If pet owners could spend every single minute of their days with their companion animals they would, but the reality is we need to work and earn money for a living and doing this involves leaving them home alone for long periods of time. Many animal lovers leave the radio or TV on in an effort to make the long lonely hours more bearable, but is that background noise the right sounds they should be listening to?
Photo credit: Taylor Brown
We know music is soothing to humans and veterinary scientists agree it also benefits dogs, but because animals have a heighten sense of hearing the music we enjoy might not be the right sounds for them. Nashville musician Taylor Brown has set out to create an album titled “The Ruff Cuts” that benefits both, dog and humans alike.
The idea to produce dog friendly music came about after Taylor’s own French Bulldog named Nala started having anxiety issues. His father, a veterinarian with over 40 years of experience suggested leaving the TV on when the dog was left alone. The pet owner knew certain sounds normal to us are scary to dogs and that’s when he turned to veterinarian experts to create science based music that helps dogs feel comforted, calm and secure.
“I believe that when used properly, this unique, dog friendly music could be a promising drug-free approach for preventing and treating separation and anxiety problems in our dogs,” said Kenneth Brown DVM, Taylor’s father.
Photo credit: Taylor Brown
Because dogs perceive sound frequencies at a higher level than we can, leaving the TV or radio on isn’t ideal for creating a stress-free environment. The frequency and dynamic range of sounds made for humans are too unpredictable and have a good chance of including the types of sounds that can easily frighten our dogs.
“The Ruff Cuts” is not just an outdated collection of symphonic rehashes. All songs are uniquely created by Taylor, a graduate of Seattle’s Cornish College of The Arts, and are upbeat original tunes humans will enjoy while incorporating relaxing tones and reaffirming statements designed to comfort dogs and increase stimuli in their environment.
Taylor and his dog Nala. Photo credit: Taylor Brown
“I wanted to make music for dogs that both people and dogs could enjoy together,” said Taylor. “I knew that no matter how well it worked on dogs, if people didn’t want to listen to it, then they weren’t going to play it for them.”
This innovative music album needs financial support to cover the final production costs. The musician started a Kickstarter campaign to raise enough funds and see this project through completion. Backers will receive a digital download of the twelve song album for just $15 and a physical CD can be mailed for just $25.
If you’re interested in learning more about this project visit Songs For Dogs And The People Who Love Them.
Watch the video below to learn more and show your support by visiting the Kickstarter campaign page here.
Viv Garcia bahaha
Nevenka Tatjana bruno fura tanjine cvidze xD
You could always find my one Skye terrier under my grand piano when I played. Even when she was older and losing her hearing, you would find her there. Beethoven, Chopin, show tunes, she loved them all. Coco died almost 2 years ago, and I miss seeing here there.
Sexy Boy <3 <3
One of my former cats used to lie on the floor under my synthesizer when I played. I leave a radio on for my babies when I go to work.
..Yes..:-D…rammstein..:-D
https://dogtv.com
DishNet has Moodscapes as one of their stereo stations. We had always put that on for our Ace & called it Puppyscapes.
always classical
Oh!!! The Pug-Life
I never realised how pets recognise music until this happened. My son had a cat, or she had him, she really had all of us lol anyways Ryan played guitar, Ryan got his cat Cuddles as a birthday present as a little boy, around 8 yrs old. She spent a lot of time with him in his room, while he played guitar. Ryan passed away at the age of 22yrs old not yet 2 yrs ago. In the days after losing him, we found videos he had made of himself playing guitar, we played then and Cuddles would show up out of nowhere, her ears perked looking for him, she loved her Ryan and would follow him around,anywhere. I know she associated that sound with him. This past summer she stopped eating and in 5 days she had become so weak she could barely stand. They’re together now for an eternity. <3 I know she recognised that guitar.
Matt Buttenshaw Di Buttenshaw
We leave the classic rock stingray channel on for our dog so she doesn’t hear every little peep from outside while we’re gone, sure cuts down on barking! 😊
Cassie