Classical music can be soothing for the soul, help us relax and decrease stress levels – but does it have the same impact on our dogs?
As part of a recent experiment, composer Iain Jackson, created a piece of classical music especially for canines, in partnership with advanced nutrition brand, Eukanuba.
The score, named A Dog’s Tale, was observed to have a clear positive impact on the listening dogs’ wellbeing. On average, the animals’ pulse rates lowered, and their levels of stress and anxiety were reduced.
How was the piece of music produced?
‘There were two key elements in writing this piece of music for the dogs,’ Iain said. ‘Firstly, we wanted to create something that would have a calming effect and help to relax dogs.
‘And secondly, we wanted to tell the story of a dog’s life from puppy into junior, adulthood, then as they mature and become a senior dog.
‘We wanted the music to demonstrate the building blocks of each individual life stage, representing a dog’s nature, personality and overall wellbeing, whilst also celebrating the companionship that we share with our dogs. This acted as our blueprint for developing the score, telling a true Dog’s Tale.’
The observation
Performed by a 10-piece string orchestra, the music was played to a focus group of seven dogs, made up of different ages and breeds.
The dogs’ reactions to the music were measured by Eukanuba’s veterinary training manager, Kellie Ceccarelli. She found that the canines’ pulse rates lowered from before they entered the studio to after listening to the classical music, with an average 22% decrease across the group.
The unfamiliar setting, meeting new humans and dogs, make the positive results more impressive.
‘One of the best parts for me was the effect the music seemed to have on both the owners and the dogs together, it almost seemed to strengthen the relationship between them,’ Kellie said. ‘This is not something we anticipated, and it was very emotional to experience.
‘At Eukanuba, we want to help people to live a long, healthy life with their dogs, and we now know that classical music has a real impact and really could help dogs and owners to live life well together.’
