Golden Retrievers Come Running Like Kids Whenever Mom Turns on Their Favorite iPad Game

None of my pets seem to “get” technology. I see videos of cats who like TV or dogs who bark at phones, but the other day, I couldn’t hear my phone going off because, as it turned out, the cat was sitting on it. And despite the vibrate setting, she did not seemed bothered by it at all.

Such is not the case for the Golden Retrievers in this video, who are such devoted “iPad dogs” that they come running into the room the second they hear the sound effects from their favorite video game.

In this clip a pair of Golden Retrievers come running when they hear the trademark buzzing noises of their favorite iPad game, Jolly Dog.

"God tier screen protector," says one person in comments after watching the dog slobber all over the tablet.

Jolly Dog has been out for several years, and it’s a pretty basic game. A variety of small critters or toys appear to skitter across the screen, making noises as they go, and the job of the player is to touch them with finger, paw or even nose, causing them to explode in a shower of stars. The game developers claim the sound effects and color schemes were designed to appeal to dogs, and indeed, some dogs absolutely love playing this game.

Related: Golden Retriever and Toddler's Game of 'Hide and Seek' Is Too Cute for Words

Other dogs, according to reviews online, couldn’t care less. Which makes it just about like every other video game ever invented — completely addictive to some, and absolutely impenetrable to others.

Pets and Screens

The game is a popular one though, remaining high in the charts at various mobile game stores and I suppose providing regular enrichment for canines and no doubt zoo animals wherever iPads are sold. But are games like this good for these dogs?

The possible perils of screen time on humans has been widely studied. On animals? Well, I supposed we should just allow that what is good (or bad) for the goose is the same for the—um, animal gander.

Garbled metaphors aside, it’s important to understand that iPad games do not substitute for real exercise. Though the animal’s visual senses are engaged while playing, dogs do not depend on their visual sense as much as their sense of smell and hearing. And energetic breeds like Golden Retrievers definitely need a nice walk or run every day to remain in good form.

All About Golden Retrievers

Golden Retrievers are one of the most popular breeds of dogs, beloved for their easygoing, gregarious nature and friendly, easy-to-train attitudes. They are gentle, good with families, energetic, a bit on the needy and clingy side and have gorgeous, long wavy coats that range in color from cream to ginger.

Due to their popularity, they are overbred and sometimes have health problems that stem from this tendency, including hip dysplasia, heart problems, and certain cancers. Make sure you are getting yours from a responsible breeder.

Or, better yet, try a rescue! Because this is such a popular breed, it’s easy to find a Golden Retriever or a Golden Retriever mix in any rescue or shelter. They have a lot of love to give. And don’t worry if you’re not an “outdoorsy” type—they like video games, too.

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