Dogs can sometimes surprise their owners with unusual reactions to television. Some bark at doorbells, others follow moving shapes, and a few even try to look behind the screen. A new study highlights that personality plays a key role in how dogs respond to TV. The survey, published on July 17 in *Scientific Reports*, collected data from more than 450 U.S. dog owners.
Table of contents:
- Jeffrey Katz from Auburn University on dog vision
- Lane Montgomery’s observations of Jax the Catahoula
- Seana Dowling-Guyer from Tufts University on overstimulation
- Key findings from the survey
Jeffrey Katz from Auburn University on dog vision
Jeffrey Katz, a comparative psychologist at Auburn University in Alabama, explained that dogs do not perceive television the same way humans do. Human eyes contain three types of cone cells for color vision, while dogs have only two. This means their range of colors is more limited. Although dogs see differently, Katz notes that their experience may still be somewhat similar to ours.
Researchers distributed the survey via Facebook and email lists. Participants reported whether their pets barked, wagged their tails, chased or growled when exposed to TV images and sounds. About 45 percent of the surveyed owners said their dogs responded to the sight or noise of other dogs on screen.
Lane Montgomery’s observations of Jax the Catahoula
Lane Montgomery, a cognitive and behavioral scientist at Auburn University, also contributed to the study. Her 3-year-old Catahoula leopard dog, Jax, was especially fond of dog shows. According to Montgomery, Jax even looked behind the television set to find the source of sounds or movements. This type of reaction was common among excitable dogs, which often followed moving objects, especially animals.
On the other hand, anxious dogs tended to react negatively. Loud noises such as doorbells or doors opening sometimes caused stress. Owners described barking or signs of discomfort when such sounds appeared in programs.
Seana Dowling-Guyer from Tufts University on overstimulation
Seana Dowling-Guyer, an animal behaviorist at Tufts University in North Grafton, Massachusetts, who was not part of the study, emphasized that television may overstimulate certain pets. While some owners leave the TV on for companionship, the reality is that it can be too much for anxious animals. She also suggested that dogs might react because their owners do. For example, if a person becomes excited while watching sports, the dog may mirror that behavior.
Dowling-Guyer added that owners should carefully consider what triggers their pets before leaving the TV on. Knowing a dog’s individual temperament is key. A calm environment may be more suitable for some, while others enjoy specific shows alongside their families.
Key findings from the survey
The study produced several notable results:
- Over 450 U.S. dog owners participated in the survey.
- 45 percent reported that their dogs reacted to other dogs on screen.
- Responses were not linked to breed, age, or sex.
- Personality traits strongly influenced how dogs engaged with TV.
Researchers concluded that dogs’ TV responses vary widely and depend largely on individual personality traits rather than breed or age.
Source: Science News Explores, YouTube