Have you ever seen your dog staring intently at the TV screen, ears perked up at certain sounds, or even barking when an animal appears on the scene? You might wonder if they truly understand what they're watching. But do dogs see TV like we do, or are they simply distracted by movements and sounds?
The question of whether dogs can see and understand what's on television isn't new, but science has begun to investigate this phenomenon more deeply in recent years. Platforms like TikTok have fueled a surge in viral videos of dogs reacting to TV shows or movies. But what really catches their attention?
One reason more dogs seem interested in television now is likely due to technological advancements in screens. Modern televisions, with high resolution and less flicker, allow dogs to perceive smoother images, something that was impossible with older screens.
Unlike humans, who are trichromatic (we perceive three primary colors), dogs are dichromatic and only distinguish shades of blue and yellow. This means their visual experience in front of the screen is very different from ours.
We also need to consider their greater sensitivity to movement, which allows them to process visual information faster than us thanks to a higher number of photoreceptor cells in their retinas called rods. This means they can detect rapid changes in their field of vision, like a bird flying or a ball rolling, even if it appears as smooth movement to us. This could explain why they often react more to programs with action or fast movement, such as sports, nature documentaries, or science fiction movies.
According to recent studies, dogs show a clear preference for content featuring other dogs. This makes sense considering that canines are naturally inclined to recognize and respond to their own species. But they also pay attention to other animals and scenes with a lot of movement.
In a study conducted by veterinary ophthalmologist Freya Mowat of the University of Wisconsin-Madison, over 1,200 dog owners were surveyed to analyze their dog's reactions to television. A whopping 78% of dogs showed interest by approaching the screen, and 76% vocalized in response to what they saw. Some even tried to look behind the TV or peered out the window to check if what they had seen was real. Interestingly, humans came in a modest ninth place on a list of 17 categories of canine interest.
A common question among those observing this curious behavior in dogs is whether they can recognize cartoon characters as real animals. The answer is that there's no evidence they identify them in the same way humans do. According to Freya Mowat, many dogs react to television as if they're evaluating whether what they see is something that deserves their attention. For example, some dogs may bark at another dog on the screen or even try to look behind the TV to see if the animal is actually there.
In another study on canine cognition, conducted at the University of Padua, Italy, researchers discovered that dogs pay more attention to movements that seem natural, like an animal walking on all fours. Even when shown a simplified representation of a dog in motion (a set of dots), dogs ignored the image if the dots moved backward or unnaturally. This suggests that dogs have a basic understanding of what 'normal' movement is in their environment.
Some caregivers leave the television on so their dog doesn't feel alone, and while this can be a positive stimulus in some cases, it can also lead to over-excitement or stress. In fact, some dogs have even attacked the screen when watching certain content.
Given this uncertainty, canine behavior experts advise choosing appropriate content. Programs with relaxing images, such as natural landscapes or animals moving slowly, may be more appropriate than action movies or those with jarring sounds. Additionally, classical music, especially piano music, has been shown to have a calming effect on dogs, so it may be a better alternative to television.
Not all dogs react the same way to television, and preferences also seem to be influenced by various factors, such as the dog's breed. In the survey conducted by Mowat, working dogs, such as hunting and herding dogs, showed a greater interest in watching television. Additionally, hunting dogs seemed more attentive to images of birds, although it hasn't been proven whether this is due to natural instinct or because their owners tend to show them this type of content looking for a reaction, causing subconscious positive reinforcement.
The answer isn't simple. Some dogs may enjoy watching TV, especially if the content includes animals or movements that capture their attention. However, most dogs only look at the screen for brief moments, more out of curiosity than genuine interest in the broadcast.
While science doesn't yet have a definitive answer, one of the most interesting hypotheses is that dogs watch television because they enjoy our company. It's not that they follow the plot or have a favorite star, but rather it could be another way of imitating and sharing moments with their humans.
What's clear is that dogs don't watch TV like we do. They don't seek entertainment or narrative, but rather react to what they perceive on the screen. If a dog seems to enjoy a time in front of the television, it may simply love sharing that time with their human.