Why Do Some Dogs Like to Watch TV?
Tuesday, September 30, 2025
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Many dogs actively watch television. Whether the four-legged friends understand what's happening is unclear. A US research team has now scientifically investigated this behaviour.
Dogs also actively watch television – and react to what's happening on the screen. According to a study, many four-legged friends don't just casually perceive the images shown, but behave as if these scenes were real: they bark, wag their tails, and follow movements rigorously.
For example, some dogs may show interest in televised football matches. They recognise the sounds and movements of the players and react accordingly. Some four-legged friends, especially those who enjoy hunting or playing with balls, develop an extreme interest in football matches because the images on the television are connected to their instincts or preferences.
Temperament as an influencing factor
The researchers generally distinguished between reactions to animal scenes and other scenes, as well as between passive attention and active interest. The team reports that a dog's individual temperament is crucial for its behaviour. Easily excitable dogs more frequently followed movements on the screen, while anxious ones reacted more to sounds. Age, breed, or gender of the animals, however, did not play a role.
It is said that television content could potentially provide additional entertainment for dogs, for example, in animal shelters or during extended periods of owner absence – provided the content is suitable for the animal in question.
Study with limitations
However, the study has weaknesses, as the team itself admits: It is based solely on self-reports from owners, dogs without an interest in television images were excluded, and objective behavioural analyses were lacking. The group therefore recommends further research under controlled conditions.
Television for dogs has long been a reality.
The findings are consistent with a trend: The pay-TV channel DOGTV has been offering an all-day TV program specifically for dogs in the US for some time now. It features scenes from nature, other animals, and calming music. The goal is to relax or stimulate dogs. However, critics warn against misunderstandings – television cannot replace personal attention.