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Picture this: You’re snuggled in for the evening with your golden retriever at your feet. As you catch up on your new favorite series, you notice your dog perking up, tilting its head while staring at the TV screen with intent. Then, all of a sudden, they start barking and wagging their tail. They’re clearly amused by something, but what’s going on? Do golden retrievers watch TV? Do they prefer certain shows? And perhaps more importantly, do dogs understand the TV?

Do Golden Retrievers Watch TV? And What Can They See?

Does your golden retriever enjoy watching TV? The short answer is yes, but of course, your golden retriever’s vision differs from that of us humans. Experts say that a dog’s normal vision sees at 20/60 compared to our 20/20 vision. So, if you’re watching TV from 6 feet away, your dog would have to be within 2 feet of the TV screen in order to see what we see. The farther they are from the TV screen, the fuzzier and grainier the video will be. This could be the reason why they lie in front of our TVs so often.

Dog eyes also process colors differently compared to our human eyes. In particular, we have three types of color-detecting cells inside our retinas. Dogs only have two, which means that they make out fewer colors with less saturation compared to the average human. Your golden retrievers color range includes dull blue, yellow and green tones. Although limited, this range of vision dispels the common myth that our dogs can only see in black and white.

What Do Golden Retrievers See While They Watch TV?

Now, let’s put all this information together within the context of what your golden retriever is responding to on your TV screen. We know that dogs can see specific colors, hear sounds from the TV and are attracted to movements. They respond to these cues more readily, but is this a good thing for your dog? Sure! Just like us, your golden retriever enjoys a little TV entertainment.

There have been many discussions between experts as to whether or not dogs should be around the TV for long periods. Most experts have concluded that sitting in front of a screen is certainly not a replacement for outdoor play and exercise, but that it’s fine if down in moderation, especially if your dog experiences separation anxiety. Leaving a TV on while you’re away can stimulate your golden retrievers’ mind, helping them ward off boredom and keeping them content, happier and relaxed overall.

  • Wondering if your retriever has a favorite TV show or movie? Put them on the same level as the screen, allowing them to get as close as they want. You could also place a tablet near your retriever’s kennel or allow them to rest on a chair that sits at the same height level as your TV.
  • Next, pick a show that features other animals being active. Whether it be dogs, cats, squirrels, birds or any creatures, your dog finds intriguing in real life. For the most variety, consider channels and documentaries that focus on animal content. Remember, dogs typically aren’t keen on cartoon shows, so opt for shows featuring real animals. Pay close attention to the colors on the screen and how your dog reacts to them, as dogs see blues, yellows and greens more vividly, you may notice a spike in their attention when they see outdoor scenes with clear blue skies and green grass. Or, they may perk up when another dog on TV is playing with a yellow toy.
  • Make sure to observe your retrievers’ physical reactions and behaviors. Are their eyes following the movement on the TV screen? Is their tail wagging? Are they barking or growling? Are they pacing? Are they suddenly jumping up and getting more interested in the show at certain points? Do they sometimes look to you for reassurance? If you see happy responses from your dog, try taking note of what’s on TV at the time. If you notice any irritation, pay attention to that, too. Just like us humans, dogs have preferences for what they do and don’t want to see. Choose shows that elicit happiness and your retriever should be a content TV watcher — just like you.

Conclusion

So, do golden retrievers watch TV? And do they understand TV? They sure do! Watching a show together can not only be fun, but it could be a good way to bond with your canine companion. After a long dog walk or busy puppy play date, why not curl up with your retriever and watch something you both enjoy? It’s a great way to both relax after a busy day and spend some quality time together. What if my golden retriever doesn’t appear to be interested in TV? if your dog doesn’t appear interested in television, then that’s okay too. Simply snuggling on the couch together should be more than enough for the both of you to get some much needed bonding time.

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