A new survey has revealed that the favorite activity people enjoy with their dogs is watching TV. Conducted by Talker Research, the survey asked 1,900 pet parents what they like to do most with their dogs. A surprising 69% said their top activity is relaxing on the couch and watching TV with their furry companions.
While the survey didn’t explore the reasons, experts suggest the appeal lies in combining leisure time with bonding moments, like giving belly rubs while binge-watching shows.
Other popular activities include exercising together (64%), napping (58%), sharing meals (55%), getting ready in the morning (33%), and traveling (29%). Brunch outings were the least favored, with only 8% of respondents listing it as a favorite activity.
Interestingly, Gen-Z dog owners broke the trend. Unlike older generations, they preferred eating meals with their dogs (63%) over watching TV.
But do dogs actually enjoy TV? According to Camille Ward, a certified applied animal behaviorist, while dogs can recognize images and sounds on screens, it’s uncertain whether they truly enjoy television the way humans do. Some breeds, like herding dogs, may respond to moving animals on screen, while Terriers might react to squeaky noises. A 2024 study even found that 90% of pet owners noticed their dogs pay the most attention to animal-related content, sports, or vehicles.
The survey also asked pet parents what sacrifices they would make to extend their dog’s life. Gen-Zers were willing to give up their favorite meals, millennials and Gen-Xers would sacrifice coffee, and 42% of baby boomers said they would tolerate constant entertainment spoilers. Notably, one in seven pet owners admitted they would even break up with their partner to add three more years to their pet’s lifespan.
Additional findings showed that 64% of dog owners say “I love you” to their pets daily, 55% let their dogs sleep in their bed, and 53% provide multiple beds and toys for their pups.
This survey highlights just how deeply people cherish their time with their dogs — whether they’re out exercising or simply curled up on the couch watching TV.
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