With canine TV channels now in existence, many are questioning whether their dog would enjoy a subscription. Lots of us have observed our dogs staring at the TV, but what exactly are they seeing? Do they enjoy the experience? Should we leave our TV on to keep our dog company when we pop out for a few hours? Here we look to answer these questions and see what role TV can really play in the lives of our canine companions.
What do dogs really see on TV?
While dogs can see the images on the TV screen, and may be able to recognise familiar people, animals and objects, they cannot understand them as humans do.
Did you know?
Interestingly, dogs can recognise other dogs on TV by their appearance and body language.
Why do some dogs watch TV and others don’t?
Some dogs are more attracted to the sounds and movement on TV than others. The interested dogs tend to be dogs that are either curious, social or super-reactive to their environment. This means that a dog’s breed, age, personality and past experiences all play a role in determining whether he will enjoy watching TV. For example, a herding dog may react to quick movement on the screen, while an older dog with less energy will likely ignore it.
Is it worth leaving the TV on for my dog to watch?
Some dogs may find the presence of the TV soothing when their owners are not home, as the sounds and movement can be quite comforting. However, not all dogs enjoy this stimulation. Observe your dog’s body language. If he reacts to the TV by barking or jumping at the screen, he’s definitely better without it on, but if he relaxes and seems absorbed by the movement on the screen, it could be a great tool to ease boredom.
Note: If you do leave your TV on for your dog, remember to turn the volume down as his hearing is much more sensitive than yours.
Do dogs have a preference about what they watch?
Creators of dog channels on TV believe that animals and people make good viewing fodder for our canine companions. For some dogs, they suggest more active programming, such as moving balls or action. It really is a matter of what suits each individual!
Take home message
While your dog can’t understand the plot of the show he’s watching, he may be one of those canines that enjoy TV time. Observe his reaction and practice trial and error, or speak to your canine behaviourist to get their input.
