• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
DogsBestLife.com logo

Dog's Best Life

The information you need to keep your dog happy, healthy, playful and loyal.

  • Top Stories
  • Blog
  • What We Do
  • About Us
  • Contact Us

Personal injury lawyer ads go to the dogs

Posted December 20, 2021

Woman points at TV while watching with dog. Dogs may bark at the television when they confuse a fake doorbell or animal sound with a real one, but other reasons also prompt barking.
Dogs may bark at the television when they confuse a fake doorbell or animal sound with a real one, but other reasons also prompt barking.

Have you ever settled in on the couch to watch your favorite television program when suddenly, your dog starts barking when a doorbell rings on the television? It’s a common enough occurrence that it makes people wonder what causes some dogs to pay attention to certain television stimuli while other dogs ignore them completely.

For instance, this tiger-growling commercial from Kaufman & Stigger Injury Lawyers has been known to make dogs bark. Some dogs come running to the television when they hear attorney Cara Stigger’s voice because they know the tiger will soon follow.

What’s behind this highly entertaining phenomenon?

Dogs have incredible hearing

You probably already know that dogs can hear much better than humans. They can listen to and differentiate a car coming down the road much sooner than you or I can, and if they recognize that car as belonging to someone they know and love, they’ll start barking before the vehicle even pulls into the driveway.

The same is true for television sounds. Their ears can pick out doorbells, other animal noises, and slamming doors on television when they may sound like background noise to us. 

But, even though they’re brilliant, dogs can’t tell the difference between what’s an actual doorbell or animal noise and one that’s on television.

This is why dogs may start barking. They think someone is at the door and can’t wait to see them!

Or, they think that animal might be in the room with them, and they need to protect you from that growling beast! They are doing what they’re supposed to do. Warn you of a potential issue when they hear an alarming sound.

Different dogs, different reasons

While confusing a fake doorbell or animal sound with a real one is probably the main reason why dogs bark at the television when one comes on, there are some other reasons behind this behavior as well.

For one, they can’t see as well as humans, so they might be frightened by the sounds they hear coming from the television when they can’t determine what is making the sound.

Dogs have a limited ability to see colors, and if the television screen isn’t large, they may not be able to make out the shape of what’s making the sound.

When dogs are frightened, they bark at the object that makes them scared. In this case, they know where the sound is coming from — the television — so they bark in that direction.

They may not be barking at the doorbell on television or a growling tiger on an attorney’s commercial, but instead are just barking because they don’t understand what is making the sound. 

Other dogs bark at everything that moves, including images on television. If familiar sounds (doorbell, animal growling), accompany those, they’re even more likely to bark.

Rewarded for barking 

No matter why your dog barks at the television, if you laugh and praise them, they will do it again, especially if they learn that a specific commercial triggers your reaction.

Now, if it doesn’t bother you, by all means, continue allowing your dog to bark at that growling tiger.

But, if you want to change their behavior, you’ll have to stop rewarding them for barking and instead reward them for remaining quiet when certain stimuli come on television.

Help your dog understand television noises

Sometimes, it can be highly entertaining when your dog engages with the television, especially when they think they’re protecting you from the legal tiger.

But, if the barking continues or expands to everything on television, you may need to take steps to break this bad habit.

Is it better to have two dogs?

Related Posts

  • dog sense smell
    Dog senses: Powerful smell and hearing eclipse human abilities

    People have bred canines to heighten dog senses of smell,…

  • Chocolate Labrador retriever stares at owner's pregnant belly. Dogs sense pregnancy by smelling hormonal changes.
    Can dogs smell pregnancy?

    Dogs sense pregnancy by smelling hormonal changes. Their heightened sense…

  • Beagle rests on owner's lap. Dogs detect illness using their powerful noses. They can sniff out cancer, migraines, narcolepsy, and epilepsy.
    Can dogs sense human illness?

    Dogs detect illness using their powerful noses. They can sniff…

  • Small terrier barking. Use training and treats to break your dog's non-stop barking habit.
    Why your dog won’t stop barking (and how to fix it)

    Determine what causes your dog's non-stop barking. Is it anxiety,…

Share this post:

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Pinterest Share on Email Share on Reddit

Filed Under: Dog Facts Tagged With: Dog senses

« Previous Post
Next Post »

Primary Sidebar

Follow Us

Categories

  • Adoption
  • Dog Breeds
  • Dog Facts
  • Dog Fun
  • Dog Grooming
  • Dog Health
  • Dog Inspirations
  • Dog Training
  • Dog Travel
  • Holidays
  • Home Page
  • Puppies
  • Top Stories

Featured Posts

  • Tricolor Australian shepherd in front of white background. Take steps to stop dog pawing.

    Canine body language: What’s your dog saying with his paws?

  • Cute corgi puppy wrapped in a blanket. Talk with your vet about starting your dog on medication to protect him from parasites including flea and tick prevention, as well as heartworm prevention.

    Puppy training 101: 10 tips to prepare your dog for success

  • Thinking of getting a furry friend? Use the DogsBestLife.com perfect dog breed quiz to find the perfect canine companion.

    Take our dog breed quiz to discover the perfect breed for you!

Tags

training tipsThanksgivingTwo dogsWorking dogsOld dogsSeparation anxietyRottweilerPet parentsSheddingValentine's DayPuppy kindergartenPetfinder.comRescue dogOutdoor activitiesPomeranianSmall dogsPoodleSocializationPuppy-proofYorkshire terrierPandemicVacation dog careWaterService dogsPit bullPet sitterTicksPawPotty trainingVeterinarian

Footer

Quick Links

  • Home
  • Top Stories
  • Blog
  • What We Do
  • About Us
  • Contact Us

Recent Posts

  • Cutest dog breeds? Discover 7 you’ll want to bring home
    If you're considering getting a dog, consider one of the cutest dog breeds. Options include Aussies, Shih Tzus, Yorkies, and Corgis. […]
  • What is a Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen? Meet the best in show breed
    The Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen is a small scent hound popular among dog lovers for its friendly nature and distinctive appearance. […]
  • Meet the 9 most popular large dog breeds that make great pets
    Now that you know more about the most popular large dog breeds, it's time to consider their merits and choose the right one. […]
  • Want to adopt? Use Petfinder.com to find your next pup
    PetFinder.com compiles pet info from rescue websites across the country into one spot for an easy search by breed, location, and more. […]

Get Our Newsletter

Get more news to help keep your dog healthy delivered right to your inbox. Sign up for DogsBestLife.com's monthly newsletter.

© Copyright 2023 DogsBestLife.com online magazine · All Rights Reserved · Privacy
Get Our Free Monthly Newsletter

Get more news to help keep your dog healthy delivered right to your inbox. Sign up for DogsBestLife.com's monthly newsletter.