PAWS UP IF YOU LOVE MUSIC!

Posted: 1 February 2017 at 11:53 am

The Scottish SPCA and the University of Glasgow has released new research that suggests dogs have different music tastes, with reggae music coming out as the favourite.

PhD student Amy Bowman says: ‘The research, which took place at the Scottish SPCA centre in Dumbarton, clearly shows that music has an effect on dog’s behaviour.

We were keen to explore the effect playing different genres of music had, and it was clear that the physiological and behavioural changes observed were maintained during the trial when the dogs were exposed to a variety of music.’

Neil Evans Professor of Integrative Physiology at the University of Glasgow added, ‘Overall, the response to different genres was mixed highlighting the possibility that like humans, our canine friends have their own individual music preferences.

‘That being said, reggae music and soft rock showed the highest positive changes in behaviour.’

Scotland’s animal welfare charity previously released research in 2015 that showed the impact of classical music had on dog’s behaviour. Having shown that variety is key to avoid habituation, the Scottish SPCA will be investing in sound systems for all their kennels.