Dog TV

Adam and I found a new TV channel this week:  Dog TV.  It’s not, as I initially thought, a channel that is all about dogs.  It is actually a TV channel for dogs.  It shows programs with names like Evening Relaxation and Morning Stimulation.  The relaxing programs feature peaceful music with video of birds calmly paddling in a lake, while the stimulation programs include more upbeat music with video of a group of dogs exploring a field.  I think this channel is meant for dogs to watch during the day when their owners are out of the house.  Dog TV claims that it will lower your dog’s stress level and promote relaxation. 

Filo appears to really like this channel.  Last night we watched a few minutes of a relaxing show on Dog TV after returning from a walk, and I swear that his panting slowed down.  Today, I turned Dog TV on in the morning, and he was captivated by the dogs moving around the screen.  He even got up from his nap to walk towards the TV dogs and watch them very closely.

Periodically, Dog TV will also feature short videos to help your dog get used to certain aspects of his or her environment.  This morning, it was cars and road noise.  It is a strange concept.  Sure, you can see cars on the screen and hear the sounds of engines revving and sirens blaring, but other than that, watching cars and road noise on TV is nothing like experiencing them in real life.  It is also disconcerting to think that you would introduce a dog to something that is such a large part of everyday life on TV, rather than by actually experiencing it. 

There is a lot that could be said about the fact that a channel like Dog TV exists.  Does it say that as a culture, we are lazy and would rather entertain our dogs with TV instead of playing with them outside?  Or, does it recognize that many of us work outside the home for many hours each day, so Dog TV is a way to help our canine friends feel less anxious about our absence by giving them something else to focus on? 

A case could be made for both statements.  I think that Dog TV is pretty ridiculous…and I also kind of enjoy it.  It fascinates me a little bit.  A part of me thinks it is absurd, but you know what?  It is pretty relaxing.  The serene birds on the lake, the calm and happy dogs exploring the field, the peaceful music…it all helps to lower my blood pressure, too. 

I’m not sure what this says about me.  But now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m going to go check in with Dog TV for a few minutes…