Watching TV (Ottoluv)

Jaia and B'asia also watch TV and are particularly interested in the animal shows. What I do... I just kind of tell them with my energy that it's ok and I say, "It's just the TV". They have come to know that phrase now as meaning that it's nothing to worry about. Even when I play a video here on my computer and a dog barks and my dogs act interested, I say, "It's just the TV" and they calm right down.

I do the same as 4ic -- but you might also want to stick in a movie that is an animal movie (so *you* know where the animals come in) -- and have yourself prepared with something yummy to use as treats. 

 Then pair your comment (that oozes your *approval* and pleasure) with a shared treat offered (popcorn would work with mine).  With mine I would also set it up so you make sure the dogs know **YOU** are in control.    They aren't really *there* ... ***YOU*** can pause them, turn them on and off, make them louder or quieter. 

"Just the TV" becomes a command indicating *you* have control and there is nothing at all to fear or protect.  I'd bet once Otto "gets it" that you can make them come and go at will, he'll be ok with it.  Recording something, pausing it, playing it back -- he'll figure it out fast.

Then move from some friendly little dog movie to something like National Geographic that might depict something more aggressive and *still* you are in control.  And if you remain "wow, isn't THAT cool" about it, he'll learn it's nothing to be afraid of.

Back in the earlier days of color TV it was difficult for dogs to see, but the better television has gotten (and I'm sure that's even more tru in 'high def";) the more easy it is for a dog with good concentration to follow those images.  I'm sure he'd have to be a certain distance away from it in order to focus, and he probably doesn't see it in the same clairty you do.  But he's smart enough to recognize it.  They are amazing, aren't they?  Good luck.