“Do dogs like guitar?” If you’ve ever strummed your guitar around your furry friend, you might have wondered about this. In this article, we’re going to dig into whether dogs enjoy guitar music, and what you can do to help if they seem scared or if they won’t stop barking.

We’ll chat about how loud is too loud when playing the guitar around dogs, and why dogs are scared of guitars. We’ll also share tips on how to stop your dog from barking when you’re trying to jam. Plus, we’ll explore if dogs like acoustic guitar better, and list 10 dog breeds that seem to enjoy the guitar the most. So, keep reading to learn all about dogs and guitars!

Do Dogs Like Guitar?

Dogs’ responses to guitar music can vary widely, depending on factors such as the volume of the music, the dog’s individual personality, and their previous experiences with similar sounds. Some dogs may find the soft strumming of a guitar soothing, while others may be indifferent or even show signs of distress.

Understanding Dogs’ Hearing Capabilities

Dogs have a much broader hearing range compared to humans. They can hear frequencies between 40 Hz to 60,000 Hz, while humans can hear between 20 Hz and 20,000 Hz. This means that certain pitches of guitar music might be more pronounced to dogs, which can either make the experience enjoyable or potentially overwhelming for them.

Signs Your Dog Likes Guitar

Observing your dog’s behavior when you’re playing the guitar can provide clues about their feelings towards it. Here are some signs to look out for:

1. Relaxed body language: If your dog’s body language is relaxed and comfortable, it’s a good sign they are enjoying the music.
2. Lying down close to the sound source: Dogs often lay down near things they enjoy. If they choose to lie near the guitar, it’s likely they like the sound.
3. Tail wagging: If your dog is wagging their tail in a relaxed manner, this is often a sign of happiness.
4. Dozing off: Some dogs might even doze off if they find the guitar music soothing and relaxing.

On the other hand, signs of distress might include pacing, whining, or trying to leave the room.

The Influence of Volume and Tempo

The volume and tempo of the guitar music can greatly impact a dog’s reaction to it. Research has shown that many dogs prefer softer, slower-paced music, which can have a calming effect. Loud or fast music, on the other hand, might be unsettling for some dogs.

Helping Your Dog Enjoy Guitar Music

If you’re a guitar player and want your dog to enjoy the music, there are a few strategies you can try:

1. Start softly and slow: Begin by playing softly and at a slow pace, and observe your dog’s reaction.
2. Gradually increase volume and tempo: Increase the volume and tempo over time, allowing your dog to adjust.
3. Associate guitar playing with positivity: Make the experience positive by associating guitar playing with treats or petting.
4. Respect their comfort level: If your dog still shows signs of angst, there may be an underlying stress problem, which we explain treating next.

These steps will help your dog to enjoy the guitar more, but you need to remember that the underlying behavioral issue (anxiety, attention-seeking, etc.) that was causing all of this to begin with will still be present. And until you address that, any positive changes you see are only going to be temporary.

“Okay, how do I make these changes last then?”

By getting your dog to truly choose to follow your direction, that’s how. I tried many times to write out how you can do that before deciding it made more sense to just link you to the free video series that explains it better than I’d ever be able to.

The series is by a man named Dan who is one of the world’s leading dog obedience trainers. In it, he teaches you how to put an end to things like when your dog barks at the guitar and all other misbehavior using his fast and easy-to-follow methods.

In the first video, Dan will reveal to you why the two most common methods of dog training only doom you to failure. You can watch the video now by clicking here. Follow the proven system he’ll show you in his series and you’ll never have to spend another second worrying about your dog not enjoying guitar music ever again!

Dogs and Guitars: Understanding Sound Sensitivity

Dogs have highly sensitive hearing, and when it comes to guitars or any musical instruments, it’s crucial to consider the loudness of the sound. Generally, sounds above 85 decibels (dB), similar to the noise of heavy city traffic, can start to harm a dog’s hearing with prolonged exposure.

Now, let’s delve deeper into understanding the intricacies of dogs’ auditory perception, guitar sounds, and how to ensure a safe and comfortable environment for your canine companion.

1. Dog’s Hearing Capacity: Dogs are renowned for their superior hearing abilities. They can detect sounds within the frequency range of 40 Hz to 60,000 Hz. In contrast, humans can hear in the range of 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz. This wide range in dogs enables them to hear sounds that humans can’t. However, this also means that they are more sensitive to loud noises and high-frequency sounds, which can be distressing or potentially harmful to them.
2. Guitar Sound Levels: The sound levels of acoustic guitars usually range from 70 dB to 90 dB, while electric guitars can reach up to 120 dB or more, especially if amplified. Given these levels, playing a guitar, especially an electric one at high volume, could potentially cause discomfort or even harm to your dog’s hearing if they are in close proximity or exposed over a long period.
3. Identifying Distress Signs: To ensure your dog is not distressed by the guitar sounds, pay close attention to their behavior when you play. Signs of distress could include whimpering, pacing, seeking a hiding spot, or showing an increased heart rate. Any unusual behavior should be taken seriously as it could indicate that the noise level or frequency is bothering your dog.
4. Protecting Your Dog’s Hearing: To ensure your guitar playing does not negatively impact your dog’s hearing, consider some preventive measures. First, if you’re playing an electric guitar, try to keep the volume low, especially when your dog is nearby. Consider using headphones to monitor your sound when practicing. Secondly, create a safe and quiet space for your dog where they can retreat to when you’re playing. If your dog shows signs of distress even at lower volumes, go back to the first section where we explained how to help.

Dogs and humans share a deep bond, and as responsible pet owners, it’s our duty to ensure our actions, including our love for music, do not harm our canine companions. Always be mindful of your dog’s comfort and well-being, even when indulging in your musical interests.

Dogs who do not enjoy music likely have anxiety issues that will need to be addressed before you can make real, lasting progress with them. We explain how to do that in the first section. Until you take action, your jam sessions are going to continue to be a chore. That means barking at the piano, hating when you sing, and just barking at music in general. No fun, right?

Why Are Dogs Scared of Guitars?

Dogs are scared of guitars due to their sensitive hearing, sudden and unfamiliar sounds, or negative past experiences associated with such sounds. Understanding these fears and gently acclimating your pet to the guitar can help alleviate their anxiety.

Dogs’ Sensitive Hearing

Dogs have much more sensitive hearing than humans. They can hear higher-frequency sounds and can be more susceptible to sounds that vary in pitch and volume. If a guitar is played loudly or in an abrupt manner, it might startle your dog or even cause discomfort.

Sudden and Unfamiliar Sounds

Sudden, loud, or unfamiliar sounds can be startling for dogs. A dog might not understand where the guitar sound is coming from, which could lead to confusion or fear. The plucking of strings, especially when done suddenly, can cause a dog to become anxious or scared.

Negative Past Experiences

If a dog had a negative experience with a similar sound in the past, they might associate that fear with the sound of a guitar. For instance, if a loud noise scared them previously, they might generalize that fear to all loud sounds, including a guitar.

Signs of Fear in Dogs

Signs that a dog is scared of a guitar may include trembling, whining, hiding, or trying to escape the room. Their ears may flatten against their head, and their tail might tuck under their body. These are all signs that your dog is uncomfortable and feeling scared. Learn how to help in the first section.

Helping a Dog Overcome Fear of Guitars

If your dog is scared of the guitar, you can help them overcome this fear through gradual exposure and positive reinforcement:

1. Gradual Exposure: Start by just having the guitar in the same room as your dog without playing it. Let them sniff and explore it at their own pace.
2. Positive Reinforcement: Pair the presence of the guitar with positive experiences. This could include treats, praise, or petting. Eventually, you can start playing the guitar softly while continuing the positive reinforcement.
3. Training Help: If your dog’s fear seems severe or they’re not improving, behavioral training can help by addressing any underlying anxiety. Go back to the first section to learn how.

How to Get Rid of Your Dog’s Fear of the Guitar

Understanding why your dog might be scared of the guitar can help you tailor a plan to help them overcome this fear. With patience, gradual exposure, and positive reinforcement, your dog can learn to associate the guitar with positive experiences rather than fear. We explain more about the process in the first section.

How to Stop Dog Barking at Guitar

To stop your dog from barking at the guitar, the key is to train them to associate the guitar sounds with positive experiences, using commands like “quiet”. Begin by training your dog to understand the “quiet” command, then slowly introduce the sound of the guitar during the training sessions.

Steps to Teach the “Quiet” Command

1. Wait for Your Dog to Bark: You need your dog to bark first so you can teach them to stop. You can use a trigger like a doorbell or someone’s knock if they don’t bark naturally.
2. Say the Command: As soon as your dog starts barking, say the command “quiet” in a calm, but firm voice. Make sure not to yell, as it might make them more excited and bark more.
3. Give a Reward: When your dog stops barking, even if it’s just for a moment, give them a reward immediately. The reward could be a treat, their favorite toy, or simple praise.
4. Practice Regularly: Consistent practice is key. Continue these steps daily until your dog can reliably respond to the “quiet” command.

More Ways to Help Quiet Your Dog

1. Introduce Guitar Sounds: Once your dog has mastered the “quiet” command, you can start introducing the sound of the guitar. Begin by playing softly, far enough away that your dog notices but doesn’t react strongly. Use the “quiet” command if your dog starts to bark, rewarding them when they stop. Gradually increase the volume over multiple sessions, always rewarding your dog for staying calm and quiet.
2. Provide Distractions: If your dog continues to bark at the guitar, try to divert their attention with toys or puzzle feeders. This can help them associate the guitar sounds with positive experiences rather than something to fear or be upset about.

Remember, the key to successful training is patience and consistency. It might take some time, but with persistent effort, you can help your dog become more comfortable around the guitar and reduce their tendency to bark. You also need to address your dog’s underlying anxiety, which we explain how to do in the first section.

Do Dogs Like Acoustic Guitar Better?

While individual responses can vary, many dogs may appear to prefer the sound of an acoustic guitar over other instruments. This preference could be due to the mellower, less abrupt sounds of the acoustic guitar compared to electric variants or other loud instruments. However, the dog’s experience with different types of music and sounds can also play a significant role.

The Impact of Sound Frequency on Dogs

Dogs have a far more sensitive sense of hearing than humans. They can detect a wider range of frequencies and are particularly responsive to high-pitched sounds. The acoustic guitar typically produces softer, more natural tones, which could be more pleasing or less startling to a dog’s sensitive ears than the amplified or distorted sounds of an electric guitar or other instruments.

The Role of Volume and Sudden Sounds

Acoustic guitars generally produce softer and less abrupt sounds compared to their electric counterparts. Loud or sudden noises can be startling or frightening for dogs, so the gentler volume of an acoustic guitar might be less likely to induce stress or anxiety.

Past Experiences and Conditioning

A dog’s past experiences can also influence their preferences. For instance, if they have positive associations with the sound of an acoustic guitar — such as being petted or receiving treats while the instrument is being played — they might show a preference for it. Conversely, if they have negative experiences tied to other types of music or instruments, they may show a clear preference for the acoustic guitar by comparison.

Observing Your Dog’s Behavior

To determine whether your dog prefers the sound of an acoustic guitar, observe their behavior when you play it compared to other instruments. Signs of enjoyment might include relaxed body language, a wagging tail, and staying close to the source of the music. Signs of discomfort or fear might include cowering, shaking, hiding, or trying to leave the room.

Dogs and Acoustic Guitars

While many dogs might seem to prefer the softer, more mellow sounds of an acoustic guitar, individual responses will vary. Each dog is unique in their experiences, preferences, and reactions to different types of music. Learn how to help your dog enjoy the guitar by going back to the first section of this article.

10 Dog Breeds That Enjoy Guitar

Dog breeds that enjoy the guitar tend to be those with higher sensitivity to sound and a generally calm demeanor. These dogs not only tolerate but also enjoy the soothing vibrations of guitar music. Here’s a list of ten dog breeds that are most likely to enjoy you playing the guitar:

1. Golden Retriever: Known for their adaptability and friendly nature, Golden Retrievers often enjoy music and can be quite receptive to the soothing tones of a guitar.
2. Labrador Retriever: Labs are intelligent and have a well-documented history of being therapy dogs. They can appreciate the calming influence of guitar music.
3. Beagle: Beagles have a superior sense of hearing and often respond positively to musical sounds, including the guitar.
4. Boxer: Boxers are known for their energetic and playful nature. They often enjoy various forms of stimuli, including music.
5. Shetland Sheepdog: These dogs are intelligent and alert with a keen sense of hearing, which makes them likely to enjoy guitar music.
6. Border Collie: As one of the most intelligent breeds, Border Collies often respond well to music and can find the sound of a guitar interesting and calming.
7. German Shepherd: Known for their intelligence and versatility, German Shepherds often enjoy different forms of mental stimulation, including music.
8. English Bulldog: Despite their tough exterior, English Bulldogs are known to be calm and friendly dogs that might enjoy relaxing to the sound of a guitar.
9. Shih Tzu: This breed is known for its friendly and outgoing personality. Shih Tzus may enjoy the relaxing effect of guitar music.
10. Cocker Spaniel: These dogs are known for their friendly and affectionate nature, making them likely candidates to enjoy the soothing sound of a guitar.

Remember, every dog is unique and their preferences can vary. The breeds listed above have general traits that may make them more receptive to guitar music. As a pet owner, the best approach is to observe your dog’s reaction to the guitar and adjust accordingly. Learn about helping your dog to enjoy guitar music in the first section of this article.

I’m sure you’re ready for your dog to be at peace while you play, so I’ll let you get going on things now. Best of luck, and thank you for reading our article “Do Dogs Like Guitar? (+Help Scared Dogs & Stop Barking!)”