Reactive to Dogs on TV-Why?

Discussion in 'Labrador Behavior' started by Ski-Patroller, Aug 16, 2019.

  1. Ski-Patroller

    Ski-Patroller Cooper, Terminally Cute

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    Location:
    Portland, Oregon & Mt Hood Oregon
    Cooper (like all of our previous Labs) gets along great with other dogs. She will be a little curious and then either ignore them or play if it is appropriate. She almost never barks at dogs she sees either walking by, across the fence or when she is walking on or off lead. Our friends Sammy who we dog sit, is terrible with other dogs but when he barks, Cooper just watches. Cooper is also very good with people other than being over excited when someone comes to our house. (She does not seem to like skateboarders)

    The weird thing is that she very reactive to dogs and some other animals on TV. She will often notice them before we do, either seeing or hearing them. She runs to the TV jumps up and barks. She is the only dog we have had that paid the slightest attention to TV. I am trying to understand why she reacts to TV dogs so much, and is so good with real dogs. Obviously dogs she sees on TV don't smell so perhaps that causes her to react? It is not a big problem but I would like to understand it.

    Has anyone else got a dog that reacts to TV animals? Any thoughts about this?
     
  2. J.D

    J.D Registered Users

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    May 9, 2019
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    Location:
    Hampshire UK
    Toby will watch the TV occasionally but tends to be more attracted to strange noises like a baby crying. Maybe Cooper really does think they are in her personal space and as you say because there is no scent she can’t work out if they are friend or foe.
     

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