Part of my routine when I leave my pets home alone is to leave the television on or some music playing for them while I am gone. I often get poked fun at by my family and friends for doing it, but I firmly believe my pets do better with a bit of background noise when all the people leave the house. One of my colleagues recently brought this subject up after getting a new dog and asked all of us if we keep the TV on or play music for our dogs when we leave home; it was surprising. About a third of us do, and the others don’t.
My dogs often seem to be watching my shows with me; I have seen their eyes follow along, their heads move, and even see them jump around when another dog or animal is on the screen. But are they really watching? Does leaving the TV on when I leave make any difference? I decided to take a closer look at the idea of dogs watching TV. Should dogs watch TV? Are there shows made just for dogs? How do owners entertain their pets when they are away? Sit back, and I’ll share with you the best TV and music I found to leave on for your pet when you are away.
Do Dogs Watch TV?
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Yes, some dogs do watch TV. However, they do not understand it the same way we do. Dogs do not see colors the same way we do, nor can they understand what the images are or follow the plot. However, many dogs enjoy the mental stimulation.
Dogs have different vision than us, so they do not see images as clearly and are red-green color blind, meaning they do not see these shades the way we do. They see more of a gray hue but are better at detecting motion. This may be why some dogs seem drawn into shows with big movements and breeds like sighthounds (these include Greyhounds, Saluki, Whippet, and Borzoi) and guarding dogs (such as German Shepherds, Mastiffs, and Rottweilers) may be more inclined to pick up on movements on the TV screen.
A research study published in the journal Applied Animal Behavior Science looked at what dogs like to watch on TV and how they interact with the screen. This study found that sporting and herding breeds appear to watch TV more than others. Along with that, the study found that dogs prefer animal content and are drawn to movement. The study also showed that dogs can show signs of excitement in reaction to what they see on the TV screen.
Does Watching Television Benefit Dogs?
There are a few ways that watching TV and having the TV on when they are home alone can benefit dogs. It can provide mental stimulation, prevent boredom, cover background noise, and help deter anxious reactions due to triggers from outside noise.
Can TV Be Bad For Dogs?
Some dogs may not like to watch TV, and for others, it may be too overstimulating. They may find the movement and sounds to be too much, and this can trigger an anxious or fearful response. So, you must test things out with your pup first to see how they react. You do not want the TV to trigger any behavioral issues.
You must also be careful not to have the TV on too much, as prolonged watching can cause strain on your pup’s eyes.
TV Shows For Dogs
There are several choices if you want to leave some TV on for your dog. Below, I share a few of the top television shows for dogs. There are a few television channels, shows, and YouTube channels with content made specifically for dogs. Others are not made for dogs but are wonderful options to watch with your pup.
DOGTV
DOGTV is a 24/7 streaming channel that is designed just for dogs. It has one line of programming that is designed specifically to stimulate dogs. There are different programs throughout the day, all developed for a dog’s hearing and visual senses. DOGTV programming is designed by animal behavior experts and based on research. Programs fall into three different categories: stimulation, relaxation, and exposure.
- Relaxation programs are developed to promote soothing and calm anxious or over-excited dogs. These include slow-moving scenes with healing sound frequencies. These are the most popular programs on DOGTV.
- Stimulation programming has cheerful music and sounds dogs like, such as birds and squeaky toys. These are set to animated images and bouncing ball sequences. These videos are intended to stimulate dogs and prevent boredom.
- Exposure programming is designed to help dogs better acclimate and tolerate startling sounds. These include thunder, doorbells, vacuums, and more. These programs help dogs get used to sights and sounds from the world that can trigger fear or anxiety responses.
DOGTV has been around for about 13 years. It is available on the DOGTV app, through DOGTV.com, and on some major cable streaming services such as DISH, DirectTV, Xfinity, and Sling.
Paul Dinning
Paul Dinning is a YouTube creator who makes videos for cats and dogs to watch. While the majority of his content is cat-oriented, he has a popular variety of dog-specific content. These include a virtual dog walk, wildlife videos, and calming nature sounds.
Happy Dog TV
Happy Dog TV is a Roku channel with programming designed for dogs. Visuals are made to be seen from the viewpoint of dogs, using input and help from canine behavior researchers. Audio is designed following guidelines from trainers and researchers to provide dogs with a blend of sounds at a frequency that promotes calm and relaxation.
RelaxMyDog
RelaxMyDog is a subscription-based streaming service that offers television shows and music developed to calm pets. It is available on iOS, Amazon Fire, Apple TV, Roku, and Android. You can test it out for yourself with a free trial and can also see a good amount of their content on YouTube. RelaxMyDog was started by a pet owner who lives in a loud, violent area, which was causing his dog anxiety.
You can also try the YouTube Channel Calm Your Cat. Designed to help keep cats calm throughout the day, these videos and music may help your dog, too.
Four Paws TV
Four Paws TV is another YouTube channel with content made especially for four-pawed folks to watch. Content features a variety of wildlife and other animals without any ads or background music. Most are live streams and last several hours. So you can set your dog up with a 10-hour feed of the outdoors, complete with animal and nature sounds. There is even an adorable video of dogs and cats watching TV.
Animal Planet
Animal Planet is an extremely popular pick for many reasons. Many dog owners report their pups enjoying the content, especially content that features other animals. Animal Planet features plenty of dog-focused and nature-based shows that your pup can enjoy. You can access some of this for free online but will need a subscription to access the full lineup. Some all-time favorites include the Puppy Bowl, Too Cute, Dogs 101, and Meerkat Manor.
Nature Documentaries
Nature documentaries and shows like Our Planet, The Blue Planet, Planet Earth, Wild Babies, The Secret Lives of Animals, and NOVA are all examples of animal-related content that dogs may enjoy watching. The audio on these is generally calm, clear, and without sudden loud crashes, bangs, music, or commercials. This creates a calm environment, and many dogs enjoy watching other animals on TV. Some even engage a little further and move around based on the movements on the screen. The great thing about nature documentaries is that there is plenty to choose from online and from varying streaming services and cable providers.
Our Personal Experience Leaving On The TV For Dogs
Call me crazy, but I’ve been convinced that leaving the TV or music on for my dog Tiny when I leave my house helps ease his separation (and other) anxiety issues. Has this been based on any research? Well, no, but I know Tiny doesn’t like silence in my house because he gets way overstimulated by too much outside noise — delivery drivers, trash trucks, yard crew, and even people walking and talking loudly by my townhouse. My thinking is that I try to give him some drown-out noise when I’m away to help deter some of that anxiety.
– Sally Jones, Rescue Dog Mom, Canine Journal Editor
I have a very anxious pup Falkor, who has caused some damage when left alone. He has chewed up furniture and items like shoes and even chewed through a bedroom door. He gets pretty anxious as soon as he recognizes the signs that we are leaving. I usually leave the television on or calming music playing when I must leave him home. Falkor is crate-trained, and my other dog is also kept in a closed room, so the house is still and quiet, which only makes his separation anxiety worse.
I did not like the idea of my pup being sad or worked up when I left, so I tried a variety of things to make him more comfortable. One thing I did was observe him with a camera while I was away. I tried a Furbo 360 system, which allowed me to dispense treats and talk to him. However, hearing my voice when I was away did not help him. It actually freaked him out. Using the camera, I could test how he reacted to different things like music and television shows. I did find that leaving on the background noise helps him stay more comfortable; when I do not, he paces around his crate and even starts chewing on the sides. When the television or music is on, he does not do this.
For my dog, television channels or movies that have calmer content, like animal-based or historical shows, with lower, more monotonous tones, like Blue Planet, work well. I usually stick to PBS, PBS Kids, and shows with calm narrators like documentaries. When I leave music on, I opt for a classical or instrumental-based choice to keep a calmer vibe.
What About Music For Dogs?
Many owners prefer to leave music on for their dogs when they leave. Music has a calming effect on dogs. Softer music like soft rock and classical have been found in research to benefit dogs with separation anxiety. Classical music, in particular, has been shown to have a calming effect on dogs when they are in high-stress situations.
Of course, you can simply turn on the radio or your favorite classical or focus playlist. You can also curate a playlist for your pup on your favorite music streaming service. However, if you are looking for some other options, you are in luck. There are many ways to send soothing sounds to your pup’s ears. Below, I share some top picks that pet owners love.
HealingMate
HealingMate is a YouTube channel dedicated to music for dogs. Audio is set to endearing images of dogs. There are a variety of videos and live streams to choose from. Music is mixed in with nature sounds for calming, relaxation, sleep and stress relief. If you have a super cute picture or video of your dog sleeping, you can send it in, and it might get included in a new video.
Merlin’s Realms – Music for Dogs and Humans
Merlin’s Realms is a YouTube channel with music made for dogs and their humans. Developed by a composer and audio engineer, these ambient musical tracks are intended to promote relaxation and calmness, and several are made for dogs with separation anxiety. There are also options for helping you and your pup sleep, deal with anxiety, and help with loud noises like fireworks.
Audible For Dogs
Another option is to leave an audiobook playing for your dog. Audible partnered with famed dog trainer Cesar Milan to perform a study to determine how dogs responded to audio narration and what attributes made a difference. Then, they curated a list of audiobooks catered to dogs. You do need an audible subscription, but you can try a free trial for 30 days to test out if it makes a difference for your pup. The calmer, melodious rhythm of narration can be very reassuring for some dogs and help them feel more comfortable when no one is home. Titles on Milan’s list include Life of Pi, Soldier Dogs, and Mary Poppins.
Do you have a specific television show, YouTube channel, or music you find helps relax your pet? I’d love to hear about it in the comments.
How Else Can I Help My Dog Feel Settled When I’m Away?
Depending on how long you’ll be away from your pup, there are many ways to help your furry friend deal with your absence. Crate training can be a huge savior. When done well, training your pup to find their crate in a happy, safe, and secure place can give them a sense of security when you’re not home. I crate-trained my dog, and it’s often his secure haven when I’m away. Even if your dog doesn’t gravitate to their crate, leaving toys for them to entertain themselves can go a long way to help keep them occupied. See our reviews of the best interactive dog toys that can help keep your dog engaged while you’re not at home.
Why Trust Canine Journal?
Danielle has had a special bond with dogs since she was a young child. She has over 30 years of pet care experience. Her two dogs, Falkor and Daisy, often enjoy music or television when she is gone. They are also two of her favorite snuggle buddies to veg out with. Danielle is a dedicated researcher committed to providing up-to-date, accurate, and relevant information to help other pet parents give their dogs the best life possible.