Dogs in tune with their neighborhoods often get a little too distracted by the commotion outside. They'll bark as neighbors walk by or if a delivery truck drives past. It is their way of keeping guard.
One miniature dachshund, who is known on TikTok as @cheddarismyname, felt the need to inform everyone about the construction workers next door. Her owner said in a June 3 TikTok clip that Cheddar was "terrorizing" the neighbors and builders without calming down.
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In an attempt to distract Cheddar, the owner turned to music to block out the sound of the construction. It was the owner's last resort as nothing seemed to help Cheddar relax, but instantly the music did the trick.
And of all the musical genres, the owner was surprised that classical music caught Cheddar's attention. Cheddar jumped straight onto her lap as soon as the music started and before long drifted off to sleep.
Cheddar didn't just fall asleep, she made herself comfortable, snuggling up with her owner in the chair. Her head rested on the desk. It doesn't look like a necessarily comfortable position for someone to sleep, but the owner told Newsweek via TikTok that Cheddar stayed like that for a while as the music played.
"She slept whilst I carried on working at my desk for a good few hours," the owner said.
The TikTok video reached 7,818 views and 775 likes as of Monday.
"High culture dog," commented a viewer.
Another suggested: "Check out 'Relaxing Classical Music for dogs' playlist on Spotify by Battersea (as in the dog's home) My dogs love it."
How Music Affects Dogs
While everyday sounds like vacuum cleaners, sirens, smoke detectors and construction work are normal to humans, dogs have more sensitive hearing. These overwhelming sounds can impact a dog's nervous system. They might develop anxiety or phobias. But one way to help a dog through it is by introducing music.
Like humans, research has found dogs appear to be less agitated after listening to classical music as their breathing slowed and they were less likely to pace or remain standing, the American Kennel Club reported. Other reports found dogs who listen to classical music sleep more and bark less.
Classical music, reggae and soft rock are genres that help dogs appear calm. The opposite happens with heavy metal. Dogs in research studies have exhibited tremors or shaking after listening to heavy metal music. Meanwhile, pop music made little difference.
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About the writer
Liz O'Connell is a Newsweek Reporter based in North Carolina. Her focus is on pet news and videos. Liz joined ... Read more
