Drake finally dropped his highly anticipated album “For All the Dogs” on Friday morning. The album cover showcases a somewhat menacing dog, drawn by Drake’s own son, Adonis, with crayons. Interestingly, the album announcement in June included a small photo of two adorable puppies. But, is “For All the Dogs” truly meant for dogs?
Sure, the album title could be a clever play on the term “dog,” typically referring to a less-than-loyal friend or romantic partner. Drake has referenced dogs in his lyrics in the past and even incorporated audio clips of barking dogs. It’s no secret that Drake has a soft spot for dogs – he’s been spotted wearing a dog mask in New York City and featuring his dogs in album artwork. He has also touched on the topic of dogs in his songs, singing lines like “I’m still a canine at heart, I’m a dog” on his 2015 track “Company,” and rapping “Supposed to be your dog, but you done put me in a kennel” on his 2022 hit “Wait For U” with Future and Tems.
While representatives for Drake declined to comment on whether the album was specifically created with dogs in mind or if Drake had any thoughts about dogs in general, research suggests that softer and more melodic tunes, similar to those found on Drake’s albums, may be enjoyable for dogs.
According to Anna Webb, an animal behavior expert and host of the podcast “A Dog’s Life,” music is often therapeutic for dogs. The American Kennel Club supports this idea and shares research showing that calmer music can alleviate anxiety and lower a dog’s energy. Dogs possess more sensitive hearing than humans, allowing them to pick up on a wider range of sounds. Soft tunes create a sense of comfort for them.
Webb suggests that rap and hip-hop music, due to their faster tempos, may not be well-suited for dogs. Classical or reggae music, which have similar rhythms to a dog’s heartbeat (around 80 to 120 beats per minute), generally appease canines the most. Most rap music falls outside of these parameters, typically featuring around 140 beats per minute. However, some of Drake’s older songs like “Find Your Love” and “Hold On, We’re Going Home,” with their slower tempo, would likely be suitable for dogs.
Playlists catering specifically to canines can be found on platforms like Spotify, including collections for road trips with your furry friend or for calming them down. Production company RelaxMyDog has been producing music for dogs since 2011, aiming to improve mental health in canines. Through user feedback, the company discovered that certain genres and sounds resonate with dogs.
These findings align closely with a 2017 study conducted by the Scottish SPCA and the University of Glasgow. The study found that while classical music interested dogs, they often grew bored of it. On the other hand, reggae and soft rock music reduced stress, barking habits, and heart rates. Another study from January 2023 revealed that dogs become calmer after listening to classical music, as their breathing slowed and they were less likely to exhibit restless behavior. However, heavy metal, with its harsh guitar vibrations and grungy lyrics, does not have the same effect. In fact, other research suggests that dogs become more active when exposed to short, quick notes (commonly found in metal or rap music), while softer tones induce sleepiness.
Ultimately, dogs will adapt to their owners’ preferences and listening habits. When a favorite song is played repeatedly, it becomes the norm for them. “They feed off us and respond to us,” says Kristi Flynn, assistant professor for the University of Minnesota’s department of veterinary clinical sciences. “If we’re comfortable and listening to music we enjoy, where everything is good and everyone is happy, then they’ll be happy and comfortable too.” Dogs try to mirror human behavior and emotions, making them highly receptive to the feelings of their owners, explains Jennifer Skiff, the director of international programs for Animal Wellness Action, an anti-animal cruelty organization. Skiff has produced a CD for dogs called “The Divinity of Dogs: Music to Calm Dogs and the People Who Love Them.”
Therefore, there is potential for dogs everywhere to enjoy Drake’s new album, assuming their owners do as well. Skiff argues that if Drake’s music is melodic and brings happiness, the whole family, including the dog, will likely experience that same joy. “If you’re jumping up and down and moving to the groove, the dog probably will too,” she said.
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