Latest news with #DTVS
Fox News
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Fox News
Do dogs really watch TV? Science says yes
Ever catch your dog staring at the screen during movie night and wonder if they're actually watching? Turns out, they might be. A new scientific study from Auburn University found that many dogs really do engage with television, and not all pups react the same way. Sign up for my FREE CyberGuy ReportGet my best tech tips, urgent security alerts, and exclusive deals delivered straight to your inbox. Plus, you'll get instant access to my Ultimate Scam Survival Guide - free when you join my In the past, older TVs didn't do much for dogs. Their lower refresh rates caused flickering that was hard for canine eyes to process. Dogs see flicker more sensitively than humans do. So while you were watching your favorite sitcom, your dog was probably just seeing a strobe light. Today's high-definition, high-frame-rate TVs are a different story. The improved visuals and sound mean dogs can now recognize what's happening onscreen and respond to it. Researchers developed something called the Dog Television Viewing Scale (DTVS). It's a 16-question tool that helps measure how dogs respond to different kinds of TV content, like barking, tail-wagging, or even following something off-screen. They surveyed over 650 dog owners. More than 450 respondents reported that their dogs actually watch TV. From there, three main behavior patterns emerged: Dogs responded most strongly to other animals, especially dogs and wildlife. Some dogs physically tracked an object as it moved off the screen. This suggests they think the image might exist beyond the TV, like in real life. Dogs also reacted to people and inanimate objects, such as cars or doorbells. The researchers found that personality, not breed or age, influenced how dogs reacted. Excitable dogs were more likely to exhibit "follow" behavior, actively watching and expecting movement off-screen. Fearful or reactive dogs were more sensitive to non-animal stimuli, like human voices or doorbells. Interestingly, dogs' sex, breed, or even whether they were neutered didn't seem to affect their TV habits. Exposure to TV also wasn't a strong factor, meaning dogs aren't necessarily "trained" to watch. If you leave the TV on for your dog while you're out, you're not alone, and it might even help them feel more at ease. But not all dogs benefit the same way. The content matters. Animal-heavy programming could excite or soothe a curious pup. But shows with loud sounds or human conflict could stress out a fearful dog. Some streaming services, like DOGTV, are now designing content tailored for dogs. This research gives that idea more scientific credibility. The findings suggest a new tool for improving dog welfare, especially in shelters. Tailored TV programming could help reduce stress and provide mental enrichment for dogs waiting to be adopted. Still, more research is needed. Most of the data came from owners whose dogs already engage with TV. Behavior reports were based on what owners observed, rather than direct measurement. TV might not just be background noise for your dog. For some, it could be entertainment. For others, it might even be stress relief or stimulation. And thanks to modern screen tech, they're seeing it clearer than ever before. So next time you catch your dog watching with you, take a moment. They may really be following the action. Would you ever let your dog pick what's on TV based on their reaction? Let us know by writing us at Sign up for my FREE CyberGuy ReportGet my best tech tips, urgent security alerts, and exclusive deals delivered straight to your inbox. Plus, you'll get instant access to my Ultimate Scam Survival Guide - free when you join my Copyright 2025 All rights reserved
Time of India
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Do dogs watch TV? New study reveals it depends on their personality
Wondering whether your dog is actually watching the TV or just zoning out? Turns out, dogs do watch television, but whether they enjoy it or even notice it depends on their personality, according to a peer-reviewed study published in Scientific Reports in July 2025. This first-of-its-kind research offers powerful insights into how different dogs engage with visual media. If you've ever seen your pup bark at cartoons or ignore a whole wildlife documentary, science now has the answer why. Dogs watch TV differently based on personality, says study Researchers from Auburn University surveyed 453 dog owners across the U.S. using a newly developed Dog Television Viewing Scale (DTVS). The results were surprising: 88.3% of dogs responded to television at some level The average dog watched TV for 14 minutes and 8 seconds per session Dogs were most reactive to animal sounds like barking or howling Visual interest was higher in social, excitable, or curious dogs Fearful or anxious dogs were more sensitive to sudden noises but visually disengaged Which dogs enjoy watching TV? Social and Curious Dogs Dogs with outgoing, friendly, or playful traits were far more likely to engage with the screen. They tracked moving visuals like other animals, balls, or running people and sometimes barked or moved toward the TV. Anxious or Fearful Dogs Shyer dogs weren't big on watching TV but reacted strongly to sound, especially doorbells, thunder, or barking. They might leave the room or grow anxious if overstimulated. Age Doesn't Matter Much Dogs from puppies to seniors (ages 4 months to 16 years) all showed potential to watch television. What really mattered was personality, not age or breed. Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Do you have a mouse? Desert Order Undo by Taboola by Taboola What type of TV content do dogs prefer? According to the study, dogs respond most to: Animal sounds: Barking, howling, squeaking Natural movement: Animals running, playing, jumping Realistic visuals: Shows with animals, nature scenes, or pets. Less engaging: Human voices Cartoon visuals Electronic or mechanical noises Why this matters: Real benefits for dogs This isn't just fun trivia, knowing your dog's viewing habits could help improve their wellbeing: Shelters could use TV for stimulation and stress relief Owners can keep pets calm when left alone with suitable content Trainers might use audio-visual cues to assist with behavioural exercises Plus, it opens new doors in understanding canine cognitive perception, how dogs process and react to two-dimensional media. Summary table: How dogs react to TV Dog Personality Reaction to TV Friendly & Active Watches visuals, reacts to movement Curious Engages with animal sounds and images Anxious Reacts to loud or sudden noises Fearful Avoids screen, sensitive to audio Yes, dogs really do watch TV but how they respond depends entirely on who they are. Outgoing dogs enjoy movement and visuals, while shy or anxious pups respond more to specific sounds. If you want to entertain your furry friend or just understand them better, this new study proves that screen time might be a bigger part of their world than we thought. Want to test it? Play a nature show with animals and observe your dog's reaction, you might just find their favourite binge-watch. Also read| How to tell if your dog has a fever: Signs, symptoms, and when to call the vet
