Adorable husky with tongue out next to a guitar. Do dogs like music?

What’s Your Dog’s Theme Song?

In many ways, dogs are a lot like people. And just as there are many different personality types for humans, dogs also tend to fall into certain categories. Knowing your dog’s personality is a great way to improve your relationship and do things for them that you know they will enjoy.

Some types of dogs may be prone to anxiety and not like a lot of activity or noise. Other dogs may be very social and want to be out in the world. However, regardless of the personality traits of your pooch, it’s still summer and they still need a theme song!

So, we thought we would have a little bit of fun with today’s post and share a few trending (and all-time favorite) summer songs that would be perfect for your dog’s season. But before we do that, let’s first ask the question:

Do Dogs Like Music?

Adorable husky with tongue out next to a guitar. Do dogs like music?
All you need is a bow tie and guitar

Dogs show a wide range of reactions to various sounds and noises. Many canines display anxiety and fearfulness during thunderstorms or fireworks. Loud sirens and other types of alarms can also affect them this way. Sometimes, anti-anxiety music for dogs can help.

Signs that your pooch may have an aversion to certain noises include:

  • Pacing
  • Panting
  • Stress yawning
  • Lip-licking
  • Avoiding eye contact
  • Trying to hide in plain sight or out-of-sight

However, there are many sounds that are pleasant to dogs as well. When speaking specifically about music, what they will or won’t like depends on their temperament, as well as the type of music. Finding some type of relaxing music for dogs will oftentimes help. Additionally, the type of music that you play normally will many times also be soothing music for dogs.

What Type of Personality Does Your Dog Have?

Pug wearing striped shirt and listening to much through headphones with his owner. What Type of Personality Does Your Dog Have?
Like owner, like pup

To figure out what the best music for dogs (or even music for cats) is, it’s important to understand what type of personality they have. There are a number of different traits and behaviors that various breeds exhibit. Each pup is as unique as the person who owns them.

Knowing this, it’s important that you recognize certain dominant traits and personality characteristics that can help identify what temperament your dog has. Being aware of the personality types will help you with everything from obedience training to exercise routines to social activities.

Although there are many different, individual characteristics and/or behaviors that your dog may display, there is usually one that defines its personality. As far as the various personality types, there are 5 main ones:

Confident Dogs

Confident Yorkie looking handsome and lovely in his hoodie. What's your dog's theme song?
It's a vibe

A confident dog is a natural-born leader and is comfortable in his or her surroundings. They easily take charge of situations and are likely to also be a team player when it’s called for. This confident manner is revealed through their body language.

Confident dogs sometimes display dominant traits and behaviors. Reacting in a harsh manner to these traits or trying to establish dominance over your dog may lead to increased willfulness and/or aggression.

Contrary to what many people think, dominance is a term used to describe the hierarchy among animals, not a personality type. It is merely a trait displayed by the alpha in any group or pack. A natural leader only needs the ability and confidence to lead the pack. He or she doesn’t have to become aggressive to maintain the alpha status.

Domesticated dogs have been a separate canine species from wolves for several thousand years, and trying to use that old wolf-pack mentality on your pooch might backfire and could create conflict. Positive reinforcement is without a doubt the right way to train a pup, even one that is confident and displays dominant behaviors.

For these types of dogs, we suggest something that a boss would jam out to, such as:

Trending Summer Theme Song for Your Confident Dog:

What You Know Bout Love – Pop Smoke

Classic Summer Theme Song for Your Confident Dog:

Summer in the City – The Lovin’ Spoonful

Timid or Shy Dogs

Timid and Shy Bichon Puppy curling up in his mom's embrace. What's your dog's theme song?
Hold me in your arms

Just like people, dogs can be nervous and shy. Forcing them to participate in scenarios or situations that make them uncomfortable might have the opposite effect of what you’re trying to do.

Even though you’re trying to acclimate your shy pooch to the world, they will interpret it as you forcing them to do things that to them are extremely frightening. In some cases, this can lead to mistrust between the dog and its owner.

Shy or timid dogs usually react very positively to lots of praise, petting, encouragement, and treats. Introducing them to new situations, people, places, and experiences at a slower pace is much more effective. Canines with this personality trait will almost never enjoy loud, busy environments. When exposed to these types of environments your shy pup may become:

  • Insecure
  • Fearful
  • Aggressive
  • Incontinent

Shy dogs need lots of patience and gentle treatment. There are many playlists available on pet-friendly websites that contain calming music for dogs. But for their personal, summer theme, we suggest some laid back and relaxing dog music:

Trending Summer Theme Song for Your Timid/Shy Dog:

Beautiful Mistakes – Maroon 5 ft. Megan Thee Stallion

Classic Summer Theme Song for Your Timid/Shy Dog:

Summer Breeze – Seals & Croft

Independent Dogs

Independent Pitbull listening to music on the steps. What's your dog's theme song?
Pure instincts and pure love

Several dog breeds were created to be completely independent of their owners. Over the course of thousands of years of dog breeding, many of them were for some type of work. Oftentimes they would work by themselves without any human instruction (once they had been properly trained).

Because of this, many of these breeds still possess those independent traits. Dog instincts are something that is not easily overcome, and in most cases, you wouldn’t want to. They have those instincts for a reason.

However, this sometimes leads to these types of canines not bonding well with people they don’t see as leaders. They tend to bond very strongly with one person (their owner) and not as much with other people. This is not because they are standoffish; they simply get along fine by themselves.

It is never advisable to force an independent dog to be more social than they are comfortable with. It may backfire and cause them to be aggressive. They can sometimes be difficult to train because they have a hard time getting the proper motivation.

Since they would rather think for themselves, they are not always “people pleasers”. It’s a good idea to use toys, treats, and affection when teaching independent dogs. For their summer theme songs, they need something that marches to the beat of a different drum:

Trending Summer Theme Song for Your Independent Dog:

Drunk (And I Don’t Wanna Go Home) – Miranda Lambert and Ellie King

Classic Summer Theme Song for Your Independent Dog:

Summer of ’69 – Bryan Adams

Laidback and Happy Dogs

Laidback and Happy Boston Terrier sitting on his owner's lap taking a relaxing nap. What's your dog's theme song?
A little nap to recharge and refresh

This is the stereotypical, friendly, goofy dog who loves everybody and everything. This kind of pooch doesn’t make for the best guard dog, as they might wag their tails and look for treats from the thieves that broke into the house!

However, their personalities are incredible and they typically get along well with most people, dogs, and even cats. Happy pups are often overly enthusiastic and excited, especially without enough exercise or training. They commonly jump on people due to being overexcited. Examples of these types of dogs include:

  • Golden Retrievers
  • Labrador Retrievers
  • Pointers
  • Pit Bulls

Dogs like this are the life of the party. They need a song that brings their personality to life:

Trending Summer Theme Song for Your Laidback and Happy Dog:

Peaches – J. Bieber feat. Daniel Caesar & Giveon

Classic Summer Theme Song for Your Laidback and Happy Dog:

California Girls – Beach Boys

Adaptable Dogs

Adaptable Frenchie bonding with his owner. What's your dog's theme song?
Full of love and wonder

This personality is slightly different from the laidback, happy dog in the sense that they are eager to please in any situation. Because of this, adaptable dogs will control their excitement and enthusiasm in order to make his or her parent happy.

This is also by far the easier type of pup to train due to their strong desire to please their owners. These kinds of dogs are very friendly and social, without getting overly exuberant. They also tend to be very obedient to their people.

Just as happy dogs, adaptable canines get along well with people, dogs, and cats. They oftentimes make incredible service dogs because of their loving, calm nature. Additionally, adaptable dogs are often very intelligent.

Being able to adapt to any situation, their summer theme songs can be anything from top 40 to R&B to country. Our conclusion for the best summer songs for your adaptable pooch:

Trending Summer Theme Song for Your Laidback and Happy Dog:

Blinding Lights – The Weeknd

Classic Summer Theme Song for Your Laidback and Happy Dog:

Margaritaville – Jimmy Buffet

What About Breed-Specific Songs?

Border collie listening to his owner jam on the guitar. What's your dog's theme song?
Ready to discover your pup's personality and musical tastes?

For just a little more fun, we decided to throw in a few theme songs that are good for any time of year, based on your pups’ breed. Turn these up whenever your dog is in the room and let them jam out to their own anthem.

Greyhound: Bruce Springsteen — Born to Run

This one needs no explanation. And if you have one of these sleek and speedy fur babies at home, then you already know running is what they live for.

English Bulldog: The Beatles — I'm Only Sleeping

Anyone who has ever had an English Bullie knows that naps are a big part of their daily routine. And by that we mean full-on, drooling, sprawled out across the couch napping.

Chihuahua: Notorious B.I.G. – Big Poppa

Come on, we couldn’t resist the irony. Big Poppa? For a pooch that weighs 10 pounds soaking wet? You bet!

Corgi: Destiny’s Child – Bootylicious

Everybody who has ever had a Corgi in their family knows that when they get excited, they can shake their bottoms with the best of them. Their whole backsides shake so much they can barely walk straight! So, this one was a no-brainer.

Golden Retriever: America – Sister Golden Hair

We think this one speaks for itself.

Pit Bull: Bob Marley – Could You Be Loved

Pits get some of the worst bias and discrimination due to the irresponsible breeding and training that makes them aggressive. Pure-bred pit bulls were originally bred for children's companionship and protection. They are some of the most loving and even-tempered dogs around.

Pomeranian: Kelis – Bossy33

Pomeranian owners can all agree on one thing; in their home, the pup is the princess (or prince). These lovable dogs with big personalities are also a little high maintenance. So, we think Bossy33 is the perfect theme song for this breed.

Not on Spotify? Check out the entire playlist on YouTube

In Conclusion

Regardless of your dog’s personality type or breed, any puppy can learn to love music. But understanding the quirks of your furry pal’s behavior will help with things like finding the right kinds of training, activities, and even music.

The most important thing is to remember never to force your puppy into situations they are uncomfortable with. That could lead to anything from aggression to a lack of trust between them and you. If you have a shy or timid dog that doesn't like loud noises, chances are heavy metal and acid rock aren't for them. Try something classical or easy listening. For adaptable dogs, well, pretty much anything will work; if you like it, they will probably like it.

Confident dogs and happy/laidback ones can usually enjoy louder, upbeat songs. It’s best to keep an open mind and try out a few genres and styles. Because, as independent dogs, what one may like could be totally different from another.

Here at theymademewear.it, we specialize in making relationships between pets and their pet parents even more special. Knowing your dog’s personality type can go a long way in creating an even deeper bond between you.

Whether it is dog clothes, toys, or even just a few suggestions for summer dog songs, we have you covered. So, the next time you hear dogs barking, it may just be them singing along to their summer theme!

Until, next time. Thanks for reading!


About the author: Gabrielle is the loving pawrent to adorable pups Willow and Dilla. Growing up surrounded by dogs, she always dreamt of having her own. Willow and Dilla came into her life and changed everything. Now, she's crazy about pampered pooches, and her perfect day involves dancing with her husband, dressing up her furbabies, and cuddling them to sleep. For Gabrielle, life is all about spreading love and joy with her adorable canine companions by her side.