Cavaliers as Companions
February / March / April 2025
Edited by Dennis & Tina Homes


The Lady and Spaniels
"The Lady and the spaniels" 1842, by Edwin Landseer


DOGS AND MUSIC

Do dogs like music, and do they respond to it? As a musician this is something that really intrigues me. Over the past couple of years, the radio station Classic FM has played on November 5th and New Years Eve music that they claim will help calm dogs while fireworks are going off. I’ve been investigating this and have found several studies that have been taken place to probe dogs’ reaction to music.

It seems that music tends to have a soothing effect on many animals, including dogs. According to research, they like listening to classical music. Ambient sounds that mimic nature also seem to relax them and helps them settle down. Research by psychologist Deborah Wells of Queens University in Belfast examined dogs’ reactions to hearing modern pop music, classical music, and heavy metal while living in a shelter environment. She found that they might actually enjoy the music, depending on what kind it is.

Since music can impact the human brain in a variety of ways, from the expression of certain emotions to even physical reactions, it has been shown that the canine brain is also impacted by the same musical stimuli, producing similar emotional and physical responses.

The dogs listening to pop music did not seem to have any type of reaction. The heavy-metal tunes prompted barking and agitation, and the classical music seemed to have a calming effect. It appears that classical music can help to reduce levels of stress, whilst grunge music can promote hostility, sadness, tension, and fatigue.

Another research project has shown that dogs may react positively to calming music, such as classical, and exhibit signs of relaxation, while they may show stress or agitation in response to loud or chaotic music. Dogs are also sensitive to rhythm and can respond to the tempo and beat of music. Studies found that classical music with a low beat per minute of 50 to 60 has been proven to reduce stress, but after a while dogs can become bored. Instead, reggae and soft rock are better genres for reducing heart rate, barking and stress. I’m not over familiar with reggae music so started to listen to some tracks. With its shuffling beat and rather laid-back structure I can understand why dogs might find it somewhat relaxing.

It seems that a lot of it has to do with tempo and volume. Sudden, loud sounds or fast, loud music can inflict pain on dogs’ sensitive ears. Certain low-tempo music, however, can have a soothing effect, according to some studies. Although classical music may have a calming effect, it’s best to avoid loud pieces such as Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture or Saint Saens’ Organ Symphony. Dogs seem to like soft, slow, and smooth rhythms, but music with deep bass tones and loud percussion can unsettle them.

Cavaliers with harpCavalier with banjo


TAIL TALES

Tails are essentially an extension of the spine but tails are used by different animals in a variety of ways. They provide a source of locomotion for aquatic mammals such as otters while many land animals use their tails to brush away flies and other biting insects. Other animals such as cats and kangaroos use their tails for balance, while some, such as monkeys and opossums, have a prehensile tail which allows them to grasp tree branches. But with dogs the tail is often used as a means of communication.

Dogs very rarely wag their tails when they are alone, they mainly use this gesture to communicate to others. For example, when you offer food, the dog often wags because he is expressing pleasure to its owner. When they eat and play alone, they hardly ever wag because there is no one to see them. When wagging, surrounding muscles press on scent glands, releasing pheromones that signal all sorts of information that other dogs can pick up, such as the dogs’ age, sex, and social status.

Submissive dogs may not wag their tails when frightened because they do not want to draw attention to themselves. A high, quickly wagging tail is often a sign of playfulness, but can also signal an aggressive dog. A horizontal, steadily moving tail suggests that your dog is closely studying something. If a dog tucks its tail between its legs, it is afraid, and attempting to communicate that it is submissive and does not pose a threat.


CANINE LOVE

Why are dogs such popular pets? And why do some people develop such strong bonds towards their dogs? Is it because dogs have a capacity for affection, love and friendship? When you come home from work the dog comes running to greet you with his tail wagging. He jumps up on you; he is so happy to see you! Their feelings are so visible! A dog is able to speak without words, their actions speak for them. They tell what their true feelings are. With people, their true feelings are best discerned by watching their actions. Forget their words, just watch what they do. It’s like the proverb "Actions speak louder than words". One lesson that the dog can teach us is that it is not words that reveal true affection, rather the affection itself. What is it that makes us love a dog? It’s their simple and honest love. There is no deception or dishonesty with the dog. They have a loyal heart with affection and friendship that will remain true throughout their life. This can give us all a lesson in the power of honesty and love.


FOUR FEET
By Rudyard Kipling

I have done mostly what men do,
And pushed it out of my mind;
But I can’t forget, if I wanted to,
Four-Feet trotting behind.

Day after day, the whole day through,
Wherever my road inclined,
Four-Feet said, "I am coming with you!"
And trotted along behind.

Now I must go by some other round,
Which I shall never find,
Somewhere that does not carry the sound
Of Four-Feet trotting behind.


BOOK REVIEWS

Dog Days OutDog Days Out
By Lottie Gross
Bloomsbury Publishing

A staggering one-third of British households now own a dog as a pet, meaning dog-friendly days out and weekend trips are becoming ever more popular. Finding reliable and comprehensive information on dog-friendly activities, though, is getting harder thanks to the deluge of online content, much of which doesn’t offer in-depth information on the kinds of things dog owners need to know.

Dog Days Out solves that problem, offering 365 ideas for things to do around the UK with your four-legged friend, such as long rambles in the countryside, brilliant beaches to play fetch on, and exciting attractions and quirky accommodation options. From the rugged countryside of Ireland and Northern Ireland to the beaches of Cornwall, Kent and the Scottish Highlands, plus castles, country houses and cracking walks to be had in between, this book will provide an abundance of ideas for an hour, half a day or a whole day out to suit all weathers.

Gorgeous maps and beautiful photography make this both an aspirational and endlessly useful read. The long list of brilliant activities is accompanied by essential practical information for dog owners, such as local bylaws, rules for dogs, wildlife to be aware of, safety tips, solo travel with dogs, activities with reactive dogs, and accessible dog days out.



Puppy BrainPuppy Brain
By Kerry Nichols
Caledon Books

How do you raise a happy, healthy, and emotionally resilient dog? Full of actionable guidance, Puppy Brain will show you how to create a harmonious, fulfilling relationship with your pet, from Kerry Nichols, founder of Nicholberry Goldens. Do you want to learn how to help your dog feel safe? Do you dream of owning a dog who enjoys meeting new people and exploring new places? Kerry Nichols brings readers into the whelping box and onto the frontlines of a puppy’s developmental journey with her trademark clarity and wit.

With guidance about everything from crate training to spaying and neutering, Puppy Brain shows the latest insights and breakthroughs from canine research into practical, actionable, evidence-based guidance.

Through years of research into brain development and the use of intentional rearing protocols that focus on honouring a puppy’s choices and needs, Kerry has developed an approach that results in a harmonious, fulfilling relationship with our dogs rather than one steeped in rote obedience. Puppy Brain will reshape the way you think about your dog and show you how to meet your dog’s most basic needs.

With irresistible photos, clear guidance, and engaging humour, Puppy Brain reveals the best training practices based on how your dog’s mind works. As her hundreds of thousands of followers can attest, Kerry’s guidance will help you raise dogs who are confident, loving, and happy. The perfect gift for dog lovers and psychology enthusiasts alike, Puppy Brain is the definitive resource for anyone looking to raise their puppy with respect and love.


PHOTO OF THE MONTH

Can I Come In
"Can I come in?"


THOUGHT FOR THE MONTH

"A well-trained dog will make no attempt to share your lunch. He will just make you feel so guilty that you cannot enjoy it."
Helen Thompson



For further online Cavalier news and stories don’t forget to read some truly inspirational articles by logging on to the Pawz and Pray page at pawzandpray.com


QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

If you have any questions about owning a Cavalier then click on the envelope to email Dennis and Tina who will only be too pleased to try and help you.

However please remember that we are not Vets or Lawyers so questions on these topics should be addressed to the professionals for advice.

Questions and answers that are of interest to other owners may be published on this page.

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