Researchers at the University of Wisconsin–Madison explored how dogs respond to videos featuring other animals, with a focus on understanding canine vision. The study observed how a dog’s attention shifts when watching moving images and how this response could serve as a tool to gauge visual function. The findings were published in Applied Animal Behavior Science.
The researchers noted that more reliable methods to measure vision in dogs are needed. They proposed that video content might capture a dog’s attention long enough to assess visual capabilities, but content had to be suitable and non-stimulating in a way that dogs could process and interpret.
To identify which types of screen content attract dogs most, the team designed a global web survey in which dog owners could share observations about their pets. A total of 1246 responses were collected, representing a wide range of breeds, ages, and viewing habits.
Participants also had the option to show their dogs a set of four short clips depicting potential objects of interest. After viewing, owners rated their dogs’ level of interest in each clip and assessed how closely the dogs followed moving objects on the screen. This approach provided insight into which visual cues engage canine attention more effectively.
Findings indicated that sports and herding breeds were more likely to pay attention to videos, suggesting breed-related differences in visual processing and curiosity. The results also revealed that dogs are not naturally drawn to watch other dogs for observational purposes alone. Looking ahead, the researchers plan to refine and expand video-based methods to monitor changes in visual attention as dogs age, helping veterinarians and caretakers track cognitive and sensory health over time.
In related work, prior studies have examined a range of animal behaviors, including instances where mice exhibit cannibalistic tendencies after mating, underscoring the diversity of research in animal perception and behavior. Citation: University of Wisconsin–Madison.