Shelter environments can trigger high levels of arousal and stress in dogs, often leading to excessive vocalization and restlessness. A recent study investigated whether olfactory and auditory enrichment could reduce such stress-related behaviors in dogs housed in shelters.
The study assigned sixty dogs to four treatment groups: lavender scent, dog appeasing pheromone (DAP), calming music, and a control group with no enrichment. The enrichment was applied for three hours daily over five consecutive days.
Results showed that dogs exposed to music or DAP lay down more and showed more relaxed postures, such as resting with their heads down. Dogs in the control group were significantly more likely to stand on their hind legs at the kennel door, pant, and vocalize—behaviors linked with heightened arousal and distress.
These behavioral changes persisted beyond the treatment period, with enriched dogs remaining calmer even several hours later and into the following night. The findings suggest that small, non-invasive interventions like music, pheromones, and lavender can meaningfully improve welfare and reduce anxiety in shelter dogs.
These results have important implications for shelter management and rehoming success by enhancing dog well-being in stressful care environments.
Source: V. Amaya, M. B. A. Paterson, C. Phillips, Animals, March 30, 2020.
