Experts Weigh in on Using Music to Calm Dogs

Researchers say music can have varying effects on dogs depending on factors like temperament and volume.

Jan. 31, 2026 at 9:47pm

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Some pet owners, trainers, and animal shelter workers use music as a tool to help calm dogs, but experts say more research is needed to understand the effects. Factors like a dog's temperament, the type of music, and the volume can all impact how a dog responds. While some dogs may find certain music soothing, others may not respond positively. Experts caution against relying on music alone to address behavioral issues and recommend seeking guidance from certified animal behaviorists or veterinarians.

Why it matters

As more pet owners experiment with using music to calm their dogs, it's important to understand the nuances and limitations of this approach. While music may have a calming effect in some cases, it should not be seen as a replacement for proper training or treatment of behavioral issues. This story highlights the need for further research and caution when using music with pets.

The details

Some animal shelters, like High Country Humane in Flagstaff, Arizona, play classical and instrumental music in the kennels to help calm the dogs. Experts say dog-calming music is typically simplified classical music with slow, repetitive, and predictable elements. However, not all dogs respond the same way, and some may even become bored or associate negative experiences with certain songs. Pet owners are advised to pay attention to their dog's reactions and avoid relying on music alone to address behavioral concerns.

  • In February 2026, this story was published on nbcwashington.com.

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 who uses a dog television channel on YouTube to help calm her 10-year-old pug with separation anxiety.

Megan Boyer

The shelter manager at 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

“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 at 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, 46-year-old family practice manager in the San Diego area

What’s next

Experts suggest that more research is needed to fully understand the effects of music on dogs and in what specific situations it may be most effective. Pet owners are advised to closely monitor their dog's reactions and not rely on music alone to address behavioral issues, instead seeking guidance from certified animal behaviorists or veterinarians.

The takeaway

While music may have a calming effect on some dogs in certain situations, it is not a one-size-fits-all solution. Factors like a dog's temperament, the type of music, and the volume can all impact how a dog responds. Experts caution against using music as a replacement for proper training or treatment of behavioral problems, and recommend seeking professional guidance when addressing a dog's needs.