Sound can be a great tool to use with your pup! Whether it is to help with noise phobias, create a sense of calm, or to just have some engaging sounds on for your dog, playing with different sounds is where it’s at.
* If your pup has noise phobias, I suggest working with a behaviorist to create a specific treatment plan to work on this with your pup. This article is not intended to guide helping dogs with noise phobias/triggers.
I remember when I was in college, we were talking about reading to toddlers. I made the comment that I would stop reading when the toddler would decide to play with toys instead. My professor said, “Does the child no longer hear you?” Basically stating it was important to continue reading to children because they are actively listening and noting that children through and during play. This is also something similar with our canine family members.
In our upcoming Canine Brain Games box, we are including music from iCalmDog, including the album Human-Animal Bonds. This track is described by the American Veterinary Medical Association as “A mutually beneficial and dynamic relationship between people and animals that is influenced by behaviors that are essential to the health and well-being of both. This includes, but is not limited to, emotional, psychological, and physical interactions of people, animals, and the environment.”
Introducing your dog to new sounds
Watch their body language. A great book, included in our last Canine Brain Games box, Doggie Language: A Dog Lover’s Guide to Understanding Your Best Friend by Lili Chin is a great resource for this.
Listen to the music first. Two reasons, it would totally stink to listen to something you can’t stand that your dog loves or listen to something your dog can’t stand or may even be afraid of.
So it’s always a good idea to listen to something before just playing it for your dog, especially if you know they have triggers to noises.
Do a sound preference test. Pick one sound/song a day to try with your dog.
Make sure everyone is in a calm state.
Observe your dog’s body language before, during, and after playing the music. Did the music achieve the goal? Did you intend for it to calm your dog? Make your dog happy? Maybe it does not have an impact on your dog.
I personally recommend writing down what you observe with your dog. We may think we will remember but… if we are playing one song/sound a day… I don’t know about you, but I know I won't be able to remember all the different things I observed from that 10-15 minute session.
Do not overplay sounds that work. OK, you found something that works! Heck yes! If you are like me, you are super excited because it is helping with a phobia. BUT… If you overuse this sound, well… It will stop working. So, like anything else that is super sweet, keep it in moderation.
Always keep it positive! Pay attention to your dog’s body language to make sure they are not in a stressful situation.