Do dogs have musical sense? According to research reported in Psychology Today, dogs not only react differently to types or music but even have their own musical preferences. For instance Honey, a beautiful black and white dog, loves Michael Jackson's song "Will You Be There," most likely drawn in by its high notes.
Psychologist Deborah Wells from Queen's University Belfast tested a variety of musical styles, from classical to heavy metal, on shelter dogs. Sure enough, the dogs reacted to the sounds: They were calm when classical music played, and they were agitated and barking when they heard the heavy metal.
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What about when dogs howl or "sing along" to a song? Typically, dogs will howl when they hear human music that includes woodwind instruments like saxophones or clarinets. Canines may even join in when they hear a long, high note held by a human voice or a violin. Perhaps this behavior stirs some deep instinct from their ancestors' need to howl and communicate with wolves and other canine species. Then again, maybe all the dog needs is some time listening to Michael Jackson tunes!
The video below gives viewers a front seat view of Melissa and her dog, Honey. Melissa sets her camera to record, then turns on the stereo. Watch the video carefully, and you can see how excited Honey is for the music to begin. It's the dog's favorite song, "Will You Be There" by Michael Jackson, and Honey holds nothing back once the tune starts. The higher pitch of Jackson's voice is most likely what triggers Honey to howl along with the music.
She howls with the song, as happy as can be. Melissa sings with the dog, but she can't help but crack up laughing at her dog's unabashed love for the tune. The dog doesn't stop, either, determined to keeping singing until the end of the song.
Watch Melissa and Honey's adorable video and laugh along with Honey's vocal performance. The next time your dog starts to howl to a song, consider the source and enjoy your canine's crooning.
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