Do Dogs Understand Television?

Dogs absolutely can see TV, and many seem to enjoy it. Television shows possess numerous features that dogs find appealing, some visual, like motion, and others related to the sounds emitted from the TV.

Dog eyes are quite different from human eyes, resulting in a different perception of television. Their vision is less sharp, closer to 20/75 than 20/20, explaining why they might sit closer to the screen for sharper images.

Their color perception also differs due to only two types of color-processing cells in their retinas, compared to our three. They perceive blues, greens, and yellows, making a scene with a dog on green grass under a blue sky with a yellow frisbee engaging, while a dog with a red toy near a red and white picnic table would appear dull.

Dogs possess more rods in their eyes than humans, enhancing night vision and making them highly sensitive to motion. This superior motion perception allows them to detect flickering images up to 75 hertz, while humans only perceive flickering below 55 hertz. A 60 hertz TV image appears smooth to us but flickers to dogs. Thankfully, modern TVs, laptops, and desktops have higher refresh rates, benefiting both humans and canines.

It’s challenging to determine a dog’s thoughts while watching TV, but some appear more invested than others. They seem to recognize animals on screen, react to barking dogs, and differentiate photos of dogs from cartoon depictions.

However, dogs rely heavily on smell, a sense absent from television. This sensory disconnect suggests dogs likely understand the image isn’t real but a representation. They do respond to animal sounds on TV, indicating cross-species communication. Therefore, avoiding shows with distressed animals might be wise when your dog is watching.

Individual dogs and breeds have varying visual capacities, affecting their engagement with television. A dog easily recognizing a dog chasing something on screen might be more captivated than one relying more on smell or hearing. Some dogs might be more easily “fooled” by the images, while others are more perceptive to their unreality.

Generally, dogs prefer shows featuring animals in motion, favoring real animals over cartoons. To gauge your dog’s interest, choose a show with active animals, particularly those they’re attracted to in real life (squirrels, birds, cats, other dogs). Opt for colors within their visual spectrum: blues, yellows, and greens.

Observe your dog’s reaction: Do their eyes follow the action? Is their tail wagging, or are they distressed and growling? Do they seem worried? Experiment with shows until you find one they enjoy, and hope you don’t have to compete for the remote!

While dog-specific TV channels and marketing claim calming effects, it’s debatable. Dogs likely prefer watching TV with their owners for companionship, often sleeping or engaging in solitary activities when alone.

If your dog enjoys TV, leaving it on while you’re out, provided it doesn’t replace playtime, outdoor time, or social interaction, is likely harmless. Even the sounds of TV or radio can provide stimulation. Keep the volume low and ensure your dog can move away from the TV if desired, especially if crate-trained or confined to a room with the TV.