Estimates suggest that more than 10 million dogs have separation anxiety. There are dogs with thunderstorm anxiety, fireworks anxiety. Some dogs demonstrate excitement with visitors; they react to stressful times in the lives of their humans. And while riding in the car is fun for some dogs, it is very stressful for others.

Leeds and Wagner believe that sound plays a part in many behavioral problems, not just the noise of storms and traffic, but all the other noises out there.

You know how you react to too much noise and overstimulation of the nervous system, Leeds said. "But as humans we have strategies to help us cope. You can take a walk. You can read a book. You can eat comfort foods or turn off the TV. There are lots of ways to reduce stress."

But what they've come to realize, he said, "is that too much sensory stimulation has the same effect of dogs.

"Dogs are very adaptable. We bring them into our homes and expect them to adapt to everything. But some are more sensitive than others. Some are like Mac trucks and nothing bothers them; some have very sensitive nervous systems. We need to be more aware of that. We need to help them when there is too much stimulation. We need to be aware of the sonic environment."

"Calming music is a wonderful tool," Wagner added. And that's important for the health and welfare not only of the dogs, but also of their guardians, she said.

"The more I work with them, the more I'm convinced that our pets come into our lives to help us, to teach us. They are part of our families, and they help us along our path as humans. The best thing we can do for them is to appreciate that, be grateful for that. The more we listen to the wisdom and teaching they have for us, the more we will be our best as humans."

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