GabyA team from the University of Wisconsin–Madison investigated how more than 1,000 pet dogs behave in front of the television. They found that 80 percent were avid viewers. Purebred dogs, especially Labradors, showed the most enthusiasm for TV shows.
Many people enjoy curling up on the couch with their furry friends and turning on the TV. Surprisingly, household dogs are just as big fans of television as their owners. Researchers surveyed more than 1,000 dog owners about their pets’ attitudes toward watching TV and found that purebreds—particularly Labradors—were the most dedicated viewers. Above all, the dogs preferred shows about other dogs, the Daily Mail reported.
In general, dogs enjoyed programs about cats, nature, and animated films. On the other hand, sports competitions, especially winter sports such as ice skating, were the least popular among the pups.
The vast majority of surveyed dog owners expressed concern about leaving their four-legged friends alone with the television. After all, “some dog viewers can get overly excited” and even lunge at the screen. Some 72 percent of the dogs studied watched TV at least once a day, with the average viewing session lasting no more than 20 minutes. However, some owners reported that their pets attentively watched full-length movies from start to finish, reacting actively to the plot.
Researchers also discovered that familiar sounds, such as a favorite song, a voice, or a ringtone, could attract dogs to the screen. About 54 percent of the dogs typically watched calmly, while 19 percent displayed strong enthusiasm—barking, howling, whining, or growling. Additionally, some dog owners said their pets seemed to prefer newer televisions. One respondent said his dog became more interested in watching TV after the family upgraded their set.
