All We Need is Love, Connection, and a Calm Dog

05-13-2024 | General, Featured

We were first inspired by a conversation with a passionate dog lover who was also a musician. She wondered if music could be created specifically to help calm anxious pets. As sound researchers and music producers, we knew what she was asking for: sounds that would help soothe the nervous system of both the animal and the owner. This idea grew into a whole catalog of specialized music for our furry friends, designed for every stage of life, from puppy to senior. As we've studied the mammalian auditory system, we’ve come to understand that the auditory mechanism for people and their animals is similar. While we can’t move our human ears like our pets (dogs have 18 muscles per ear, cats have 32!), humans, dogs, and cats still bring in sound vibrations through skin and ears, then process them in multiple areas of the brain. People hear sounds up to 20Hz. Dogs hear up to 40Hz, and cats all the way to 60 Hz. So while all three of us mammals are indeed hearing, we’re listening to different ranges and affix different meanings to the sounds we hear. There is something about sound, however, beyond the transference of alerting information of time and place. Many people believe that sound is also a major form of connection between people, and people and their pets. This is a major reason why sound is important. We live in a time of great cultural uncertainty now. Yet the mammalian brain prefers certainty and constancy (especially cats!). Because so much of our socialization has become online, there’s also a problem with basic connection skills in our culture. When you add uncertainty to lack-of-connection, humans live in a pretty stressed time and that impacts our pets. People acquire pets to have some “one” to love and be loved by. The concept of connection is the same for dolphins, whales, monkeys, people… and dogs and cats! We all hang out in our tribes. None of us are meant to be loners. Being lonely is not natural. When you go away for the day, to work, etc., and your pet is left alone, the strands of connection are pulled. Your animals have learned and adapted to you. They learn that you will be back in 8-hrs, etc. They sense you. That’s why your dog or cat waits by the door – hoping/knowing that you are coming back to connect, to feed, to play, to love them… and to be loved by them. When it all works, it’s a lovely circle. When it doesn’t coalesce, it becomes a problem. Lonely dogs and cats don’t reason the way we do. They don’t read a clock or do yoga. Sometimes they become frightened. This is some of what contributes to separation anxiety. We can all relate to this. But what do we do for our best furry friends? Here’s a list of five things you can start immediately to help calm your pet.

1. Understand Their Point of View

Your animals are wired differently. Their rational thinking and logic synapses are not the same as ours. You must be the adult in the room and anticipate from their point of view. Solution: This is where calming music helps create an important relaxed environment. By playing one of our calming playlists when you leave, your pets will learn to associate the music with a peaceful routine. They will habituate and come to know that this trigger means you’re leaving and will be coming back.

2. Take a Sonic Inventory

If they appear ‘needy,’ it’s because they may have become afraid you’re not coming back. While you’ve been out, they may have been looping with chronic sensory overload. This might include too many undefined auditory (or other sensory) cues that upset their nervous systems. Remember, dogs and cats are all different. By understanding what they are going through, you can make decisions to help them. Solution: Take a simple sonic inventory of what might be driving them nutty, and change any irritating sonic triggers in your home. You can organically help your furry buddies by simply understanding what they hear.

3. Consider The Other End of The Leash

This is a great book, written by esteemed animal behaviorist, Patricia B. McConnell. What can YOU do to keep yourself calm and collected instead of expecting your pet to provide you this state of mind? This is a paradigmatic shift… Our animals pick up our vibes. This is why it is important for us to calm ourselves in tandem (or before we interact) with our pets, understanding their sensitivity to our own states. Solution: Get this valuable book and read it. The title says it all. The Other End of the Leash is about what vibes you put down that proverbial leash.

4. Be Kind

Your animals are on your ride. You chose them, you created their physical living space, and you decide how to support them. They are in the response position and will reward you with their companionship and adoration if you are kind. Solution: By taking good care of yourself, you are being kind to yourself and your pet. This contributes to everybody’s well-being.

5. Our Calming Music

The music we create has been specially designed using calming-centric processes of tone, tempo, and pattern. Our playlists for dogs and cats are also great for humans, creating a peaceful environment for everyone. This is a totally organic, acoustic approach to well-being. By making our music part of your daily ritual, you create a reliable sonic cue that signals safety and relaxation.

We all know that there is an intricate relationship between humans, shared environments, and beloved pets. Through our work, we’ve come to understand the therapeutic potential of specialized music in connecting, alleviating stress, and fostering emotional well-being. The therapeutic potency of sound is a great tool for all pet owners. We advocate for a compassionate approach to pet care, emphasizing the importance of understanding the unique needs of our furry companions. By integrating calming music into daily rituals and embracing the potency of connection, we foster an atmosphere where pets flourish, and both sides of the leash are enriched with steadfast devotion and affection.