Experts Weigh In on Using Music to Calm Anxious Dogs

While some pet owners play music to soothe their canine companions, animal behaviorists say more research is needed on the effects.

Jan. 31, 2026 at 12:55pm

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Pet owners, trainers, and animal shelter workers sometimes use music as a training tool, a distraction from triggers, and to create a relaxing environment for dogs. However, experts say the effects of music on dogs vary based on factors like temperament, setting, and volume. Some animal behaviorists suggest additional research is needed to prove how much of an effect music has on dogs and in what situations.

Why it matters

The use of music to calm anxious dogs is a growing trend, but experts caution that it should not be considered a cure-all or replacement for proper training. Understanding the nuances of how dogs respond to music can help owners and caretakers create a more positive experience for their canine companions.

The details

While some trainers consider music to be helpful, many animal behaviorists suggest additional research is needed to prove how much of an effect music has on dogs and in what situations. Factors like a dog's temperament, the setting, the type of music, and the volume can all impact how a dog responds. Some shelters have found that playing classical or instrumental music can help calm dogs, but experts say dogs tend to habituate to what they are used to rather than innately preferring certain genres.

  • In 2026, a study was published examining the use of music to calm anxious 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.

Tawny Keiser

A 46-year-old family practice manager in the San Diego area whose 10-year-old pug, Margarita, suffers from separation anxiety.

High Country Humane

An animal shelter in Flagstaff, Arizona that plays classical and instrumental music on the kennel floors.

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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 and associate director of a research program

“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

“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

What’s next

Researchers at Tufts University plan to conduct a study in 2027 to further examine the effects of different types of music on dogs in various settings.

The takeaway

While music can be a helpful tool for some dog owners, experts caution that it should not be seen as a cure-all or replacement for proper training and behavior modification. Understanding the nuances of how individual dogs respond to music is key to creating a positive experience.