It probably comes as no surprise that classical music has a calming effect on animals, as well as humans. Many animal shelters and boarding facilities play soothing music to create a less stressful environment for pets.

A few years ago, concert pianist and Julliard graduate, Lisa Spector, and sound researcher, Joshua Leeds, teamed up to figure out what exactly about classical music had a soothing effect on animals. They discovered that certain rhythms and musical patterns were more effective in calming dogs [4].  

Based on their research, the duo founded Through a Dog’s Ear and recorded a series of Calm Your Canine CDs. Today their music plays in over 125 shelters internationally. 

If, like me, you’ve been curious to hear Through a Dog’s Ear’s music, this week the company is making seven of their songs available to download for free [5]. A new song will be featured each day. When I played today’s download, Cello Sonata in D, my crew was already napping, but I must say the music is pleasing and calming for humans too!

Additionally, Through a Dog’s Ear is running a word game throughout the week to help out animal rescue. The company regularly gives CDs to worthy organizations, but this week you can have a say in who receives their next donation. The first 10 winners of the word game will decide which rescue group will receive a set of Calm Your Canine CDs. 

Visit the Through a Dog’s Ear website [5] to try out the music for yourself and play a fun word game to help out a good cause.