What TV Shows Do Dogs Enjoy Watching?
Many pet parents leave the television on to comfort their furry friends while they're away. Recent research and expert-designed streaming content have shown that dogs can indeed watch TV and may even have preferences for certain types of programming. Knowing which shows dogs like to watch can help keep them mentally stimulated, reduce anxiety, and combat loneliness during your absence.
How Dogs Perceive Television
Dogs don't see TV the same way humans do. Their color vision is limited—mainly sensitive to blues and yellows—while reds and greens appear as gray. Moreover, dogs perceive movement differently. With a flicker fusion rate of 70–80 frames per second (compared to humans' 50–60), they can detect motion better on high-definition screens, making some modern TVs more dog-friendly.
Sounds also play a huge role in catching a dog's attention. Noises such as barking, meowing, squeaks, and footsteps may keep them more engaged than visuals alone.
Best Types of Content for Dogs
According to studies and real-world testing, dogs prefer TV content that involves:
- Other animals, especially dogs
- High motion scenes like running or playing
- Nature and wildlife
- Dog-specific sound effects
- Calming music and visuals for anxious dogs
Recommended Streaming Channels and Shows
There are several TV shows and streaming platforms specifically curated for canine viewers and their humans:
- DOGTV: Designed with input from veterinarians and pet experts, this channel uses blue-yellow spectrum visuals and relaxing music tailored for dogs.
- Happy Dog TV & Paul Dinning Walk Videos (YouTube): Long-form nature content with walking animals and relaxing environments.
- Animal Planet: Offers a variety of animal-focused programming that appeals to both dogs and humans.
- Healing Mate – Dog Music: Uses slow-tempo music and visuals to calm dogs.
Popular Dog-Friendly TV Shows
Beyond dedicated pet channels, many mainstream streaming platforms feature shows that attract canine attention. Here are some highlights:
Netflix
- Dogs: A documentary series exploring the human-dog bond worldwide.
Amazon Prime
- The Pack: Reality competition involving dog-human teams on adventures.
- Dogs with Jobs: Canadian docuseries about working dogs.
Disney+
- Bluey: Animated show with animal characters and soft audio enjoyed by many dogs.
- Dug Days: Spinoff of 'Up' featuring the lovable dog Dug.
Hulu
- America's Top Dog: Agility and training competition show.
- The Secret Life of Dancing Dogs: Follows competitors in human-dog freestyle dancing.
- Pets & Pickers and Animal Control: Pet-centric family shows with animal rescue themes.
- The Dog House: UK: Dog-human matchmaking at a shelter.
- Fur Babies: Monitoring of animal births via hidden cameras.
Classic Canine-Inspired Cartoons
- PAW Patrol, Blue’s Clues, Clifford the Big Red Dog, and Scooby-Doo
- Adventure Time: Surreal cartoon with frequent animal character cameos.
- The Jetsons and The Mr. Peabody and Sherman Show
More Dog-Friendly Visual Enrichment Options
- Puzzle toys and treat-dispensing gadgets
- White noise machines for dogs sensitive to outside disruptions
- Calming toys and interactive content
Understanding Individual Preferences
Not all dogs enjoy watching TV, and engagement can vary by age, breed, vision, and personality. Breeds that are more visually alert or bred for motion—like herding and sight hounds—may be more captivated by screens. Examples include:
- Border Collies
- Australian Shepherds
- German Shepherds
- Greyhounds
- Whippets
Older dogs or those with impaired vision may interact less with TV content. Watching your dog’s reaction to different programs can help tailor entertainment to their liking.
Using TV as a Tool for Enrichment
Dog-friendly TV shows can serve as an excellent supplemental enrichment tool when used responsibly. Calming music and nature videos can help soothe anxious pets, especially during separation or loud events like thunderstorms. However, screen time should never replace regular exercise, playtime, and human companionship.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right shows for your dog involves attention to their preferences, behavior, and breed tendencies. From DOGTV to kid-friendly cartoons, there's a variety of programming that can hold your dog's interest or help with anxiety. As a pet parent, consider TV as one slice of a well-rounded enrichment plan that includes toys, exercise, and loving care.
