Classical music and canine welfare

Abstract

Classical music is a form of auditory stimulation that is widely acknowledged to harbour welfare advantages for captive animals, with notable benefits for the domestic dog (Canis familiaris). Surprisingly little research, however, has explored the use of classical music beyond the confines of the rescue shelter setting. This thesis therefore aimed to explore the effect of classical music on the behaviour of pet dogs in a more controlled environment and to determine whether this type of auditory enrichment harbours any welfare benefits beyond the shelter environment.

Four experimental studies were carried out for this thesis. Study 1 explored the effect of classical music on the behaviour of pet dogs separated from their owners in a controlled university setting, using two methodological approaches (between-subjects and repeated-measures). Dogs exposed to classical music in the between-subjects investigation were significantly faster to rest and settle in the testing room than animals exposed to the sound of an audiobook or the normal control environment; no other significant effects on canine behaviour, however, were observed between the investigations.

Study 2 explored the effects of classical music on pet dogs with separation anxiety. Dogs were studied in response to classical music, an audiobook and a control (the normal laboratory environment), whilst undergoing a modified version of Ainsworth’s Strange Situation test. Analysis revealed no significant differences in canine behaviour between the conditions of auditory stimulation.

Study 3 explored the effect of classical music on canine affective state, specifically investigating whether exposure could induce positive emotional states in pet dogs. A cognitive bias test was conducted, with dogs exposed to either classical music, an audiobook, or the control environment. Analysis revealed no significant effect of auditory stimulation on the dogs’ cognitive bias.

Study 4 examined dog owners’ use of auditory stimulation in the home environment, specifically exploring what stimuli were used and in what scenarios, as well as investigating any perceived advantages or disadvantages. Over three-quarters of surveyed owners had used auditory stimulation for their dog on at least one occasion, most commonly when leaving them alone or to mask frightening background noises. Interestingly, while the results from Studies 1-3 point to classical music having very little effect on dog behaviour or affect, dog owners overwhelmingly reported that auditory stimulation had a positive impact on their pet, most notably, in the form of increased resting and/or calming effects. Radio and television were the most commonly used types of acoustic cue, with classical music employed by less than a quarter of owners. Given the beneficial effects reported by dog owners, the impact of classical music on dogs in their normal home environment should be explored.

Overall, the findings from this thesis point to classical music having very little to no effect on dog behaviour or affective state in the controlled laboratory setting, although owners believe there to be benefits within the home environment. Further exploration of the effects of classical music in the home environment is warranted considering its popularity among dog owners.

Thesis is embargoed until 31 July 2026.

Date of Award	Jul 2024
Original language	English
Awarding Institution	Queen's University Belfast
Sponsors	Northern Ireland Department for the Economy
Supervisor	Deborah Wells (Supervisor) & Catherine Reeve (Supervisor)