Does my dog like watching TV?

Here's what they see when they stare at the screen.

We often leave the radio on for Rufus if we are out for more than a few minutes and can’t take him with us but I recently saw that there are loads of YouTube channels offering TV for dogs left home alone. If you've ever caught your dog sitting in front of the television, watching intently as images move across the screen, you might have wondered, as I did, do dogs actually enjoy watching TV? 

How dogs see TV

Dogs’ vision is different from humans in several key ways, which affects how they perceive TV. First, dogs see fewer colours than we do as we recently explained. While humans have three types of colour receptors in their eyes (allowing us to see a broad spectrum of colours), dogs have only two. This means they primarily see shades of blue and yellow, with reds and greens appearing more as shades of grey.

Also, dogs are more adept at detecting movement than detail. This makes fast-moving images on the screen particularly appealing to them, which is why action-packed scenes or animals running across the screen are more likely to capture a dog’s attention. The high refresh rate of modern TVs also plays a role in how dogs see the screen. Older TV sets refreshed images at a slower rate, which may have appeared as flickering to dogs, but today’s high-definition screens provide a smoother viewing experience for them.

What types of shows do dogs like?

Research has shown that dogs tend to respond more to shows or videos that feature other animals, particularly other dogs. It’s not uncommon to see a dog perk up when they hear barking on TV or see another dog on the screen. Programmes that include sounds like birds chirping or animals running can also pique their interest, as these are sounds they might encounter on their walks.

Some dogs may even show signs of excitement, such as barking or wagging their tails, when they see or hear familiar stimuli on the TV. Others might be more passive viewers, simply watching intently or occasionally glancing at the screen. Whether or not your dog enjoys watching TV may also depend on their personality, some dogs are more easily stimulated by sights and sounds, while others might not show much interest.

Do dogs really understand what’s on TV?

While dogs can recognise familiar sights and sounds on TV, it’s important to remember that their understanding of what they’re seeing is different from ours. They may recognise the shapes of other animals or the sound of barking but they aren’t able, or interested, in following narratives or complex plots. To a dog, TV is a series of interesting sights and sounds, not a story they’re following.

However, dogs are highly responsive to their environment, and they can learn to associate certain sounds and images with real-life events. For example, if your dog hears a doorbell on TV, they might run to the door expecting a visitor. This shows that while they may not fully understand the context of what’s happening on screen, they can react to familiar cues.

Is watching TV good for dogs?

Watching TV is not necessarily bad for dogs, but like with humans, moderation is key. For dogs that enjoy watching TV, it can provide a source of mental stimulation, especially when left alone for short periods. There are even those YouTube channels specifically designed for dogs, with content that is tailored to their visual and auditory preferences.

However, TV should not replace more interactive forms of stimulation, such as playtime, walks, and socialisation with other dogs or people. Too much screen time can lead to boredom, frustration or overstimulation in some dogs, so it’s important to ensure they’re getting a good balance of physical and mental activities.

The next time your dog sits down to watch TV with you, take note of what catches their eye, you might be surprised by what they enjoy!