. From helpful resources to top-notch specialty care, we make it easy to care for your pets. To learn more about our services or to schedule an appointment, please (248) 334-6877.
