All dogs react to the television differently. Some jump, bark, or paw at the screen. Others barely pay attention to it. Researchers from Auburn University in Alabama surveyed the owners of 453 dogs to better understand canine TV-viewing habits.
The team discovered that excitable pups follow moving images as if they were real, while shy or anxious dogs respond more to sounds, like doorbells or car horns. Dogs also have favorite programs. “They seem to prefer shows with other animals in them,” says Lane Montgomery, a graduate psychology student who led the study. Knowing what dogs like to watch could help dog owners provide more stimulating entertainment for their pets.