Television Goes to the Dogs with DOGTV

A new cable station in San Diego is certainly bound to go to the dogs!

DOGTV, cable’s first network dedicated solely to canine viewers, offers 24/7 programming designed to meet the needs of lonely canines who may find themselves home alone while their owners are working outside the home. Ideally, the television station would serve as a kind of “babysitter” for those dogs who are home alone and possess a longing to be in the company of others—even if those others are found on the television.

According to the cable station’s website, “DOGTV’s 24/7 programming helps stimulate, entertain, relax and habituate dogs with shows that expose them to various movements, sounds, objects, experiences and behavior patterns, all from a dog’s point of view.”

The masterminds behind DOGTV are comprised of highly qualified pet experts, under the leadership of Nicholas Dodman (Program Director of the Animal Behavior Department of Clinical Sciences at Tufts University), Victoria Stilwell (one of the world’s most recognized and respected dog trainers), and Warren Eckstein (animal rights activist, pet trainer and popular radio broadcaster). All of these experts stress the significant impact DOGTV will yield for “home alone” dogs in order to help prevent mental fatigue, boredom and even illness.

Unlike the television programs watched by their human companions, canine television programs are specifically adjusted to cater to the eyes and ears of dogs. Using more vibrant colors and a lower sound, dogs can comfortably enjoy aesthetically pleasing television entertainment.

So what exactly would dogs be viewing on their own special channel?

The programming content is broken up into three different segments—all three to six minutes long—in order to balance out the viewing experience. 

Relaxation programs are designed to soothe the dogs through the use of calm, tranquil audio and visuals such as nature scenes. Stimulation programs use rapid camera movements and exciting images—like a dog engaged in a game of fetch—in order to excite the dog’s playful nature. Lastly, exposure programs use stimuli of basic day to day activities, such as riding in a car, in order to comfort the dog whilst home alone. 

Although the cable channel is currently limited to a West coast audience, the network hopes to eventually move to a nationwide canine audience.

Would you buy the DOGTV cable package for your furry friend? Share your thoughts in a comment, and take a look at the DOGTV commercial below!