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Do you ever turn on the TV as a way to keep your dog company when nobody is home?
You may be wondering if doing so is a good or bad idea.
Here’s the deal:
Sometimes there are valid reasons to allow your dog to watch television. Assuming they aren’t a couch potato, there is no need to feel guilty about it!
Of course, dogs do not fully appreciate or understand a story-line. But that’s not the point.
It’s OK For Your Dog to Watch TV
Regular viewing is fine as long as your buddy is getting enough exercise and attention.
The truth is TV can be very useful tool for pet owners. The television tube won’t harm your dog and they probably enjoy it.
By comparison, it’s a much better idea for an animal to watch TV rather than letting a human baby do it.
The trick is to not allow your dog get too lazy. They also need to be outside getting plenty exercise.
In other words:
Do not depend on the boob tube to keep a hound happy.
Strike The Right Balance
By now you may feel better about letting your dog gaze up at the television while you are away.
Nevertheless…
TV is not a replacement for companionship or healthy activities.
Is your dog a bit overweight or even obese?
Having them sit around viewing the idiot box will make matters worse.
There are millions of housebound canines watching too much TV each day. Make no mistake, being fat is a strong indicator of this!
For Socializing Puppies
Many experts agree that puppies can benefit most from television viewing. In particular, it may help young dogs become more accustomed to our modern world.
As the theory goes…
A developing brain will hear a wide range of unique sounds coming from the TV. And it is not necessary for a furry friend to fully understand what’s going on.
Television may even make your dog smarter (more likely a pet puppy because they aren’t yet set in their ways).
TV And Separation Anxiety
Many dogs do not deal well with loneliness. And it can result in downright disruptive or destructive behavior.
Separation Anxiety is, unfortunately, an common canine condition.
Folks often find that TV helps a lot!
Veterinarians recommend turning on the television for this purpose. It works!
What Should They Watch?
TV can be stimulating for a dog, so much so that there’s actually a new channel called DogTV!
The programming is designed for the canine attention span.
Yup! It turns out that dogs love to watch other dogs on TV, minus the barking.
A channel that primarily shows nature, such as National Geographic, would probably be the next best thing.
The Bottom Line
You can let your dog enjoy television, but don’t get carried away. Moderation is a must.
Use TV in a way that helps your dog. Turn it on when you aren’t home or to socialize a puppy.
Video programming can reduce a lonely feeling or boredom.
Just remember that TV won’t whip a lazy dog into shape!
My small dog will sit and watch TV especially when dogs are on. He also loves Disney movies with animals. I say if he enjoys television and movies let him watch. Of course, exercise is important in between watch time!
I’m glad to read this good news because I thought TV might damage my dog’s eyesight. Thank you!