As a nation of dog lovers, owners know all too well that pang of guilt when leaving them home alone.
Now Amazon is offering a possible solution to keep your furry friends company while you’re at work or out and about enjoying yourself.
Introducing Audible for Dogs, a curated collection of audiobooks for dog owners to play when leaving their pets at home.
There are two collections of stories, chosen especially for their calming narration, evenly paced narrative, and length to cover a full workday away from home.
Sign up for a 30-day trial of Audible and get one audiobook for free. It’s then $16.45 per month after the trial.
The collections were put together in collaboration with Dr Susan Hazel, a senior lecturer in animal behaviour at the University of Adelaide, inspired by an independent study by Hartpury College that suggested listening to audiobooks could positively influence kennelled dogs’ behaviour.
They include:
The Classic Collection
For the more discerning dog in your life, the Classic Collection promises celebrity narrators to keep them company as iconic stories are brought to life.
Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen, narrated by Rosamund Pike
David Copperfield by Charles Dickens, narrated by Richard Armitage
Anne of Green Gables by Lucy Maud Montgomery, narrated by Rachel McAdams
The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald, narrated by Jake Gyllenhaal
The Aussie Collection
This collection has inspiring home-grown stories featuring canine companions.
Cloudstreet by Tim Winton, narrated by Peter Hosking
Red Dog by Louis de Bernières, narrated by David Field
Working Dog Heroes by Steve Austin, narrated by David Tredinnick
The Spotted Dog by Kerry Greenwood, narrated by Jennifer Vuletic
Hazel said: “Recent research suggests listening to audiobooks can reduce high-stress indicators such as barking, howling, pacing or standing in kennelled dogs.
“Humans have selected canine companions over thousands of years based on those that like being with people the most. Which now means they may not like it when we leave them alone.
“For some dogs, audiobooks may be helpful when an owner is not at home, providing a calming human voice.”
Also on board is Australia’s foremost dog lover and all-round nice guy Osher Günsberg, who said his passion for mental wellbeing extends to his dog Frankie.
Collections cost $19.99 without an Audible subscription.