Dogs TV

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Wednesday 29th September 2010: New research out today has revealed the top TV programmes that dogs love to watch – with soaps, reality competitions and sport emerging as the favoured programmes and Eastenders topping the ‘most watched by pooches’ poll.

A fifth (20 per cent) of British mutts regularly park themselves in front of the box the minute the theme tune to the cockney soap starts and don’t move for the next 30 minutes.

The figures, which emerged in a study of 3,000 dog owners by esure pet insurance, shows that nine out of 10 British dogs like to watch television regularly, with two thirds of owners convinced that their dogs love TV because they sit in front of the TV with their tails wagging whenever their favourite show comes on. Other reactions are also excited by favourite shows with 22 per cent of owners claiming their dogs bark more when they are watching the TV.

Of those polled, a third of dog owners think their pooch has a real understanding of what is going on during their favourite TV show while a fifth of dogs often signal when they want the box switched on by bringing the TV remote to their owner or pawing at the TV.

Nikki Sellers, Head of Pet Insurance at esure, said: “This research indicates that the dog/human divide narrows in front of the TV with many dogs as in tune with the TV and ‘what’s on’ as their owners are. Pawing remote controls, barking at dramas and howling when a favourite programme comes on suggests an emotional reaction as strong as that of human TV lovers.”

Sports programmes such as football, horse racing, tennis and snooker also appeal to dogs too, with many loving to watch the animals or balls moving around on the screen.

Furthermore programmes rich in music, drama and colour such as The X Factor, Britain’s Got Talent, The Simpsons and Doctor Who are also very popular with pets.

Eight in 10 dog owners (80 per cent) say their dogs are definitely interested in other animals on television, and like to watch programmes such as The Dog Whisperer, It’s Me or the Dog, and Crufts.

Interestingly, a fifth of dog owners (20 per cent) even claim certain celebrities attract the attention of their pet when they appear on the TV. Dogs are said to respond to celebrities such as Alan Carr, Paul O’Grady and Cheryl Cole – all of whom have quite distinctive voices.

The study also shows 17 per cent of pooches even prefer to have their food in front of the television so they don’t miss out on their favourite show - while a further 22 per cent love to howl along to their preferred theme tunes.

Nikki Sellers further commented: “While a dip into Eastenders is fine for a dog relaxing of an evening, regular exercise is an important part of responsible pet ownership so owners should avoid encouraging coach potato tendencies in their pets.

“A healthier dog may lead to fewer costly trips to the vet too but for any advice on looking after a dog properly, owners should seek professional help. esure pet insurance customers can call its 24-hour ‘Health and Wellbeing’ line where veterinary professionals are available to offer advice and tips on all aspects of pets’ health.”

 

DOG’S FAVOURITE TV PROGRAMMES:

1. Eastenders
2. The Dog Whisperer
3. The X Factor
4. Crufts
5. Coronation Street
6. Britain’s Got Talent
7. It’s Me or the Dog
8. Football
9. Doctor Who
10. Horse Racing
11. Wimbledon
12. Harry Hill’s TV Burp
13. The Simpsons
14. Big Brother
15. Hollyoaks
16. Snooker
17. Garfield
18. Planet Earth
19. The Jeremy Kyle Show
20. Emmerdale

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esure’s press contacts:
Asia Yasir, Public Relations Officer: 01737 641305
Adrian Webb, Head of Corporate Communications: 01737 641000
Email: pr@esure.com
Website: www.esure.com

Notes to Editors:
(1) SWNS conducted an online research survey via Onepoll which interviewed a random sample of 3000 adults aged 18+ who own a dog between 1st September – 10th September 2010.