Oh, the simple joys of cozying up on the couch with your dog while watching TV. You play your favorite show alongside your furry friend and all is good. But have you ever wondered what shows your dog likes to watch? While you probably notice your dog barking or doing the head tilt upon seeing something interesting on television from time to time, what exactly do they enjoy the most when watching TV? And are there kinds of TV shows that they particularly like more than others?
Let's get to know more about how dogs perceive TV shows below.
Stop Googling - Ask a Real Vet
Content:
What Do Dogs Like to Watch on TV
In a recent study from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, the viewing habits of dogs were explored, surveying 1,246 dog parents from countries including the US, Canada, Australia, and the UK. Researchers sought to understand how dogs interact with screens, the types of content that capture their attention, and the influence of age, gender, breed, and environment on their viewing preferences.
Top Viewing Preferences
So what shows do dogs like to watch? As part of the study above, researcher and professor Dr. Freya Mowat established a questionnaire to determine the TV habits of dogs around the world as observed by their parents, and the findings show that dogs are most captivated by videos featuring … you guessed it right — other dogs (with 93% of participants indicating that their pets were fans of canine content). Parents observed lively behaviors in their dogs, such as running, jumping, and barking, especially when other dogs appeared on screen.
Apart from the fascination with content featuring dogs, the survey revealed that:
- 82% of dogs are fans of car shows
- 76% enjoy cartoons
- 65% prefer nature documentaries
- 63% like dog sports
- 53% watch horse events
Insights for Dog Parents
The results indicate that younger dogs are more likely to engage with screens than older dogs. Interestingly, human figures ranked low on dogs' interest, coming in ninth out of seventeen categories. Meanwhile, it revealed that when it comes to screen time, dogs prefer their fellow canines over everything else! This research sheds light on dogs’ viewing preferences but also serves as a stepping stone for future studies on canine vision and behavior.
If you’re looking for a way to closely monitor your dog’s behavior and preferences, Petcube Cam is a useful gadget to have in your home. With its innovative features and access to an online vet service, the Petcube Cam provides you with the needed support in taking care of your pet/s.
Do Dogs Like Bluey
While its primary target audience is preschool-aged children, the hit dog cartoon series "Bluey," seems to attract many dogs too, with dog parents asking questions such as: “Is Bluey for dogs?” and “Can dogs see the colors in Bluey?”
According to Amanda Farah, National Training & Behavior Coordinator for Best Friends Animal Society, this can be attributed to the show's visually stimulating images and lively movements that resonate with dogs’ playful instincts. The relatable themes in "Bluey" also play a role. The show portrays family dynamics and fun activities, mirroring a dog’s own experiences.
Additionally, the gentle music, high-pitched voices, and soothing patterns create a calming atmosphere, making it a relaxing watch for dogs. Many pet parents report their dogs reacting positively and showcasing their engagement to the show.
Some theorize that the blue-and-yellow color palette, which are colors that dogs seem to distinguish better, was really intended for dogs. However, in a Reddit discussion on the same topic, commenters said that it may just be a happy coincidence. Meanwhile, one commenter shared that the show seemed to catch her dog’s attention and seem to have helped calm her dog down during a thunderstorm.
A good pet camera such as the Petcube Cam may help in learning more about our furry friends’ preferences and nuances in behavior. With its features designed for both pets and pet owners, you can closely monitor your pet 24/7.
Conclusion
When it comes to shows that dogs like to watch, keep in mind that it depends on their unique preferences. Generally, dogs seem to enjoy watching TV shows with other dogs and respond more to certain sounds. However, if your dog doesn’t seem to be interested in TV, it may just be their personality. On the other hand, some dogs may also have vision problems.
To conclude, watching TV can be a relaxing activity for you and your dog, but remember to still take time to do other things that can help enhance your relationship too.