You know you’ve always wondered. Well, good news for reggae lovers (and Scottish stray dogs): a recent Scottish SPCA study on the effects of music on dog behavior showed great results. The research on how music affects dogs was so overwhelmingly positive that the charity is now investing in sound systems for all its facilities.
Rescue dogs are about to enjoy some sweet tunes, in other words.
The study looked at the effects of playing classical, soft rock, Motown, reggae, and pop music on dogs in their Dumbarton rehoming center. Overall, when listening to music, dogs showed more relaxed behavior, such as lying down versus standing. Dog heart rates were also significantly lowered while the music played.
“Overall, the response to different genres was mixed highlighting the possibility that like humans, our canine friends have their own individual music preferences.”
Of the music styles played, reggae was the most widely preferred, with soft rock coming a close second. However, individual dogs clearly had their individual preferences, too.
Hat tip: BBC
Featured image: Telegraph
