Welcome to the Scoop – our weekly pupdate of what’s being going on in the world of dog news.
This week we learn about the preferred music genres of dogkind, share some good news about dog-friendly beaches in Cornwall, and share some celebratory news from our friends at the RSPCA.
Dogs dig your dad music
Ever fought over whose music gets played at home? If you’ve got teens in your house, it’s likely their music taste is wildly different to that of the grown-ups. But one household member’s musical tastes have probably been overlooked. Until now!
This week the news has been buzzing with reports that pups have a penchant for none other than reggae and soft rock – typical dad music.
Easy listening lovers, it’s time to get your favourite tunes on! You can now play your favourite Steely Dan, Marvin Gaye or Bob Marley and the Wailers to your heart’s content – all in the knowledge that your dog finds it relaxing.
That’s right – researchers at the University of Glasgow, supported by the SPCA (Scotland’s Animal Welfare Charity) played different music to dogs, observing which genres caused positive changes in behaviour. When the dogs were played a range of genres – soft rock, Motown, pop, reggae and classical – they showed signs of becoming more relaxed, lying down instead of walking around or standing.
The genre dogs dig the most turns out to be reggae! But the study shows that dogs respond differently to different genres, suggesting, that just like us humans, our canine companions have their own individual musical tastes.
Wondering how this is applied to dog welfare? The Scottish SPCA are apparently investing in sound systems to pipe a mixture of calming music through their rescue centres, keeping the dogs calm and happier. Clever!
More beach time for Cornish dogs!
Good news for Cornish dog walkers, there’s about to be more time to let your dog play on the beaches this summer.
The current ban restricts dogs from beaches between 7am until 7pm from Easter Sunday (this year this falls on 16th April) to 30th September.
Here’s the good news – there are more dog walking days and hours being added for dog lovers in Cornwall. Not only are the restrictions being moved back to begin on 1st May, dogs will be allowed on the beach until 9am and after 6pm. So that’s not only two more weeks of doggy beach fun but three hours a day of extra beach walkies during the summer months! Hurrah!
Raise a glass to the RSPCA!
The RSPCA has been voted Britain’s Favourite Animal Charity. The awards are held by LandLove Magazine and recognise the best of British culture including best places to eat, the best garden to the nation’s favourite charities.
In a post on their official Facebook page, the RSPCA’s chief vet James Yeates said: “The RSPCA works to rescue, rehabilitate and rehome more than 120,000 animals every year and we simply could not do the vital work we do without the support of the public. It is really humbling to know how much people appreciate the hard work of our inspectors who are on the frontline investigating cruelty and rescuing animals right through to the care staff and vets at our centres and hospitals. Thank you!”
Well deserved, and congratulations to our friends at the RSPCA! Find out how you can join DogBuddy in supporting the RSPCA’s rehoming programmes here.