Can Dogs Watch TV?

Written and verified by the lawyer Francisco María García

Last update: 27 December, 2022

Dogs can watch TV if they are in the habit of being around a television. They are generally not indifferent to it. Sometimes they’ll spend hours focused on the screen, and even more so if there is another dog on it.

It’s no coincidence that our dogs watch TV. Actually, studies have shown that dogs are able to recognize their peers on television. Although smell is their most developed sense, the sounds of other dogs playing, barking, and panting attract their attention, even though they’re on a screen.

Not only do our canine friends recognize other dogs on TV, but also other animal species. Not all dogs do this, however. It depends a lot on their personality. Some dogs are more oblivious and others are more attentive when it comes to identifying interesting things on television.

A TV channel for dogs

Recently, the first channel created for dogs was launched, called DOGTV. It has shows with brave dogs that surf or happy wander around in the mountains. Its spectators love it.

For correct visualization, this channel has adjusted their shows to the color capacity of dogs to make them more attractive. They take into account that the colors that dogs perceive are only yellow and blue. They also use faster shots, because it’s also known that dogs can perceive images faster than humans.

Faster images

The illusion of movement that occurs in film and television is actually a rapid succession of static images. But for dogs, not just any speed will do.

Dogs and cats have more acute perception than ours, and so they can distinguish subtle movements that happen rapidly, ones that we would not notice.

Because of this visual ability, dogs need images to change at higher speeds in order to deceive their brain. In particular, a canine needs a frequency of at least 75 Hz to perceive movement, so if we play a video on a 50 Hz TV for the animal (normal for humans), he’ll be bored. For him the images keep stopping. However, the new TV channel with frequencies between 120 and 240 Hz will be more interesting for dogs.

The location of television is also an important factor. If it is too high up, the animal will not see the image well and will have to be in a slightly uncomfortable posture, which will make him less interested. So it is much better to place the TV at the dog’s height. Or have the dog get on the couch to put him at the right angle.

Coupled with the fact that higher speeds catch the canine’s eye is the fact that certain rhythms, sounds and subjects may not catch his attention. Dogs watch TV, but their favorite  “programs” will be those that contain images of nature and other dogs.

Colors

Yes, dogs watch TV, but not in black and white like many people say. They see color, but not like us. Dogs see a smaller range of color. While we have three primary colors — red, yellow, and blue — dogs have two: blue and yellow.

So… what is DOGTV? The channel started in San Diego, United States. After its success, it has spread to many other cities. Germany, the UK and France were the first countries in Europe chosen to broadcast this interesting channel. It is a channel made for dogs, with specially filmed images to attract and comfort our furry friends.

DOGTV broadcasts its programs 24 hours a day with content designed especially for dogs and no commercials. It is ideal for dogs who are alone at home for long hours.