Are dogs that watch TV more intelligent? Find Out Here

While science has shown that dogs can engage with television and that they prefer certain programs, it has yet to delve into the complex question of whether they actually enjoy it. We as humans will often watch distressing footage or videos that make us feel a range of emotions, from distress to anger and horror. It’s not always because it makes us feel good. We just don’t know whether similar factors motivate dogs to watch.

This research indicates that dogs have a preference towards watching other canines — but our studies have also discovered that sound often initially attracts dogs towards television and other devices. Favored sounds include dogs barking and whining, people giving dog-friendly commands and praise, and the noise of toys squeaking.

What a dog does engage with, however, differs from dog to dog depending on their personality, experience, and preference. This is speculated to be influenced by what their owner watches, with dogs following their human’s gaze and other communication signals, such as gestures and head turns.

But while dogs have their own TV channel, and have been shown to prefer to watch other dogs through short interactions with specially colored programs, many mysteries remain. Nevertheless, technology has the potential to provide entertainment for domestic canines, improving the welfare of dogs left home alone and in kennels. Just don’t expect a doggie version of the Radio Times just yet.

Dog owners often notice their pets watching televisions, computer screens, and tablets. But what is going on in their pooch’s head? Indeed, by tracking their vision using similar methods used on humans, research has found that domestic dogs do prefer certain s and videos.

First, your dog is seeing different colors. Unlike humans, who are trichromatic (meaning we have three kinds of cones in the eye’s retina, allowing us to see more color), dogs are dichromatic and see the world in yellow, brown, grey tones. Learn more about how dogs see here.

Also, your dog can definitely recognize if there’s another dog in the program that you’re watching. According to a 2013 study published in Animal Cognition, dogs are able to visually recognize other dogs. Even using s of different dog breeds didn’t fool the dogs in the study, as they were still able to identify s of their own species despite the breed.

On the left (below), is a regular . And on the right, is how a dog would see that same .

The way your dog views what’s on the TV (or computer) screen is slightly different than how you see it.

Color isn’t the only difference in dogs’ vision. In fact, dogs can process visual information faster than humans, according to 2013 study published in Animal Behaviour. Basically, when we see something move, like a tennis ball rolling across the floor, a dog would perceive this same tennis ball to move a little slower than we would. This means that dogs can detect quick changes in their visual field, like a squirrel quickly running through the backyard.

You are your dog’s best TV guide

Our furry comrades learned to watch—and even enjoy—TV from watching us. If your pet sees you jump for joy while watching a baseball game or chuckle at a TV sitcom, they’ll channel that energy and feel excited or relaxed when watching those kinds of programs, too.

“Each household has its own culture and the dog becomes part of that,” Millan says. “You have households that watch movies a lot and the dog becomes, you know, a Jumanji lover,” he said, noting that it’s one of his personal favorites.Advertisement

In the same vein, if a heated debate on CNN has you feeling stressed, that anxiety could rub off on your pet. “The dog is going to vibe from you,” says Millan.

When picking a show for your dog—especially if you’re leaving the house–think about what makes you happy or relaxed. Odds are, your dog will enjoy it, too.

Millan has some go-to genres that engage the eyes and ears of man’s best friend:

Dogs: Dogs love watching other dogs. TVs are so clear these days that dogs can’t rationalize the difference between what is happening on screen and in the real world, Millan says. A four-legged, floppy-eared animal with characteristics just like theirs will pique your dog’s interest, and become a real-life playmate. (Dogs can recognize humans on screen too, but they’re more like to relate to you, as a pet parent, through hearing your voice on, say, a video call, Millan says.)

Nature: The soothing sounds of David Attenborough, birds chirping, water rushing, and awe-inspiring visuals make many outdoor shows perfect programming for your pet, especially after a nice long walk outside.

Music: Music can calm dogs or elicit other emotions like excitement or sadness, much like it does in humans. Your dog will likely draw from the energy of soothing or relaxing music when it’s playing on the TV.

Sports: Don’t be surprised if your dog’s attention hones in on the tiny ball on screen during a tennis match, or bouncing around during a basketball game. ”Anything with a ball they’re going to enjoy,” Millan says. “It’s amazing the ability they have to focus on that little thing.”

Action: Action-packed movies and TV shows can be good for your dog, too. Watching them in a safe space with their pet parent can desensitize dogs to the loud sounds or sudden movements on screen when they encounter similar actions in real life, Millan says. Just be gentle with the volume—dogs have a great hearing.

Cartoons: Animated TV shows and movies, particularly those made for kids, tend to use high-pitched, comforting tones, commonly known as baby talk. Many pet parents speak to their dogs in the same tone of voice, making watching cartoons feel quite natural or even comforting.

Do Dogs and Cats Really Watch TV

Do dogs watch TV? The simple answer is that some dogs do watch TV some of the time. Have you ever snuggled up on the sofa with your pooch to watch TV only to find that something on the screen has wound them up? Does your dog have a favorite TV show that you leave on for them to watch while you get on with your chores? Or, perhaps your dog completely ignores the TV?

The interaction between dogs and media devices is a growing area of scientific research. As our homes are increasingly filled with both dogs and screens, this is a fascinating area of study. Dog-driven technology, including the DoggyVision device, is the latest area of interest. It looks at how dogs can interact with screens to make them do what they want.