Ever heard your dog bark at the TV when a doorbell rings in a commercial? You are not alone.
According to the American Kennel Club, you can retrain dogs by pairing the sound with treats and teaching calm responses, even when the chime comes from a screen. This behavior is common among certain dog breeds that bark at doorbells on TV shows.
Some dogs hear a doorbell ring, see a movement on screen, and instinctively believe someone is at the door. Others just find it all a bit too much fun. Either way, their reaction is often immediate and loud.
Below are 9 dog breeds that bark at doorbells on TV shows. Let’s explore what makes them tick and bark!
Dog Breeds That Bark at Doorbells on TV Shows
Here is the list of dog breeds that go crazy when they watch TV and hear a doorbell:
1. Chihuahua
This tiny dog is famous for its oversized attitude. Even though this dog is small, it will protect its house fiercely. According to PetMD, this breed has a very sharp hearing, which is why the TV sounds may be confused by it with the real stimuli. When a doorbell rings on TV, it jumps into action, sometimes even before the ringing stops.
You might find your dog barking at the screen, pacing around the room, or trying to reach the door. This breed is protective and reactive. Using positive support, like a treat or gentle training, can help calm your dog when they watch a show. It takes patience, but it works.
Chihuahuas may seem bossy or aggressive at times, but they’re just strong-willed and like to show their personality. They’re full of energy and always aware of what’s going on around them.
2. Dachshund
Dachshunds are alert animals bred to catch badgers. That sharp instinct makes them bark whenever a doorbell sound echoes from your TV. Dogs with hunting backgrounds are quick to react to noises. They are curious pups who want to be in control.
If your dog barks at a TV doorbell, it’s likely because it thinks it needs to guard the family. Set boundaries during TV time. Let your dog sit quietly next to you on the couch, give it a treat, and then offer rewards whenever it behaves quietly. This teaches a better response.
They are playful, adaptable, and have just the right amount of energy, making them great family dogs. They’re usually good with kids and often get along well with other dogs too.
3. Beagle
Beagles are vocal and expressive. If you have two dogs and one is a Beagle, you already know the bark battle that begins when the doorbell rings. Beagles are exceptionally responsive to sounds and movement.
They often watch TV with interest, especially when there is a sound that resembles other dogs, horses, or cats. It is hilarious how a Beagle can go from snoozing to howling the second a cartoon dog barks on TV.
It is a good idea to review your Beagle’s environment for overstimulation before pressing play. Add a doorbell into the mix, and your animal goes into full alert. Distract them with toys or create a designated bed space during TV time. This creates a safe, predictable routine.
4. Yorkshire Terrier
Yorkies may be tiny, but they bark like lap lions. Don’t make the mistake of thinking their small size means a quiet house. They don’t just bark at TV doorbells; they bark at birds, other pets, and anything that moves on screen.
Yorkies have a sharp prey drive that makes them bark even when no one’s at the door. Their strong instincts to protect their home mean they respond to even fake alerts.
You might see them stand tall, tail up, ready to defend. Positive reinforcement or instructing your dog to sit and wait should be given if your dog becomes too excited. Yorkies learn fast with clear language and rewards.
5. Siberian Husky
Huskies are known to talk, howl, and bark. When the doorbell rings on a crime drama, your Husky thinks it’s real, and their reaction is loud. Breeds like Huskies respond to pitch, tone, and high-frequency noises from the TV. They might watch, walk, or jump towards the TV.
They have ears that pick up on every sound, and they are usually more intelligent than we realize. Let them channel that energy into a training game. Teach them to focus when they hear the sound, and reward them for staying calm.
Siberian Huskies are smart and love to stay busy. They have lots of energy and need plenty of exercise and space to run. They’re great jogging buddies, especially in cool weather!
6. Pomeranian
They may be small, but they pack a bunch of volume when the doorbell chimes, on or off screen. Pomeranians are feisty dogs who live for excitement.
When a doorbell sounds, even on TV, they bark like there is a person right outside. Small breeds like Poms have a high bark frequency. They are tiny, but their bark fills the entire house.
Some owners even say these dogs get aggressive with the screen itself. Use a firm command and gentle reinforcement to build patience. It helps redirect that high energy into more controlled behavior.
7. Miniature Schnauzer
Mini Schnauzers are naturally loud and alert. If your dog barks every time the TV plays a doorbell sound, this nature may be the reason. These dogs are often on high alert due to their instincts. They often watch TV as if it were their favorite movie.
Any doorbell, barking from other dogs, or other sensory stimuli can set them off. Even a simple tap on the speaker in a sitcom can send them dashing toward the door. Creating a ‘TV time’ command can help. Let your dog know when it’s time to sit, relax, and watch quietly.
Miniature Schnauzers are smart, protective, and loving dogs that make great watchdogs. They can live in apartments but do best in homes with enough space to play.
8. Alaskan Malamute
Malamutes are big and expressive. Though not known for constant barking, they will react when the TV doorbell rings unexpectedly. Even low-frequency sounds can trigger large dogs into alert mode.
These working dogs like routine. When the TV disrupts it, they will stand, bark, or go to the window to look for the human they heard.
A treat and a calm voice help bring them back to reality. They are highly emotional and respond well to human tones.
Malamutes are friendly, loving, and beautiful dogs that are great companions for active, outdoorsy families. But if they don’t get enough attention and things to do, they can get bored and start causing trouble.
9. Australian Shepherd
This dog breed is brilliant and loves training. But all that energy means they are likely to bark when the doorbell sounds, even from a phone ad. Aussies are bred to respond to environmental cues. These dogs are smart, quick learners.
If your dog reacts during every episode, it may be from boredom or instinct. Give them a job to do while watching. They can be kept occupied and quiet by a treat puzzle or soft toy in the room.
Aussies are naturally protective due to their herding instincts. They’ll alert you if strangers come near, but they’re not aggressive dogs.
Conclusion
So, the next time you see a doorbell ring on the TV screen and your dog barks, keep this in mind: they are just trying to protect their house, even from a video. A little patience, positive reinforcement, and a pinch of training will help you transform your living room into a less stressful area, not only for you but to your pup.
Some breeds were just born to bark, and when they watch TV, all the more. And this does not imply that they are not able to learn how to wait, concentrate, and remain calm. And finally, with a bit of patience and the right routine, even the noisiest dogs can learn to stay calm.
