Should You Leave the Radio on for Dogs?

Give your pooch some company while you're not around.
i Ryan McVay/Photodisc/Getty Images

Dogs are often affectionate and gregarious people-loving animals. As wonderful as those traits are, they can have their downsides, too. If your poor pooch develops separation anxiety whenever you're not immediately accessible to him, keeping the radio on may provide him with some much-needed peace of mind.

Training With the Radio

If your nervous pooch has a habit of panicking any time that he suspects you're about to leave the house, try turning the radio on right before you leave. This may be a good starting point for training him to adopt a calm attitude regarding the concept of your departure. If you have to run outside to the mailbox, turn the radio on and then return promptly. Practice this technique every time you go somewhere for a short period of time, but gradually extend the length your absences. By doing this, you may change how your pet views your walking out the door. Eventually, your dog probably won't freak out when you leave, even if you plan to be out all day long.

Calming Sounds

If you turn your radio on to a station that specializes in music that is calming and quiet, it may relax your doggie, especially if he has a tendency to get scared of sounds that come from the outdoors -- whether thunder, loud and persistent traffic or anything else. Radio music also may mute loud sounds so your pet doesn't notice them as much in the first place. Classical music is particularly beneficial for canines, according to the City of Bloomington website.

Other Options

Radio isn't the only option for making your doggie feel relaxed despite your absence. If your put your television on static or a cooking channel, for example, it may provide your on-edge pooch with a similar feeling of company. You may even want to consider purchasing a white noise machine that specializes in pleasant sounds -- think chirping birds or light rainfall. White noise machines also are beneficial for obstructing jarring -- and sometimes scary -- outside sounds.

Separation Anxiety Signs

If you suspect that your doggie has a separation anxiety problem, and therefore may require some radio assistance, be on the lookout for telltale clues. These include the problematic chewing of random items in your household, scratching on windows and doors, restlessness, inappropriate elimination and excessive vocalization. If your dog acts particularly clingy and needy every time you're about to exit your home, then you probably have your answer.

Cords

Whenever you leave electrical devices on while away, whether radios, televisions or anything at all, it's crucial to keep cords out of your pet's reach, for safety reasons.

Always check with your veterinarian before changing your pet’s diet, medication, or physical activity routines. This information is not a substitute for a vet’s opinion.

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