What Do Dogs Like to Watch on TV?
As more pet owners seek ways to keep their furry companions entertained and relaxed throughout the day, a growing number are turning to television and streaming services. But this leads to a fascinating question: What is a dog's favorite thing to watch on TV? From streaming channels to specially-designed programming, the modern dog has various options to suit its sensory preferences and personality.
How Dogs Perceive TV
While dogs can indeed watch TV, their visual perception differs significantly from humans:
- Color Vision: Dogs are most sensitive to blues and yellows. Reds and greens appear gray to them.
- Motion Sensitivity: Dogs have a higher flicker fusion rate (70-80 fps) than humans, making them more sensitive to fast-moving images on screen.
- Auditory Cues: Sounds like barking, meowing, or familiar household noises particularly draw their attention.
Programs Designed for Dogs
Various channels now create dog-specific content:
- DOGTV: Streamed content tailored for canine sensory experiences using adjusted colors and soothing music (50–70 BPM) to relax or stimulate dogs.
- Happy Dog TV: Nature scenes and gentle sounds to calm dogs when alone.
- Animal Planet and Paul Dinning: Real animal footage meant to appeal to canine instincts.
- Healing Mate – Dog Music: Audio engineered for calming anxious dogs.
Top Shows Dogs and Owners Can Enjoy Together
Television time can be a shared experience. Shows below include canine characters and appealing visuals:
- 'Dogs' (Netflix): Documentary series on dog ownership across the globe.
- 'The Pack' (Amazon Prime): Travel adventures with dog-owner duos.
- 'Dogs with Jobs' (Amazon Prime): Stories of working dogs around the world.
- 'Bluey' (Disney+): Animated stories about a dog family, loved especially by kids and pets.
Classic Dog-Friendly Series
Some timeless shows that feature dogs can also appeal to canine senses, especially with their bright visuals and sound effects:
- 'Blue’s Clues'
- 'Clifford the Big Red Dog'
- 'PAW Patrol'
- 'Scooby Doo'
- 'The Jetsons' (featuring Astro)
Breeds More Likely to Watch TV
- Motion-sensitive breeds: Border Collies, Australian Shepherds, Greyhounds, Whippets, and Herding Dogs tend to engage more with moving visuals.
- Older dogs or those with poor vision may engage less due to limited visual capacity.
TV as Enrichment—Not Replacement
While TV can offer mental stimulation and comfort for dogs home alone, it should not replace regular activities:
- Daily walks and playtime
- Interactive toys (puzzle or treat-dispensing)
- Calming toys for those with anxiety
- White noise machines for dogs disturbed by external sounds
Always monitor your dog’s behavior to avoid overstimulation or stress. Some dogs prefer silence or live interaction instead of screen-based enrichment.
Scientific Insight
A survey published in Applied Animal Behavior Science involving over 1,200 dog owners revealed key insights:
- Sporting and herding breeds are more likely to pay attention to television content.
- Videos featuring animals, especially dogs in motion, rank highest among dog favorites.
- Age and health can affect how a dog responds to screen content.
Choosing the Right Content for Your Dog
Owners should consider their dog’s preferences when selecting shows. Focus on:
- Animal-focused programming
- Calming visuals and slow-paced music
- Interactive sounds and movement
Test different types of content and observe your dog’s reaction. Adjust the content to best fit their personality and needs.
Conclusion
Dogs enjoy watching TV that includes other animals—especially other dogs—sound elements they recognize, and visuals in the blue-yellow color spectrum. Services like DOGTV provide tailored experiences, but ultimately, screen time should support—not replace—the physical, emotional, and mental enrichment your dog receives through play, exercise, and companionship.
