You may have seen online videos of cats playing the piano, but have you seen a dog play the keyboard…with his nose?
What makes this video stand apart from the cats’ is the way the dog howls along after each few notes. It is actually common for dogs to howl along to music. Many dogs, when they hear certain musical instruments, or even people singing, will chime in. Some dogs even move their “voices” up and down on purpose to harmonize.
Some owners may assume that the instrument hurts dogs’ ears, but howling is a form of communication that can serve a social function—calling to you as a member of the pack. In general, a dog will leave the room if a noise hurts its ears.
On another note, classical music is known to calm dogs in the same way it calms humans. Classical pianist, Lisa Spector, has recorded a CD called “Through a Dog’s Ear” that is just for canines.
If you get your dog to sing in harmony with your instrument, be sure to get it on video!
Do you have a similar experience of your dog trying to “sing” along with you?
