Ever considered considered how much time you spend on gluing your eyes on the screen? It's very convenient, and now with smartphones rather than the good old Television, you can watch anything anywhere, anytime.
The television is used to be called the idiot box - it used to be purely for entertainment. But now that really depends how you utilize this technology. Some use it for research, for tips and tricks about certain topics, watch lectures, or even watch somebody's else dating life.
Before becoming a dog trainer, I go on YouTube for ways to train a dog with specific behavioral issues - guarding, aggression, leash walking, etc. And because I have terrible attention span (self diagnosing myself with ADHD), I'd watch popular tv personalities and their methods.
Further going into this profession (or any profession) will make you look deeper into other resources. That is what led me to such boring studies, articles, training videos, and back to good old text on books.
Let me tell you, it is a tough task to make scientific training methods as entertaining as Love Island.
(Image: ITV)
This is exactly why ethical dog training (training by "giving treats") give an impression to the general public as a method that does to not work or considered as "bribing". Even if we cut and edit the entire training program and turn it into a "show", the most entertaining part of it will be the moment a house guest is able to walk into the house without the dog barking, or not reacting to the doorbell. Who would want to watch a show without drama?!
Even without me quoting studies, we know why most people watch tv/videos/shows.
But here's a study published in 2018 anyway, because as a science-based trainer who believes force-free training is possible, I always look for resources and studies for alternative methods that has results.
The study, published in the Journal of Advertising Research, explored the connection between TV viewing and brainwave frequencies, as measured by electroencephalography (or EEG).
Watching TV and video generated brainwaves is associated with pleasant, wakeful relaxation and absorbed cognitive capacity, taking viewers' minds off other things,” the study says. “Total television and video viewing is increasing because it meets basic human needs, especially for relaxation and escape.”
If you're serious about understanding your canine companion and why it behaves the way it is behaving, make use of the technology we as humans have developed through evolution as a species. Use it not just for pleasure and takingwhat you see with entertainment as absolute method in training a dog.
Behind the scenes of canine training is a routine and discipline, just like any athlete who goes to the gym, eats right, and rests well, or a successful business owner who reads, studies the market, exchanges emails, and constant negotiations. It is boring. It is no quick fix.
Now, what happens behind the scenes in your own training approach is entirely about what your philosophy in life/relationship is.
(Me with a client's dog who bites. Edited for dramatic effects)
Resources:
https://www.journalofadvertisingresearch.com/content/early/2019/06/21/JAR-2019-024.full
https://www.ipl.org/essay/Reasons-Of-Television-The-Most-Of-People-PKXTJC6H4ACF6