What to Leave on TV for Your Dog
Ensuring your dog remains calm and entertained when you're away from home is a priority for many pet owners. One increasingly popular method of enrichment is leaving the TV or streaming service on. But what exactly should you play to keep your furry companion interested and relaxed?
Why TV Can Be Beneficial for Dogs
TV programming can act as a source of mental stimulation and comfort, especially for dogs who experience separation anxiety. When selected properly, screen content can:
- Reduce stress and anxiety
- Provide auditory and visual stimulation
- Prevent boredom-related behavior such as chewing or barking
- Help dogs feel less alone
Understanding Dog Vision and TV Preferences
Dogs see differently than humans. Their color perception is limited mostly to
blue and yellow hues, and their vision tends to be blurrier. However, dogs have a higher
flicker fusion rate (70–80 fps), allowing them to detect faster movements on screen. This means that fast-moving visuals, especially animals in motion, can draw their attention more effectively than static images.
What Content Is Best Suited for Dogs?
According to studies and expert observations, the most engaging types of TV content for dogs include:
- Animal-centric shows—especially those featuring other dogs
- Nature videos with birds, squirrels, or other moving animals
- Calming music with slow tempos (50–70 BPM) and dog-friendly frequencies
- Interactive sounds like barking, meowing, or familiar household noises
Top TV Shows and Channels for Dogs
There are several streaming services and TV shows designed specifically for canine viewers:
- DOGTV: A subscription streaming service developed with pet experts and veterinarians. It features mood-based content like relaxation, stimulation, and exposure programming with adjusted color palettes and calming music.
- Happy Dog TV and Healing Mate – Dog Music: Available on YouTube, offering calm music combined with peaceful visuals like nature scenes.
- Paul Dinning's animal videos: These YouTube videos feature birds, woodland creatures, and motion-fed wildlife that appeal to dogs.
- Animal Planet: Offers a range of animal documentaries and pet-related content.
Suggested Dog-Friendly Series by Streaming Platform
Netflix:
- 'Dogs' – A documentary exploring global canine companionship.
Amazon Prime:
- 'Dogs with Jobs' – Chronicles the roles and training of working dogs.
- 'The Pack' – A reality competition featuring dog-owner duos around the globe.
Disney+:
- 'Bluey' – An animated series featuring an Australian Cattle Dog family.
- 'Dug Days' – Follows the lovable dog Dug from the movie 'Up.'
Hulu:
- 'America’s Top Dog' – Agility and teamwork competitions featuring K9 units.
- 'The Dog House: UK' – Showcasing matches between rescue dogs and new owners.
- 'Fur Babies' – Features animal pregnancies and births in a documentary style.
Classic & Animated Shows Featuring Dogs
Dogs may also enjoy family-friendly shows with lots of movement and engaging sounds:
- 'Blue’s Clues'
- 'Clifford the Big Red Dog'
- 'PAW Patrol'
- 'Scooby Doo'
- 'Adventure Time'
- 'The Mr. Peabody and Sherman Show'
Breed-Specific Engagement
Some dog breeds are more inclined to watch TV than others.
Sight hounds and herding breeds such as Border Collies, Greyhounds, Australian Shepherds, and Whippets are particularly drawn to motion on screen. However, every dog is unique — some may ignore the programming entirely.
Considerations and Cautions
While TV can be beneficial, it should not replace:
- Daily physical exercise
- Interactive playtime
- Human companionship
Always monitor your dog’s behavior when introducing TV programming. Signs of overstimulation include barking, pacing, or anxiety. You may need to experiment with different content types to see what your dog prefers.
Additional Enrichment Alternatives
If your dog doesn’t respond well to TV, consider these enrichment tools:
- Puzzle toys and treat dispensers
- Calming toys for dogs with separation anxiety
- White noise machines to block outside distractions
Final Thoughts
Leaving suitable content on TV can positively affect your dog’s well-being when used in moderation. Whether you stream DOGTV or switch on an animal documentary, paying attention to your dog's preferences will guide you toward the most effective calming or entertaining solution.
