Introduction
Because dogs can hear higher pitch noises than humans, they often respond to noises differently. In many cases, a dog will start barking at seemingly nothing, when in fact they are responding to an instrument, song, or some other noise coming through your speakers.
Signs a Dog Can Hear Through Speakers
When your dog hears these 'phantom' noises, it is important to remember how much better they can hear than you. Not only can they interpret noises in a much higher range than we can, but the structure of their ears provide them with more mobility, allowing them to locate the source of the noise relatively quickly.
When a dog hears a noise coming through a speaker - whether it is music or the sound of your voice - there's a good chance they will be able to interpret it. If this is the case, here are a few signs to look for:
- Alertness
- Ears moving in different directions
- Listening
- Sniffing
- Hyperactive, pacing around trying to determine the exact source of the noise
It is important to remember that dogs' hearing also varies by breed. So, while a general assumption is that they can hear sounds upwards of 60,000 Hz, some breeds may hear better, and some worse. Speakers are designed to accommodate the human hearing range, which is why your dog may show no interest when your favorite song, or even a recognizable voice, comes on.
Body Language
- Alert
- Head tilting
- Listening
- Sniffing
- Raise ears
- Tail up
- Ears up
Other Signs
- Looking around for the noise
- Moving to or from the speaker
- Seeming on edge or very alert
History of Dogs Hearing Speakers
These creatures relied heavily on their sense of smell and hearing in order to catch prey, which was necessary to their survival. Centuries ago, these dogs survived on vermin alone in many cases, and it was imperative they were able to hear their high-pitched noises in order to determine exactly where they were.
All of this is helpful to keep in mind when looking at how dogs hear today. Technology has undoubtedly come a long way, playing an instrumental role in our everyday lives. Dogs are exposed to so many different noises, both in their natural environment and through technological devices.
Science Behind Dogs Hearing Through Speakers
The frequency will depend on the vibration of the instruments that are being played. A piano, for example, puts out several sounds that range from high to low notes. Most piano's low notes are in the 27.5 Hz range, with the highest notes coming in around 4,186 Hz.
So, all of this is in the human's range, which means that if you are playing a song through the speakers, you will most likely be able to hear each of the sounds together and separately. Music is designed for humans to hear, so it's only logical to think that all sounds recorded into any given song are within the 20-20,000 Hz. If this is the case, it's safe to assume that dogs can hear these same sounds coming through the speakers.
Training Your Dog to Hear Speakers
If you want to train your dog to use their hearing in certain situations, the best way is to start with either a basic obedience training course or positive reinforcement at home. When they respond to the specific noise you want them to - such as a song or a voice through a speaker - reward them.
How to React if Your Dog Hears Speakers:
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Reward them to associate the noise with something positive.
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Pay attention to their behavior and try to determine where the source of the noise is coming from.
Safety Tips for When Your Dog Hears Speakers:
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Make sure the music isn't too loud. Your dog's hearing is three times better than yours, which means they are more sensitive to loud noises.