Have you ever missed your dog so much that you asked someone to FaceTime your pup just to say “I love you”? Many owners like to check in on their dogs while they’re away, but do dogs really know it’s you behind the screen?
Signs Your Dog Can See Pictures on a Screen
Pet owners often try to engage with their dogs on screens, but sometimes struggle to get their dog’s attention. Dogs may react to familiar faces and attention-grabbing noises, but they have short attention spans.
While your phone screen may be too small for your dog to comprehend your face, studies show that some dogs can recognize images on a television. Dogs may show excitement and interest when an image flashes on the screen, but it depends on their personality and breed.
Body Language
Your dog may exhibit signs of recognition when they see an image on TV. They may stare, bark, run, or have their ears up. Other signs include checking out what’s behind the TV, running around in circles, and losing focus quickly.
The History of Your Dog’s Eyesight
Dogs’ eyesight evolved for hunting, allowing them to see the big picture before focusing on prey. They have good peripheral vision and are better at seeing movement from a distance rather than on a screen. Screens are still new to dogs, and they rely on instinct to interpret the world around them.
The Science Behind Dogs Seeing Images on Screens
Dogs perceive the world through smell, with millions of olfactory receptors in their nose. A virtual presence may be hard for dogs to understand because other smells are overwhelming. While dogs can recognize their owners on a TV screen, they may not fully understand why. Dogs have dichromatic vision, seeing a range of two primary colors compared to humans’ trichromatic vision.
Dogs process information at least 25% faster than humans, so flickering images on screens may look strange to them. Smaller screens like iPhones also make it harder for dogs to understand due to the compressed image quality.
Training Your Dog to See on a Phone
If you want to connect with your dog over Skype or FaceTime, practice good eye contact and face time when you’re together. Repeat positive phrases in a positive tone so your dog recognizes them through the screen. Positive reinforcement with treats or toys can help your dog associate rewards with certain phrases and tones.
However, dogs have short attention spans, so connecting via Skype may not always work. Research shows that dogs are more responsive to their human’s voice than to a face on a small screen. Using tone of voice and specific words is better for dog recognition. Spending time together when you’re home will also build a happy relationship with your dog, and they’ll be excited to see you when you return.
“Connecting through a screen may not be the same, but your dog still feels the love.”
Tips & Things to Know
1️⃣ Not all dogs can recognize their owners on a screen, but some may show signs of recognition such as staring, barking, running, or having their ears up.
2️⃣ Dogs have evolved to have better peripheral vision and are more attuned to movement, so they may have a harder time comprehending images on a screen compared to real-life stimuli.
3️⃣ Training your dog to recognize your voice and positive phrases through the screen may be more effective than relying on visual cues. Spending quality time together when you’re home is also important for building a strong bond with your dog.
Frequently Asked Questions, Answered ✅
1. Can dogs recognize their owners on a television screen?
– Yes, dogs are able to recognize their owners on a television screen, although they may not fully understand why.
2. How do dogs perceive images on screens?
– Dogs have dichromatic vision and see a range of two primary colors – yellow and blue. They also perceive information at least 25% faster than humans, which may make flickering images on screens look strange to them.
3. Can dogs understand images on smaller screens like iPhones?
– Smaller screens make it more difficult for dogs to understand because the screen is compressed and the quality of the image is lower.
4. How can I train my dog to see me on a phone or screen?
– Practice good eye contact and face time with your dog when you are together. Repeat positive phrases in a positive tone so that your dog can recognize those sounds through the screen. Positive reinforcement using treats or toys can also help your dog recognize certain phrases and tones.
5. Are dogs more responsive to their owner’s voice or a face on a screen?
– Research shows that dogs are more responsive to their owner’s voice than to a face on a tiny screen. Tone of voice and specific words are better for dog recognition.
