dog recognises other dogs on TV

[ender]

Does any one else's dog do this?
My new rescue dog always notices when there's a dog on TV, even when it's not barking or moving e.g. Monty Don's sleeping dog on Gardeners World. Sometimes he'll bark or growl or go up to the TV for a closer look. Or just sit up and watch intently. Was v surprised at this as other dog (lab) never takes any notice.
I wonder if it's more common in some breeds? Dog is heinz 57 varieties but definitely some GSD and sight hound in the mix.

[chipsandpeas]

my dog (terrier cross) goes mental when other dogs/animals are on the tv

[Ginnytonic82]

Yes our lab does this, she loves the Harvey and Rabbit ad!

[ender]

Ginnytonic82 - you've just disproved my theory . I wondered if labs and other scent orientated dogs were less likely to recognise dogs on TV than those that are more visual ie scent hounds and terriers.

[LesserSpottedNeckSnake]

My springer/cocker cross mostly ignores the tv, having worked out that it's not 'real'. My cocker/poodle cross does everything you describe in your OP. He also hates horses

[Floralnomad]

My dog ignores the TV but my mums JRT X is absolutely obsessed and they have to turn off/ over if any dogs or large animals come on as he jumps at the screen .

[ender]

Perhaps the dogs that don't take any notice of TV dogs are more intelligent as they've worked out its not real. I've got one of each so not boasting

[Floralnomad]

I'd agree with that ,my mums dog is a complete numpty and my dog is very bright .

[LesserSpottedNeckSnake]

Yep. My spaniel is quite smart. My cockapoo thinks the ball has vanished if it goes over his head

[moosemama]

Both my lurchers recognise dogs on the TV and sat transfixed in front of The Wonder of Dogs the other night!

That said, my pup also seems to like watching The Smurfs for some reason and will sit through a whole episode with the dcs.

My old Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier never paid the TV a second's heed, unless there was a dog on there, then she had her nose glued to the screen.

She kind of disproves the numpty vs bright theory though, as she was the smartest and most savvy dog I've ever had - she was really bright. She had all her awards including Gold by the time she was one year old, did obedience, heelwork to music, agility and trick training and outfoxed all my other dogs in just about every way possible.

[Ginnytonic82]

Sorry ender ! We watched The Wonder of Dogs this morning and she spent the whole time in front of the tv wagging her tail, she also licks the tv when the guide dog ad comes on. She is a funny one, she also gets quite excited when Paul O'grady is on .

[pigsDOfly]

My dog will occasionally watch television if there are animals on, but she gets very involved from time to time with her reflection in the bottom of the piano - it's one of those modern shiny ones - the piano, not the dog.

The other evening I had to cover the piano with a blanket as her barking was driving me mad.

I'm not entirely sure if she's barking at it, or watching it copying her as she seems to move around in front of it and bark in different tones in a very controlled manager.

[Sparkle91]

Our collie x is an avid TV watcher. He absolutely loves sport and will hurl himself at the screen whenever a shot is played. DH & DS have to watch the rugby/golf/cricket etc with the remote to hand :)

[ender]

Very interesting hearing about the different ways dogs react to TV. Until I got my 2nd (telly watching) dog I assumed that they didn't see things the way we do and only reacted to the sounds.
We watched The Wonder of Dogs last night, lab completely ignored it and bumbled about, new dog sat transfixed and seemed to really enjoy it.
They've got Dog TV in America, hope it comes here soon.

[Rowgtfc72]

JRT goes mad at dogs on tv. Sits with her head cocked for cats and stares!

[Dirtybadger]

We do not and cannot watch any television with dogs on. Or any other animal. Especially if it will insist on not being silent. We will eventually end up with a broken television. :(

[ErrolTheDragon]

My current dog ignores the tv except if there's a door knock sound whereat he'll run to the front door and start barking. The last one would react to barking on tv , the only show he really watched was crufts! Oh, and howl along to the theme tune of star trek next generation but that was DHs fault

[VivaLeThrustBadger]

Yes.

He also growls at the puppy on the Andrex pack when the packs on the bathroom floor. He's properly scared of it.

[Nepotism]

Dirtybadger, I have the same problem. She hurls herself at the tv growling and barking for an ever growing list of offenders - animals, whether real or cartoon, being the thing that upsets her most. I can sometimes control it by keeping her on the lead but I'm now watching about an hour's tv a week (can't miss Downton!).