Dogs experience stress and anxiety just like humans and knowing how to reduce or prevent it could mean a happier and healthier life for your pooch. A recent study has shown that music has a calming effect on a dog’s behavior.  Can your playlist change your dog’s life?

Of all of the music tested, these gentlemen paved the way to soothing your dog's anxiety.

Mozart, Bach, Beethoven

The study found that classical music specifically, was effective at calming erratic or hostile behavior. The study’s findings are important because it could lead to developments in reducing the stress associated with shelter and kennel environments and even within the home.

Bye Bye, Black Sabbath

Led by Lori Kogan of Colorado State University, the study analyzed 117 dogs of all different breeds that were sheltered in one kennel facility. Each dog was subjected to 45 minutes of music between three different genres while their behavior was recorded at five-minute intervals.  When exposed to classical music, the dogs exhibited more restful, calm behavior. When exposed to heavy metal, the dogs were erratic and anxious. The findings coincide with similar studies on humans that show more simplistic and melodious music to be soothing as compared to harsher, louder genres such as rock.

Trading Chewing for Chopin

Many dogs suffer from separation anxiety when their owners leave the household, which can lead to problems such as chewing things in the home or urinating inside. While there are certain medications and supplements for severe problems, perhaps it would be sensible to try a musical solution first. Fortunately, classical music can be downloaded for free, and legally on the Internet or streamed from music services such as Pandora. Even if your pooch does fine when you leave the household, playing classical music couldn’t hurt. As everyone knows, the right kind of music can soothe anyone—even your dog!