Want your pooch to mellow out with you? Play Reggae!
According to a new study published by the Scottish SPCA and the University of Glasgow, dogs like music, and the music you choose to play for them could affect their behavior. Now before we hail Reggae as the genre to calm both you and your pooch, know that Professor Neil Evans notes that each dog has its own musical taste and music regardless of genre warranted a positive physiological response. [gallery size="large" ids="15540,15541,15542"] The pooches spent "significantly more time lying and significantly less time standing" when music was played said Evans. Furthermore, researchers measured the dog's heart rates as different genres were played. And as it turns out, the dogs were most relaxed when soft rock or reggae was selected. Other pooch-worthy genres that were explored were Motown, pop, and classical. "It was clear that the physiological and behavioural changes observed were maintained during the trial when the dogs were exposed to a variety of music" said PhD student Amy Bowman.
No other genres were noted, but based on the results your dog is not likely a metalhead. In fact, another study mentioned in Psychology Today noted that heavy metal prompted more barking and agitation.
However, it's not unlikely for your dog to have his/her own musical taste. Despite soft rock and reggae showing the most effect "the response to different genres was mixed highlighting the possibility that like humans, our canine friends have their own individual music preferences" Evans said. So if you're not particularly a fan of soft rock or reggae perhaps your dog feels the same way, meaning you both can explore classical, jazz, or blues together.
Just be sure that it's the music calming your canine and not other Rastafarian religious rituals. Your poor pooch already has the munchies.
