Some of my clients swear that their dogs watch TV.
I used to be skeptical about such claims. But then I witnessed a Shepherd mix appear to be just hanging out in the living room while the family watched television, until the channel was changed to ESPN, at which point the dog lunged at and attacked the set.
Yes, this particular dog did not like the Yankees. He was fine with the Red Sox, even the Mets, but something about the Bronx Bombers triggered a sudden and explosive response.
Another example is a Golden Doodle named Trixie. She would be seemingly oblivious to the television. That is, until the family tried to watch the PBS mini-series Pride and Prejudice. Seriously. The second an episode opened, Trixie would rear back and bark at the screen until the offending channel was changed.
I contend…no…I insist…that until dogs go out and earn a living and support themselves and possibly their owners, too, they do not get to dictate what programs their human companions decide to watch.
Dogs that watch TV are essentially bored. And we know that bored dogs tend to get into all kinds of mischief, like stealing socks and chewing shoes and peeing on the dining room rug. Oh, and barking at the TV.
So let’s try and stop the bad behavior BEFORE it happens. Don’t turn on the Yankees game and then reprimand your dog for getting upset about it. Since you KNOW it is going to happen, change the pattern in advance. Walk the dog prior to an evening of watching TV. Give your dog a food-based puzzle toy or a long-lasting chewbone. If his dog bed is facing the TV, move the bed so it isn't. Then turn on the program of your choice - baseball comes to mind - and enjoy.
For more ways to channel (pun intended) your bored dog’s television-watching habit, read the blog post Crossword puzzles, binge TV and online shopping.
And by the way, my dog Tennyson watches Say Yes to the Dress. My choice, not his.
