As a canine behavior expert, I‘m often asked if dogs can actually see and understand television in the same way humans do. With flashing imagery, rapid scene changes, and loud sounds, TV would seem like the perfect thing to captivate your dog‘s attention.
But since dog vision works very differently compared to human eyes, do our furry friends really see and comprehend images on the screen as we do? Let‘s dig into the evidence behind dogs and TV.
Notable Differences Between Dog and Human Vision
Human eyes evolved impressive visual acuity, with excellent color perception and ability to see fine details. We have three types of photoreceptor cones, enabling us to distinguish red, green and blue light.
Dogs, on the other hand, have significantly lower visual acuity according to veterinary research. Their color vision is limited to just two channels – blue and yellow. This is called dichromatic vision. They are also less able to see crisp details, especially for distant objects.
However, canine vision does have some superior capacities compared to human sight. Dogs enjoy almost 300 degrees of peripheral vision versus our 180 degrees. Dogs can also detect very rapid movements and flickering light better than we can, perceiving rates upwards of 75 Hz compared to our 60 Hz limit.
Notable Differences in Dog and Human Vision
- Dogs have lower visual acuity, lacking sharp detail, especially at a distance
- Dogs only see blue and yellow hues; they have dichromatic color vision
- Dogs have almost 300 degrees peripheral vision, humans only 180 degrees
- Dogs see better in dim light thanks to more rod photoreceptor cells
- Dogs detect flickering light and rapid motion over 75 Hz, faster than humans
What Do Dogs Actually See on TV Screens?
Given their visual limitations, research confirms dogs do not see television images the same way humans do. The picture appears less focused, with muted colors and less fine detail visible. Rapid scene and camera angle changes may appear as flickering light bursts to dogs.
However, multiple studies have shown dogs are able to identify familiar objects, animals, people and actions on TV, despite the visual differences. The sounds coming from the TV also help dogs associate images with real-life objects and events.
Key Factors in How Dogs Perceive TV Images
- Less visual detail and color depth perception
- Quick scene cuts may look like flickering light to dogs
- Still able to recognize familiar objects, animals, people and actions
- Auditory cues help associate sounds with corresponding images
Breed Tendencies – Which Dogs Watch TV Most?
Many factors influence whether a dog pays attention to a TV screen or ignores it completely. One key factor seems to be breed tendencies.
According to a survey of over 1,000 dog owners by Dutch company DogTV, breeds relying more on vision and movement for hunting, like terriers and hounds, are significantly more likely to notice and react to TV compared to scent-driven breeds like bloodhounds and beagles.
Herding breeds, including border collies and Australian cattle dogs, also frequently respond to moving objects and animals they see on television, wanting to "herd" the on-screen creatures. These breeds watch TV more than others.
Breeds That Tend to Watch TV Most
- Terriers – Jack Russell, Yorkshire, Cairn, etc.
- Hounds – Greyhound, whippet, borzoi
- Herding breeds – Border collie, cattle dog, sheltie
- Sporting breeds – Spaniels, retrievers, pointers
Why Some Dogs Love Watching Animal Shows
It‘s very common for dogs to be highly interested in TV shows featuring other animals. But what makes tuning into critters on screen so much more engaging than human programs?
According to canine researchers, there are three main factors that draw dogs into animal content:
1. Movement
The vision center in a dog‘s brain is highly responsive to motion. TV shows with animals naturally feature lots of action – birds flying, cows charging, cats pouncing. This triggers a dog‘s instinct to notice and track movement.
2. Sounds
Hearing realistic animal vocalizations like barking, meowing or chirping further engages a dog‘s auditory interest. They recognize these sounds and closely associate them with the corresponding animal behaviors shown on-screen.
3. Smell
Watching other animals can also stimulate a dog‘s powerful sense of smell. Though they can‘t actually smell a TV, studies show dogs often sniff the air when animals appear on-screen, as if expecting real scents. Their olfactory imagination is activated.
In one experiment, over 75% of dogs sniffed the air repeatedly while watching dog or cat footage. But they sniffed far less with shows featuring only human actors.
Do Special Dog TV Channels Really Work?
Recently, TV channels designed specifically for canine viewers have become available. The most popular is DogTV, which programs shows claiming to entertain and relax anxious dogs home alone.
But do these dog TV channels deliver measurable benefits for pets? Many animal experts remain skeptical.
Critiques of dedicated dog TV include:
- No scent or physical interaction – misses key canine engagement needs
- Rapid pacing could overstimulate some dogs prone to compulsions
- Synthesized soundtracks meant to soothe humans, not dogs
- No proven lasting calming effect on anxious, stressed dogs
In one study, DogTV only held most dogs‘ interest for an average of 6 minutes before they lost attention or became restless. The channels may distract some bored dogs temporarily, but effects seem short-lived once the show ends.
More peer-reviewed research on these channels‘ impacts is still needed. In the meantime, owners report very mixed results from dog-aimed TV programming.
Potential Benefits and Drawbacks of Dog TV Time
Beyond entertainment, could television viewing also provide developmental or behavioral benefits for dogs? Veterinary behaviorists have mixed opinions on the potential pros and cons.
Possible Benefits
- Provides some mental stimulation and distraction for dogs left alone
- Exposure to novel sounds/sights may help build confidence in fearful dogs
- May briefly help relax some anxious or stressed dogs
- Could aid in training – instructional videos demonstrate behaviors
Potential Drawbacks
- Flashing lights overstimulate some dogs, worsening compulsions
- Could increase separation anxiety after TV is turned off
- May reinforce unwanted behaviors like barking at TV animals
- Better enrichment and training options exist than passive TV time
The general veterinary consensus seems to be that television viewing should be limited for dogs, not relied on heavily for enrichment. More interactive play, exercise and training will benefit dogs‘ brains and bodies more than too much couch potato time.
Tips for Making TV Time Safer for Your Dog
If you want to have the TV on when your dog is present, certain guidelines can make it a more positive experience.
- Supervise and pay attention to your dog‘s reactions at first
- Avoid channels with lots of fast flashes of light
- Do not show aggressive dog fights or similar intense scenes
- Keep TV time limited to prevent overstimulation
- Make sure volume isn‘t uncomfortably loud for canine ears
- Do not use TV as a substitute for quality time and activity with your dog
Following these tips will help ensure television remains an occasional novelty for your dog rather than an unhealthy obsession or stress trigger.
The Bottom Line on Dogs and TV
Extensive research confirms dogs can and do perceive visual media, engaging with it based on breed tendencies, training and content. But science indicates they likely do not comprehend broader meaning and context on TV.
While television will probably never provide the sensory richness of real interaction, when used in moderation it can offer some dogs cognitive stimulation. As we continue to deepen our understanding of canine psychology and perception, we can keep learning more about how dogs experience our modern media world.
