Why Dogs Love Music: Science, Stories and What Owners Can Try at Home

A video clip has recently spread across social media showing a 13-year-old dog who cannot get enough of his owner’s jazz piano. Each time the music begins, the dog visibly relaxes and leans in with a dreamy expression. It is the kind of moment that makes people stop scrolling and smile, and it quickly went viral.

The charm of the video lies partly in its simplicity. There is nothing staged about it. It is simply a dog enjoying the sound of music, showing that connection with an owner does not always have to be about walks, treats or toys. Sometimes it is about sharing a quiet moment while the world drifts by.

This story also opens a bigger question that many owners have asked: can dogs really enjoy music, and if so, what types of music might help them?

What science says about dogs and music

Researchers have been interested in how animals respond to music for several decades. While much of the early work looked at cows, birds or laboratory animals, dogs have increasingly been studied too, particularly in the context of stress and welfare.

One of the most quoted studies was carried out at rehoming centres, where dogs were exposed to different genres of music. Classical pieces were associated with calmer behaviour, less barking and more time spent lying down. Heavy metal, on the other hand, appeared to cause agitation. Pop music produced more mixed results, with little clear change in stress levels.

More recent work has gone a step further by considering whether dogs prefer certain styles. Some studies suggest that reggae and soft rock can also have a calming effect, though not quite as reliably as classical. The general pattern seems to be that slower tempos and smoother sounds encourage relaxation, while rapid beats and harsh tones can raise arousal.

Why music affects dogs differently from people

To understand why dogs respond in particular ways, it helps to consider both biology and environment. Dogs hear a wider range of frequencies than humans, picking up higher pitches that we do not notice. This means that details in music which are subtle to us may be intense to them.

Dogs also live much of their lives tuned into human routines. They recognise tone of voice, rhythm in speech and sound patterns in daily life. It is therefore not surprising that they may also respond emotionally to structured sound like music.

That said, each dog is an individual. Just as people have personal taste, some dogs may ignore background music entirely while others show clear signs of enjoyment.

Music in veterinary and shelter settings

The idea of using music to improve animal welfare is not just an internet trend. Many veterinary practices now play calming playlists in waiting rooms. Rescue centres often use classical music to help reduce stress in kennels, particularly during noisy times.

The thinking is straightforward. Stress in dogs can raise heart rate, increase barking and make behaviour harder to manage. Anything that reduces that stress without drugs is valuable. Calming sounds mask background noise, provide a soothing rhythm, and can create an environment where both dogs and staff feel more at ease.

One UK rehoming centre reported that after introducing classical music, dogs barked less and potential adopters described the kennels as more welcoming. This not only benefited the dogs but also increased adoption rates, since people were more comfortable spending time looking around.

What owners can try at home

If you are curious about how your dog might respond, there are several simple things you can do without any special equipment.

Start by choosing calm genres such as classical, acoustic, or gentle jazz. Play the music at a comfortable volume rather than filling the room with sound. Observe your dog carefully. Signs of relaxation might include lying down, sighing, or slowly closing the eyes. Signs of discomfort might be leaving the room, restlessness, or whining.

It can help to introduce music at times when your dog is already settled, for example in the evening when the household is quiet. If your dog reacts positively, you might also try using music during potentially stressful moments such as fireworks, storms or when you leave the house.

Some streaming services now offer playlists designed specifically for dogs. These often include slower tempos and sounds chosen to encourage calm behaviour. While the scientific evidence behind some of these playlists is still emerging, many owners report that they notice a difference.

The viral jazz-loving dog and what it shows us

Returning to the story that started all of this, the 13-year-old dog who loves jazz piano is a reminder of the simple joys dogs can find in everyday life. At his age, long hikes and energetic play may no longer be on the agenda, but music has become a shared language with his owner.

Moments like this capture people’s attention because they highlight the emotional depth of dogs. We already know that dogs read our expressions, follow our gestures and respond to our moods. Seeing a dog visibly enjoy music adds another layer to that picture, one that feels surprisingly human but remains authentically canine.

Finding balance

It is important to avoid projecting too much human interpretation onto dogs. A relaxed expression when listening to music is not the same as a human sense of artistic appreciation. Dogs are unlikely to analyse melody or harmony in the way people do. What they do show is a response to rhythm, tone and the emotional atmosphere created by sound.

This distinction matters because it keeps our expectations realistic. We can enjoy the novelty of a music-loving dog without assuming all dogs should respond the same way. Some will, some will not, and that is fine. The point is not to make dogs into miniature music critics but to recognise that sound is part of their world, just as it is part of ours.

Practical cautions

If you experiment with music at home, remember that dogs’ hearing is sensitive. Keep volumes low to moderate, and avoid very high-pitched or distorted sounds. Watch carefully for any signs of stress. Music should be a tool for relaxation, not another form of noise pollution.

Be mindful too of context. If you only play music during stressful times, your dog may come to associate those sounds with negative experiences. It can be better to play calming music in neutral, positive settings so that it feels familiar and safe.

Conclusion

The viral story of a senior dog lost in the joy of jazz piano has resonated with millions. It makes us smile because it feels both surprising and perfectly natural at the same time. It also reflects a growing body of research showing that music can influence dogs, often in beneficial ways.

For owners, this is not about forcing music onto dogs or expecting them all to react the same. It is about noticing how sound shapes their environment, and experimenting gently to see what helps them feel calm and content.

Sometimes the most powerful moments with our dogs are the quietest ones. Watching a dog settle peacefully as a piece of music plays is a reminder that connection does not always need words or action. It can be as simple as sharing the same space, with the same sounds, and knowing that both of you are at ease.