Finally… A Cable Channel Just for Dogs!

San Diego area dogs are taking over the remote, thanks to a new cable channel created just for dogs! The new channel, launched this week, plays 3 to 6 minute “tv shows” continuously throughout the day and night, scientifically designed to provide entertainment that keeps pups relaxed and stimulated while their parents are away.

DogTV, the first network of its kind, is supported by animal welfare groups such as The Humane Society of the United States, the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, and the American Veterinary Medical Association because of the enrichment it delivers to its doggie-viewers lives.

DOGTV is a 24/7 digital TV channel with programing scientifically developed to provide the right company for dogs when left alone. Through years of research with some of the world’s top pet experts, special content was created to meet specific attributes of a dog’s sense of vision and hearing and supports their natural behavior patterns. The result: a confident, happy dog, who’s less likely to develop stress, separation anxiety or other related problems.

DogTV is currently available for free to current cable subscribers in the San Diego area, but future plans to expand the viewing area include a monthly $5 charge for the channel. “We can’t exactly sell ad space,” said Ron Levi, the channel’s co-founder and chief content officer.

DOGTV’s three types of programming offer relaxing and stimulating content as well as positive behavioral reinforcements. Dogs that are left alone tend to become anxious so the calming sounds and music in the relaxing segments were created to keep them peaceful. Many dogs also suffer from a lack of stimulation, which becomes acute when their parents are away. The stimulating segments provide dogs with invigorating images, animation and exciting real world sounds to keep them up and running.

The channel’s programing includes shows meant to relax, stimulate, and provide exposure to dogs, keeping them contented and anxiety-free when left at home alone.

Here are some example programs from DogTV, the cable channel just for dogs.

Relaxation:

Stimulation:

The DogTV programmers have worked extensively with acclaimed pet experts Victoria Stilwell, Prof. Nicholas Dodman, and Warren Eckstein to develop programs that are appropriate for dogs’ attention spans, interests, and well-being.

And, best of all – these shows really do work! As I’m writing this article, reviewing their sample programs, my dog, Molly heard the “Stimulation” video from the other room and came running to my computer, tail wagging, to check it out. If this channel was available in my town, DogTV would have just earned a new subscriber.

Do you ever play videos especially for your dog? Or, do you subscribe to a cable channel just for dogs? Tell us your experiences below!