Quick Take
- New research suggests we spend one-fifth of our dogs’ lives on our phones.
- Experts say that dogs can sense when we are not paying attention to them.
- A lack of device-free quality time with your dog might impact their mood and behavior.
You might think you’d do anything to make your pet happy, but what if that meant lowering your screen time? Would you give up doomscrolling on your phone to spend time with your pup?
New research from Compare and Recycle found that dog owners spend nearly one-fifth of their dogs’ lives on their phones. In contrast, owners spend only about 5% of their dogs’ lives enjoying device-free time with their pups. Naturally, this can impact the way our dogs behave and bond with us.
No matter how much we love our pets, we might subconsciously ignore them while focusing on our devices. Keep reading to learn how this impacts dogs—and how we can be more present for them.
Signs Your Pup Wants More of Your Attention
According to Compare and Recycle’s survey, 66% of dog owners said their pups interrupt them while they’re on their smartphones. This might come in the form of barking, pawing, whining, or bringing them toys—all small bids for attention.
Additionally, 77% of respondents claimed that their dogs wait nearby for them to stop using their devices. (As I am typing this article on my laptop, my cat is resting in the sunlight, occasionally peeking up at me as if to ask, “Are you done yet?” Perhaps dogs aren’t the only pets who notice.)
Our dogs will typically let us know when they need more attention.
©Trzykropy/Shutterstock.com
According to Ciara Pollen, a dog behaviour and training specialist at Woodgreen Pets Charity, who partnered with Compare and Recycle on this study, dogs can especially tell when their owners aren’t paying attention to them.
“Dogs are constantly reading our body language, so when we’re focused on a phone rather than them, they often notice the change straight away,” Pollen said in the press release. “For many dogs, attention and one-on-one time with their family is one of the best parts of their day, so it makes sense that they try to get more of it.”
Why Device-Free Time Is Crucial for Pets
In the press release, Pollen explained that dogs are social animals that crave dedicated quality time with their owners. In fact, it helps them feel secure and settled.
Dr. Linda Simon, Pooch & Mutt’s resident vet, who also partnered with Compare and Recycle on this study, believes that a lack of device-free time with your pup might even lead to behavioral issues. She noted that she has seen more behavioral issues in dogs since she graduated over a decade ago.
“This is due to many factors, including lockdown and poor socialization, as well as the growth of puppy farms,” Dr. Linda noted in the press release. “However, I have no doubt that screen time plays a role here, with owners having less attention for their fur babies, leading to them acting out in an effort to grab their attention.”
Are You Giving Your Dog the Attention They Need?
When you do spend time with your dog (e.g., taking them for a walk), it might not actually be quality, device-free time. For example, do you spend the majority of your walk checking your phone, answering messages, or chatting on a call?
According to Compare and Recycle’s research, 65% of owners use their smartphones for things like calls, texts, and emails while walking their dogs. Additionally, another 55% wear headphones to listen to music. It’s no wonder, then, why 51% admitted to feeling distracted by their phones while dog-walking.
Wearing headphones and listening to loud music while walking your dog can interfere with your quality time together.
©iStock.com/Drazen Zigic
“During walks, being present matters more than people often realize,” Pollen explained in the press release. “When you give your dog attention when they’re behaving well, they’re more likely to walk nicely and stay calm on walks to get treats or attention again next time.”
We all have busy lives and reasons to be glued to our phones. In today’s day and age, many people expect us to respond to messages immediately. Some employers even expect you to be “always on.” In many ways, disconnecting from your tech can feel irresponsible.
On the other hand, many of us also use our phones as an escape after a long day. We doomscroll on TikTok or finally catch up on our group chats. However, your dog needs your attention, too. The more present you are with your dog, the stronger your bond will become.
