If you’ve ever curled up with your pup for a nice weekend of TV watching (and who hasn’t?) you might have wondered if your dog is enjoying that Teen Wolf marathon as much as you are. Well, turns out some top-notch science types have asked themselves the same question and a few researchers have helped paint a reasonably clear picture of your dog’s TV-watching experience!
So can my dog watch television and what does it feel like for them?
- Dogs are color-blind, but not blind to ALL colors; the color they really can’t see is red. The world isn’t quite black and white for them. It’s more blue and yellow.
- Dogs process visual info even faster than humans. So shows on an older TV, with a slightly slower frame rate, might flicker “like a 1920s movie” for dogs, in the words of Nicholas Dodman, a veterinary behaviorist at Tufts University.
- Dogs can absolutely tell when a dog is onscreen– and it’s no surprise that their favorite part of pretty much any show is “when the dog came on.” They’ve also got keen ears for their favorite sounds… like a bark, a squeak, or words of praise.
As for their TV preferences? Well, some research has shown that when presented with three screens, dogs can’t decide what to watch, and prefer to watch one screen no matter what is on it. I guess it makes sense not being too picky, when your paws haven’t adapted to use a remote!
The verdict: Dogs definitely can focus on screens but they do not experience watching television in the same way humans do because of the way they process visual information. And some dogs like watching TV while others don’t care one bit!
Want some screen-free entertainment for your pup? How about a delivery of toys and treats from BarkBox? With its creative monthly themes, top-quality products (all of them designed and made in-house), and incredible customer service, BarkBox is a great time for pups who love toys and treats. BarkBox also tailors each delivery to your pup based on size, needs, and wants. Plus, all of the edibles are free from wheat, corn, and soy, and—most importantly—they taste delicious.
BarkBox
Cost: $29 for 1 month, $25 for 6 months, or $20 for 12 months.
If your pup needs tough toys, the Super Chewer BarkBox could be an awesome option for you. The Super Chewer version of the BarkBox is very similar to the one above (fun monthly themes, original products, and so on) but with the added benefit of having toys that are virtually indestructible. It’s made for the pups who want a bit more of a challenge for their teeth – and for you humans who are sick of throwing away destroyed toys five minutes after getting them.
Super Chewer BarkBox
Cost: $39 for 1 month, $33 for 3 months, $30 for 6 months, $28 for 12 months.
