Have you ever wondered about TV for dogs, and whether or not it is actually beneficial for your furrkid companions? 

Whether you’re cheering on your favorite football team or binge-watching the latest crime drama or laughing at the funny bits or crying with the tear jerkers, every dog guardian knows that often their dog comes running when the TV is switched on. 

But why do they do this? Is it because they just want to cuddle with you, or is there really something to TV for dogs? 

DOGTV – yes or no?

The idea that dogs actually enjoy watching TV—and that they need something to occupy them while they’re home alone and bored all day—is the concept behind DOGTV.

As the website explains, DOGTV is the first-ever network specially designed with only your four-legged friends in mind. Digital TV programs play round the clock so that when you head off to work in the morning or for a night out, TV for dogs will keep them company and entertained until you get back. 

This in turn will keep them happy, relaxed, and stress-free while you’re away.

What a relief, right? Who wouldn’t want such an easy and simple way to keep their dogs happy?

Another way to help them be happy, relaxed and entertained is to learn how to speak their language!  You can be your own dog whisperer – Start here at The Heart School of Animal Communication® with your free ebook 

The possible benefits of TV for dogs

You may be wondering if TV for dogs is something that will really help your beloved dog, and if paying for yet another entertainment service is worth it.

As Evan MacLean, co-director of the Duke Canine Cognition Center notes, TV for dogs may be beneficial for canines who spend a lot of time at home by themselves.

Older TVs are more difficult for dogs to watch due to the way their eyes are constructed. The newer high definition models have better refresh rates. This may make it easier for your dogs to actually see the images that are on the screen.

Unlike the shows you watch, DOGTV was specifically created with dogs in mind. 

For instance, shows that are meant to be stimulating for dogs might show their fellow canines chasing balls or Frisbees on the beach, with lots of dog centered action going on.

Or a more relaxing show would show calm landscapes with classical music playing and dogs enjoying a lovely day which has been shown in studies to be calming for dogs.

Additionally, some TV for dogs shows are meant for help with desensitization games with exposure.  Meaning, they help your pets get used to scary, real-life stimuli like vacuum cleaners or thunderstorms or fireworks. 

The possible disadvantages of TV for dogs 

Yes, TV for dogs is a very interesting idea. But it seems to be more designed to make people feel better about leaving their pets at home rather than actually benefiting your dogs.

Even if you feel less guilty about leaving your precious friend home alone for hours, leaving DOGTV running all day may not be the answer.

Truthfully, most dogs aren’t interested in watching TV while you’re not there. They’d rather catch up on their sleep so they’re nice and rested and ready for action when you get home. 

So in fact, having TV for dogs playing all day might be more of a disturbance or annoyance for your dogs more than it will interest them.

Furthermore, many dogs are not visual creatures like humans are, explains an article on Slate. They do not react to the TV just like they may not react to your voice on the phone. Whatever they can’t smell doesn’t exist to them. They experience their world with their senses and noses, not flashing images on a screen.

So, while it may seem like your dogs love to watch television because they come running when they hear the NFL theme song, chances are good it’s because they want to snuggle with you for a few hours, not that they’re interested in what the score is.

Download my FREE Ebook Hidden Secrets to Communicating with Dogs – just click on the picture below!

How do you know for sure whether your dog likes it or not?

ASK them!  All dogs are unique individuals, and some like watching TV more than others who don’t care about TV at all. 

Learn how to talk to dogs! It’s easy as 1-2-3!  Start here at The Heart School of Animal Communication® with your free ebook Hidden Secrets to Communicating with Pets 

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This article has been updated from a previously published version.