Felix Pando: Think Like Your Dog, Listen to Good Music

Dogs see the world very differently than humans do. After their sense of smell, hearing is their most developed sense. Various studies have shown that they can hear sounds up to 75,000 hertz, while humans can only hear sounds up to about 20,000 hertz at most. One of the most common questions among dog owners is whether dogs like music, and the answer is yes. However, not just any type of music.

The first thing to consider is that dogs are extremely sensitive to loud noises. For example, fireworks or thunder frighten them, and they can show a lot of anxiety in response. Knowing this, it’s logical to think that dogs do not like loud music.

24 HOURS of Music Designed for Your Dog by Felix Pando

Music Designed for Our Pets by Felix Pando

They prefer slower rhythms, low frequencies, and simple patterns. Conversely, more complex music (with a large number of instruments), high frequencies, and fast rhythms can cause their nervous systems to release a lot of cortisol, the stress hormone.

A study published in 2002 in Animal Welfare showed that dogs feel calmer and more relaxed when listening to classical music. Dogs did not show much interest when radio shows or pop music were playing, and they became nervous when listening to heavy metal.

That said, every dog is different, so the best way to know which type of music they like is to pay attention to their behavior. If your dog is nervous, barking, scratching the ground, or breathing heavily, it's a sign that they don’t like the music. Conversely, if they are calm, lying on their back on the floor, or wagging their tail, it’s clear they enjoy the situation.

Felix Pando, an Argentine musician based in Miami, is the creator of “La Joven Guardia.” In his quest for musical progress, and feeling sadness for animals left alone at home or in states of anxiety, he began studying the creation of special music for pets a few years ago. This was tested at a veterinary clinic in Germany. There, Felix developed a special musical technique using instruments that do not disturb the animal but help them feel good through music.

Benefits of Music for Dogs

A study conducted by researchers at the University of Glasgow analyzed the effect of music on dogs. For this, the experts separated dogs from a shelter: some were played classical music, while others were not. Those who listened to the music appeared more relaxed.

Music offers very interesting benefits for the physical and mental health of dogs: it decreases heart rate and increases endorphin levels and the feeling of calm.

Now that you know what type of music dogs like, all that's left is to choose the right melody. Select classical music songs that do not have too many changes in volume and tone, and of course, do not play it too loudly.