No matter if it’s Fairytale of New York (or Frosty the Snowman) or Santa Claus Is Coming to Town, everyone has their favorite Christmas songs that brighten the holiday season.
New research from Guide Dogs has shown that dogs do have Yuletide rituals.
1000 dog owners from across the UK surveyed and found Wham!The Last Christmas.
It got 10 per cent, just ahead of Jingle Bells (9%) and All I Want Christmas Is You (6%).
Festive songs: An investigation of 1000 dog owners in the UK revealed that Wham is the most-loved song for dogs!The Last Christmas
Owners of dogs said their pet’s preferred song was upbeat (22%) and that it is more common than quiet songs (18%), instrumental songs (14%) or slow songs (14%)
According to the research, 90% of dogs love music. But what kind of music they receive can differ.
In line with their music taste they’re most likely to be energetic — wagging their tail (23 per cent), or generally being excitable (15 per cent).
Others, however, can appear relaxed (12%) or sleep (11%)
Guide Dogs stated that dogs’ behavior is frequently linked with human behaviour. This means that a happy human will likely have a cheerful dog.
These positive responses have resulted in more than 37% of dog owners (47%), admitting that they listen to music for their dogs at least once per week throughout the year.
The survey also showed that they are 33% more likely to give preference to their dogs’ musical tastes than their parents and 23% more likely than their friends.
This is not only for enjoyment.
One quarter of dog owners said that music helped keep their dogs calm and comfortable.
It is important because 34% of respondents said that Christmas was more hectic and noisy in their homes, and 26% reported that the routines of their dogs change over Christmas.
Another 30% said they prefer music to the television, and that their dogs would be better off with music.
Dogs love to groove not just to Christmas songs.
Jingle Bells was another favourite, as well Mariah Carey’s All I Want For Christmas is You (pictured).
According to owners, their pets also enjoyed classical music (15%) and pop (20%).
Chief scientific officer of Guide Dogs Dr Helen Whiteside stated: “As we look forward, spending the festive period avec friends and loved ones. This Christmas will be an important step change for an entire generations of dogs born during lockdown.
“Houses” will likely be busier than usual and dogs’ routines may change.
Music can be used to help dogs calm down during times of stress and change, so it’s not surprising it will be important for them this Christmas.
“But we also see that music can create fun moments for owners and dogs to share. Take a look at the top 10 lists and tell us your favorites this Christmas.
Guide Dogs invites people to upload videos of their pets enjoying favorite festive songs on social media using tags @GuideDogs.