Dog Owners Explore Music as Calming Tool for Pets

Experts weigh in on the benefits and limitations of using music to soothe anxious or stressed canines.

Jan. 31, 2026 at 1:31am

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Some dog owners and animal shelters are using music as a tool to help calm and relax their canine companions, but experts say the effects can vary based on the dog's temperament, the type of music, and the setting. While music may promote relaxation in some cases, it should not be considered a replacement for professional training or treatment of behavioral issues.

Why it matters

As more pet owners and animal care facilities explore using music to manage dog stress and anxiety, it's important to understand the nuances and limitations of this approach. The research on the topic is still limited, and experts caution against relying on music alone to address complex behavioral problems.

The details

Some dog owners and animal shelters have found success using calming music, such as simplified classical compositions, to help reduce stress and anxiety in dogs. However, experts note that the effects of music on dogs can be highly context-dependent, varying based on the individual dog's temperament, the type of music played, and the environment. While music may promote relaxation in some cases, it should not be considered a replacement for professional training or treatment of behavioral issues like separation anxiety or noise phobias.

  • In 2021, researchers at Tufts University began studying the practical applications of using music to calm stressed shelter dogs.
  • Many animal shelters, like High Country Humane in Flagstaff, Arizona, have started playing classical and instrumental music in their kennels to help soothe the dogs.

The players

Seana Dowling-Guyer

A lecturer at Tufts University's Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine and associate director of a research program aimed at improving the lives of dogs in shelters or at risk of being given up by their owners.

Aniruddh Patel

A Tufts University psychology professor who studies music cognition in humans and other species.

Lori Kogan

A Colorado State University professor who studies human-animal interactions.

Megan Boyer

The shelter manager at High Country Humane, an animal shelter in Flagstaff, Arizona.

Tawny Keiser

A 46-year-old family practice manager in the San Diego area who uses a dog television channel on YouTube to help soothe her 10-year-old pug with separation anxiety.

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What they’re saying

“Music may promote more relaxation for dogs, but it would not be the first thing I turn to if I want to reduce stress in dogs.”

— Seana Dowling-Guyer, Lecturer at Tufts University's Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine

“It's really stressful here, and the classical music seems to help calm the dogs down. Everybody is a little bit less amped up. It's a stress reliever for the dogs.”

— Megan Boyer, Shelter Manager, High Country Humane

“Dog-calming music is simplified classical music. It's slow, repetitive, has a predictable structure and gentle notes. In an unpredictable environment, any kind of predictability using sounds could be soothing to an animal.”

— Aniruddh Patel, Tufts University Psychology Professor

“I don't think cows are born liking country music. What's happened is that the people they interact with play country music, and the animals have come to associate that music with positive things.”

— Lori Kogan, Colorado State University Professor

“She recognizes the television and will sit and watch it. She's engaged, and often gets really excited and jumps off the couch to sniff the screen.”

— Tawny Keiser

What’s next

Experts suggest that pet owners and animal care facilities continue to monitor how individual dogs respond to music and use it as one tool among many to help manage stress and anxiety, rather than relying on it as a sole solution. Further research is needed to fully understand the effects of music on canine behavior and well-being.

The takeaway

While music can be a helpful tool in some cases to promote relaxation in dogs, it should not be considered a replacement for professional training or treatment of complex behavioral issues. Pet owners and animal care providers should carefully observe their dogs' reactions and use music as one of many strategies to support their pets' overall well-being.