Have you ever wondered why your Spot’s ears perk up when it’s perfectly quiet? Or why Fido barks a minute before the delivery person appears with a package at your front door? Well, it’s quite simple.

I recently encountered a new study that looked at the response of dogs to various types of music. This one, out of Colorado State University, was authored by a team headed by psychologist Lori Kogan.

People use music to set moods, create a desired atmosphere and evoke memories of family and friends. The right song at the right time can have similar effects for some dogs.