Does Music Or Audio Really Tame The Beast?

© Copyright© 1998 By Diana Guerrero

There are so many types of music and music has a variety of effects on people. Teenagers love the loud bass of some of the more contemporary cuts of rap, pop, and jive. Many Americans thrive on rock n’roll, while others prefer the sound of country, or blues. The likes and dislikes are as varied as the types of music available.

There have been some studies as to the effect of music on people and their moods. However, what about our pampered pets? Does music really tame the beast? Well, it may just be a matter of preference but I have noticed some trends and use noise and audio strategies to assist in my animal behavior consulting work.

In many cases, where the animal is left along it can be beneficial to leave the radio or television on. As a matter of fact, many people already do such things on their own. For those animals that have a bit of anxiety, talk radio programs are a useful tool and augment some of the behavioral strategies we use. The use of talk shows doesn’t seem to hurt the situation.

However, in some cases loud band music can wreak havoc on an animal. Make sure your station doesn’t have drastic changes in programming! Loud music encourages screaming and vocalization in parrots and other birds, so make sure you are selective about what you are picking out!

Classical music has a calming effect on people and I notice the same influence with animals. The music is tranquil and even. In most cases, the result appears to create calmness and tranquillity in those listening. Sometimes I see the same types of effects with jazz, or new age types of music, but classical is often my first choice. Again, this is used in conjunction with other methods of behavioral modification techniques and tools.

Music has been said to soothe the savage beast and it seems to be one of the few wives tales that has somewhat of an influence in that way! In my work, I have found that it is best to use whatever method or strategy that works. Sometimes it seems a bit awkward or unusual but you can’t argue with success!

Another related music or audio tool is the use of audio tapes to do desensitization work. This work involves training and animal to ignore certain noises or situations. In most cases, the most common concerns involve thunder and lightening storms, fireworks, and other such noises. In a complete program, some controlled situations are attempted using tapes and alternate sources of simulation of the traumatic situation.

Sometimes including strobe lights helps simulate traumatic events with those tapes, such as in the case with lightning storms. The important thing to remember is to get professional help and to go slowly. Many behavior problems are symptoms of something that has escalated and that is often being reinforced. Most strategies to eliminate problems actually involve multiple-tiered approaches for success.

The application of music and audio tapes can be for a variety of purposes. Soothing an animal that is too active or noisy is just one. If you use audio distraction correctly it can be a distracting tool or used elimination of negative behavior. This type of usage is called a disassociated reprimand. It is not tied to you or your presence, but only occurs when the animal engages in an inappropriate behavior.

When this strategy is applied correctly, the animal learns not to engage in the behavior since it wants to avoid the noise; and the noise only occurs with the undesired behavior. So, the animal quits doing the undesired behavior. There are many types of strategies that can be applied with noise and this is another one.

So, can music tame the beast? Well, it would be a matter of opinion at this stage. However, audio tapes, noise, and music can be used to distract, soothe, and work with animals in a variety of behavioral situations. Go ahead and explore; try it out and see what you find!