Dogs Really Do Have Favorite TV Shows According to Science

According to Ryan Reed of GOOD, a new study from Auburn University has revealed that dogs aren’t just casually glancing at TV screens—many of them actually have preferences for what they watch. Researchers surveyed 453 dog owners using their own “Dog Television Viewing Scale” to analyze how dogs responded to stimuli on screen, from barking animals to passing cars, and found surprising patterns in canine behavior. The results were published in Nature’s Scientific Reports.

One of the most interesting findings was that temperament seems to dictate how much a dog engages with TV. Energetic dogs were more likely to act as though the images existed in real life, following objects across the screen as if they were real. More anxious dogs, on the other hand, reacted strongly to non-animal stimuli such as doorbells or cars. This suggests that dogs process TV in ways not entirely different from how they perceive the three-dimensional world around them.

The researchers also found that these habits weren’t linked to breed, sex, or even how much television a dog had been exposed to in the past. Instead, what mattered most was the type of stimuli being shown. That could explain why some dogs are glued to Animal Planet while others prefer the quiet rumble of background noise.

The study notes that this knowledge has real-world applications. In animal shelters, where dogs often face stress and loneliness, tailored TV programming could act as a form of enrichment, offering comfort and stimulation. This idea is already being put into practice by services like DOGTV, a cable network designed specifically for canine viewers.

If dogs really do benefit from these kinds of interventions, it highlights just how much they share with us in terms of emotional needs and sensory experiences. As we learn more about the inner lives of animals, the case for treating them with respect, care, and compassion only grows stronger. The next time you switch on your TV, maybe consider leaving something on for your dog—it could make their day a little brighter.

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