Here’s the strange reason why dogs hate certain types of music

Are you ever having a personal dance party and then find your dog giving you some major side-eye? Don’t worry—it’s likely not your music taste being judged by the tunes themselves.

Your dog’s opposition to music, and the volume at which you blast it through the house, needs to be placed in context: dogs have much better hearing than humans.

The difference between animal and human hearing

According to the International Fund for Animal Welfare, dogs are able to “hear sounds at higher frequencies than humans” and can “more easily differentiate sounds and determine their location of origin.”“While adult humans typically can’t hear sounds above 20,000 Hz, dogs can detect frequencies as high as 47,000 to 65,000 Hz,” says the organization.

This highly attuned ear can make music difficult to enjoy, since at times, they are hearing much more than you are. However, there is no universal system for understanding the relationship between dogs and music. Some dogs will howl when they hear certain tones or sounds, which can often give the impression that they are trying to sing along.

How loud is too loud for your dog?

K9, the dog training business based in New Jersey, helpfully points out that dog owners should be conscious of the volume at which they play music.

Loud music is dangerous for the human ear, with scientists warning that sounds louder than 120 decibels should be avoided. “Anything around 120 decibels (like a loud rock concert) is painful for humans,” reports K9, adding that for dogs, discomfort can begin around 70 decibels. The trainers point to a vacuum cleaner or traffic on a busy road as examples of a 70-decibel environment, at which point your dog might begin to show signs of discomfort.

Long story short from the experts at K9: “If it feels too loud for you, it’s already too loud for your pup!”

Advice for owners of anxious dogs: Avoid heavy metal, try classical music

Wag, the pet care platform, also warns that owners of anxious canines should avoid playing heavy metal, as studies have shown it can agitate pets. However, some dog breeders and experienced owners stand by the practice of playing classical music when trying to relax their pets, especially in kennel environments. Research has shown that classical music can reduce barking and promote calm behavior in dogs, while heavy metal tends to increase agitation.

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