Honors Theses

Date of Award

5-2026

Document Type

Undergraduate Thesis

Degree Name

BS

Department

Psychology

Faculty Mentor

Heidi Lyn, Ph.D.

Advisor(s)

Jonathan H. Perez, Ph.D., Lindsey Johnson, Ph.D.

Abstract

This study explores how the tempo of music, measured in beats per minute (BPM), affects dogs' heart rate and oxytocin levels, adding to past research that shows that music affects physiological and behavioral states in dogs. Being able to understand these effects holds practical implications for improving overall well-being in canines in environments such as homes, shelters, and clinical environments. Using a within-subjects design, the dogs were exposed to slow and fast versions of one instrumental track, along with a white noise baseline condition before each randomized condition. Heart rate was recorded continuously throughout the session, and oxytocin saliva samples were collected after each condition. Heart rate and activity levels were higher during both baseline conditions and were lower during both music exposures, with the lowest observed levels being found during the fast music condition. Oxytocin levels did not differ meaningfully between conditions, but should be interpreted cautiously due to limitations such as smaller sample size, variability across dogs, and difficulties in biological data collection. The findings of this study suggest that auditory stimulation holds the potential to influence physiological and behavioral responses in dogs, although fast music, instead of slow, seemed to have a stronger effect. These results suggest that music could serve as an accessible tool for reducing activity and physiological arousal in applicable settings.

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