Dog barking at animals on TV

[BertBert]

We have a very sociable dog that never barks at other animals when we are out walking, when friends pop round with their dogs etc. but in the last few months she has started barking when she sees animals on the TV. It's driving me nuts!

She mainly barks at dogs and horses but will also bark at the Meer Cats on the Corrie trailers...! Last week, she was barking at a dog on the screen and when it ran off screen, she 'chased' it thinking it had gone across the room .

I could probably understand it if she barked at other animals in general but she doesn't and is a very well socialised dog. Anyone have any ideas as to how we can get her to stop?

My pup does this too it’s going to make crufts interesting

I've had to stop watching Paul O'Grady (unless I'm in a different room!).

Why is it only TV animals & not real ones?

My dog barks at cartoon dogs

Mine is the same, especially the meerkats.
He seems to have something against TV chickens too.
Fine with real-life animals though!

The animals on TV are in her space. Intruders!

My dog barks at all animals on tv and he's so loveable but not exactly the brightest of mutts so much so he even asked at the origami dog that made no sound on one of the tv ads lol. I have no idea how ow to get him to stop so open to suggestions

My dog tried to take down a T-Rex last week. Again, very sociable dog, fine around livestock but in the telly “who’s that bastard in my house!”

I miss watching Supervet...

When animals appear on the tv just scatter food on the floor - it will distract your dog. You can then move up to your dog being calm when the animals are on the tv until eventually your dog will lie calmly when viewing the tv with you feeding occasional treat rewards.

Our jrt was ball obsessive. His favourite viewing was match of the day, when he would stand inches from the screen trying to grab the ball. We thought it was hilarious. He grew out of it, or probably realised he couldn't actually get it. Is your dog young?

She's 2. Will try the food idea which may work as she is ruled by her stomach (the only issue might be that she won't leave me alone if there are treats in sniffing distance

I'm hoping she will grow out of it...

I have an extremely cleaver Scottie dog who knows the difference between TV and CCTV. We live first floor, so if I'm expecting a delivery etc I'll often flick our CCTV cameras on. Scott watches CCTV intently and if he sees someone walk past he'll run to the window to check them out. He pays no attention to the TV.

DH inadvertently drove him nuts last week, he put another camera up in the garage (he keeps a classic car in there) and Scott did not know what to do. He knew the view must be outside, but despite spending half a day between the window and the TV just couldn't find what he was looking for. 😂