BioAcoustic Research & Development
Through a Dog’s Ear™ Shelter Program
The Through a Dog’s Ear Shelter Program offers two hours of clinically tested classical piano music (a 2-CD set) free to dog advocacy groups, such as animal shelters and dog rescues. The music provided is Music to Calm Your Canine Companion, Vols. I-II. The qualifying factor for free CDs is a non-profit facility that temporarily houses five or more dogs for adoption or placement that has a music system of moderate quality or better.
The 2002 research of noted animal behaviorist, Deborah Wells, Ph.D. (Belfast, N. Ireland), proved that classical music had the strongest relaxation effect on shelter dogs when compared to other musical styles.
The research results of Dr. Susan Wagner’s Through a Dog’s Ear study (2004-05), conducted with 150 dogs, showed that the psychoacoustically designed classical piano arrangements on these CDs induced calmness in 70 percent of dogs in shelters or kennels and 85 percent of dogs in households. (Click here for further research). Based on these findings and our love of dogs, we believe that this music, and other appropriate soundtracks, should be in every shelter in America.
Through a Dog’s Ear Shelter Program – 3 Phases
- Music for the shelter. We provide two hours of clinically demonstrated music to be played in the shelters to reduce stress for dogs, visitors, and shelter staff.
- Music for adopters. If requested and approved, we also provide an initial number of free 1-hour CDs (up to 200) specifically to be included in adopter packets. Please look at this initial donation as the seeds of a long-term program. The only cost to your organization will be shipping.
- Adoption packet continuation. We encourage your organization to continue the adoption packet inclusion of Music to Calm Your Canine Companion after the initial donated allotment has been distributed. Sounds True, our most generous publisher, will provide additional CDs at a $2 per unit to approved non-profit facilities. (This is about 25% of wholesale. Retail is $15.)
Given that behavioral issues are one of the primary reasons that adopted dogs are returned to shelters, we believe Through a Dog’s Ear music can reduce return rates in two ways:
- Dog’s Ear music has been clinically demonstrated in homes to be twice as effective as conventional classical selections for reduction of canine anxiety issues (separation, thunderstorm and noise phobias, excitement with visitors).
- Although there is currently no clinical data on the effect of music and dog return rates, we believe that if the music is used in both the boarding facility and new home, it will provide a transitional auditory familiarity and sense of comfort for the dogs. (If your organization would like to participate in future studies, please note on application or contact us directly.)
(If your organization would like to participate in future studies, please note on application or contact us directly.)
Tracking System – How Many Dogs Come Back to the Shelter?
In order to track how many of the dogs that have used this music in their new homes are returned for behavior issues–as compared with dogs that went home previously without the music–we are looking for an efficient tracking system. Your suggestions are encouraged. Contact us at ShelterProgram@ThroughADogsEar.com.
We believe that favorable statistics will help your organization gain corporate or community sponsorship to underwrite the cost of additional CD’s, to make sure that appropriate music is an ongoing piece of the adoption process.
Program Particulars
- The Shelter CD sets (two hours of music) are free. Because our goal is to place free CDs in thousands of shelters, we need your help with S/H. There is a $5 fee (per 2-CD set) to cover our costs in getting these CDs to you.
- Download this PDF application, complete it and mail it to us with a check payable to BioAcoustic Research & Development. We will be back in touch with you within two weeks of receipt.
- By accepting these donated Shelter Program CDs, you agree that the CDs are to be used in your facility only and will not be copied. If your shelter receives CDs earmarked for adoption packets, you agree that they will be provided to adopters at no cost. These CDs are not for resale. If you would like to arrange for Through a Dog’s Ear CDs for fund-raising events, we can help arrange discounted pricing.
Contact for Through a Dog’s Ear Shelter Program
BioAcoustic Research & Development
80Q N. Cabrillo Highway, #228
Tel: 650.726.5119
Half Moon Bay, CA 94019 USA
Email: ShelterProgram@ThroughADogsEar.com
The Through a Dog’s Ear Shelter Program is one component of our community outreach, designed to bring a new and important “sound awareness” into the dog culture. I look forward to working with you to make this a successful program.
Musically Yours,
Lisa Spector, pianist
Through a Dog’s Ear Music Series
Shelter Program Info PDF - Shelter Program Application
Shelters and Rescues using Through a Dog’s Ear (Coming Soon)
