Dogs’ TV‑Watching Habits Vary by Personality
Picture this: it’s a rainy afternoon, you’re curled up on the couch, and your dog parks right next to you, eyes glued to the screen. Turns out, that cozy scene might say more about your pup’s personality than you realize.
A new study from Auburn University, published in Scientific Reports, dove into how dogs respond to television. And guess what? It depends a lot on their temperament.
Researchers surveyed over 650 dog owners and analyzed 453 pups, ages 2 months to 16 years, to explore what grabs their attention when the TV is on.
The study found that excitable dogs, the kind that chase tennis balls until they snooze, loved to follow moving objects on screen. They’d track a bouncing ball or darting dog with their eyes, even dash around the TV looking for it.
Anxious or fearful dogs were less interested in visuals. Instead, they perked up at sounds, like doorbells, car engines, or a sudden bark.
Regardless of personality, nearly 45% of dogs reacted when they heard another dog bark or howl on TV. Some even jumped up to find the source.
On average, a viewing session lasted about 14 minutes.
“It really shows dogs may perceive that screen image as part of their real world,” says Lane Montgomery, the lead researcher. And Jeffrey Katz, a cognitive psychology expert involved in the study, said, “Personality of the dog influences their viewing habits… animal‑centric content yielding a more enthusiastic response than footage of people”.
So what does this mean for us as pet parents? First off, TV can be more than background noise, it can offer mental enrichment, especially for energetic dogs who need extra stimulation. But for anxious pups, flashy scenes or sudden noises might actually stress them out.
Dr. Freya Mowat, a veterinary ophthalmologist, cautions against leaving anxious dogs alone with the TV: “If your dog has reactive tendencies… I would question whether that is truly a good thing for your dog”. She suggests softer sounds, like classical piano music, can be soothing instead.
And creators of “Dog TV” are already taking note. Some specialty channels tailor their programming with dogs in mind, adjusting color, sound, and pacing to match how dogs see and hear the world. It’s not just entertainment, it’s enrichment with a purpose.
If you want to test this at home, here’s a quick guide:
- Try a variety of shows: nature documentaries, sports with lots of movement, or even clips of dogs playing.
- Watch your dog’s reaction: are they tracking the action, sniffing around, barking, or flinching?
- Adjust accordingly: excitable dogs may thrive on action; nervous dogs might prefer calm, animal‑focused content or none at all.
- Use it wisely: don’t rely on TV to entertain them all day. It’s a supplement, not a substitute for play, training, or family time.
And remember, not every dog will enjoy watching TV, and that’s okay. Some are visual, some are auditory, and some would rather chew a toy in peace. Just like us, they’ve got preferences, and quirks that make them who they are.
In a world full of screen time, our four‑legged friends are discovering what’s enjoyable, and what’s not so enjoyable on TV. Their preferences are as unique as their personalities.
So the next time your dog hops onto the couch for “movie night,” pay attention: they just might be telling you what kind of movie they prefer.
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Nevena is a freelance writer and a proud mom of Teo, a 17-year-old poodle, and Bob, a rescued grey tabby cat. Since childhood, she had a habit of picking up strays and bringing them home (luckily, her parents didn't know how to say NO). When she's not writing for her fellow pet parents, Nevena can be found watching Teo sleep. To her defense, that's not as creepy as it sounds!
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