The benefits of Dog TV

Leaving the radio or TV on for a dog when they are left alone is something I recommend to help with anxiety and boredom, which is why I subscribe to Dog TV for my ‘boys’.

Dogs see and hear differently to us with their sense of hearing about four times as sensitive as ours and their vision on average 5-6 times poorer than humans.  Their colour vision and sharpness isn’t that great either. If a dog was to drive for example, they would need to wear glasses, and they see mainly in shades of blue and yellow. Their night vision however is generally superior to ours, as is their ability to detect motion.

That’s why Dog TV creators take into account a dog’s vision and hearing attributes when producing the content. From enriching the colours in the footage, to filming at low angles and capturing a lot of motion with large moving objects, animation and animals in action. Brightness and contrast is also important, as is choosing content in line with studies that show what dogs react to most in a positive way.

The creators of Dog TV also put a lot into the sound from choosing the right psycho acoustic music that relaxes canines, to creating a rich sound design for them. They also use positive affirmations throughout their programs such as ‘good dog, don’t be scared – it’s just thunderstorms, and even use specific sound therapy tones to relax dogs when home alone.

Dog TV’s patented programming was designed and developed with world leading pet experts, and designed to support the dog’s natural behaviour patterns, so is divided into three content categories: Relaxation, Stimulation and Exposure.

Relaxation programs reduce stress with dedicated soothing music and visuals. The segment uses calming videos and soothing sounds to relax the dog and make them feel at ease to help reduce anxiety.

Stimulation programs encourage movement and playfulness. It uses more engaging videos and sounds from dogs and other animals. These videos are designed to be playful and keep the dog from getting bored.

Exposure programs help dogs become accustomed to different things they might experience throughout the day. The exposure segment uses a variety of videos and sounds of things that typically make dogs nervous, such as vacuum cleaners, car rides or busy streets.

These can help desensitise dogs to these potential triggers such as fireworks and thunderstorms, by introducing them gradually and in limited exposure time and can be part of the treatment program.

Dog TV has researched, created and produced more than 4000 programs for dogs, each show is 3 to 6 minutes long, catering to a dog’s short attention span. They schedule the programs according to an average day cycle of a dog. There is also On demand programs where dog parents can choose what is right for their dog.

Additionally, their nigh ttime programming is “dead relaxation” sort of screensaver content with soothing music to make sure the dog is relaxed and asleep.

In short, programs are tailor made for dogs. But they haven’t forgot the human as well, with some content designed for the entertainment and education of dog parents too.

Some dogs of course do bark when they see other dogs or animals on TV. This may be from fear or aggression, or excitement and happiness.

Others react to seeing a new friend on TV for the first time, it’s normal and may take them some time understand that the televised friend is not a threat. If your dog just keeps barking though Dog TV may not be for them.

Fortunately, you can test it out with a free 1-month trial if you are a PETstock Rewards Member. Or to purchase a monthly or annual subscription visit the PETstock website. You can even grab a Dog TV gift card in store for the dog lover in your life.

Lara Shannon is a certified dog behaviourist and trainer, pet food nutrition specialist, Executive Producer and Host of Pooches at Play on Channel 10 and editor of Poochesatplay.com. Lara also runs her own dog training business in Melbourne’s Bayside area and is the Author of World of Dogs and Eat, Play, Love (Your Dog).