Do Dogs Like Watching TV? New Study Finds It Depends on Their Personality
Some dogs go wild for tennis matches, while others hide when they hear a movie doorbell. According to new research, a dog’s personality plays a major role in how they respond to television — and what kind of content they prefer.
A recent study from Auburn University in Alabama has found that dogs don’t just watch TV randomly — they react in different ways depending on whether they’re excitable, anxious, or calm. While not all dogs enjoy screen time, many respond to specific sights and sounds on television. And yes, tennis balls on screen are just as exciting as the real thing for some pups.
Here’s what the study found — and what it means if you leave the TV on for your dog.
What the Study Looked At
The researchers surveyed 453 dogs, ranging in age from 4 months to 16 years, whose owners said their pets regularly noticed or reacted to the TV. The study, published in Scientific Reports, asked owners about their dogs’ personalities, reactions to different types of content, and how often they paid attention to the screen.
They looked at how dogs responded to:
Animals on screen (dogs, cats, birds, horses)
Inanimate objects like cars and tennis balls
Noises such as barking, engines, doorbells, thunder, and human voices
Dogs were also grouped by personality traits — particularly how excitable or anxious they were.
Excitable Dogs React More to On-Screen Movement
Dogs that owners described as excitable were much more likely to follow fast-moving objects on the screen, like a bouncing ball during a tennis match. These dogs seemed to treat the images as if they were real and present — not just flat visuals. That means a game of fetch on TV might be as stimulating for them as the real thing.
Excitable dogs were also more likely to stare at the screen and track movement, especially when other animals were involved.
Anxious Dogs Are More Sensitive to Sounds
Dogs with anxious or fearful personalities were much less likely to focus on visuals, but they did tend to react to certain noises on screen. Just 15% of anxious dogs showed strong interest in TV at all, but those who did were more likely to be startled or upset by:
Revving engines (e.g., in car shows)
Loud doorbells in movies
Thunder or alarm sounds
This may explain why some dogs seem unsettled when the TV is on — especially if it mimics real-life triggers like visitors arriving or loud storms.
All Dogs Respond to Other Animals on Screen
Regardless of personality, dogs were most responsive when other animals appeared on TV — especially other dogs. About 45% of dogs reacted to barking or howling sounds during TV shows, while many also noticed cats, birds, or horses.
Interestingly, some dogs even barked back at the screen or perked up when they heard familiar dog sounds.
Can Dogs Tell the Difference Between TV and Real Life?
There’s been debate for years over whether dogs can distinguish between two-dimensional images on a screen and real-life experiences. This study doesn’t settle the question entirely, but researchers suggest that many dogs do treat TV images as if they’re real, especially excitable dogs who try to engage with what they see.
Researchers wrote: "Dogs who were more excitable were more likely to exhibit behaviors suggesting an expectation that the television stimulus exists in the 3D environment."
What This Means for Dog Owners
If you leave the TV on for your dog while you’re out, or you like playing dog-friendly videos during downtime, this study offers a few helpful takeaways:
Excitable dogs may enjoy watching TV with movement — like sports, dog training videos, or animal footage.
Anxious dogs may do better with calming, low-volume programs that avoid sudden loud noises.
No TV at all? That’s fine too. Some dogs simply don’t care about screens — and that’s normal.
For dogs who do engage, TV can provide mental stimulation or comfort, but it’s no replacement for interactive play, training, or outdoor time.
The Bottom Line
Yes, dogs can watch and enjoy TV — but just like people, their preferences vary. Some love the fast pace of a tennis match or the sound of barking dogs. Others may prefer silence or might even be frightened by what they hear.
Understanding your dog’s personality can help you decide whether leaving the TV on is entertaining or overwhelming. And if your dog loves it? Go ahead and let them binge a little Wimbledon — just maybe keep the volume down during Top Gear.
