DogTV offers three shows for canine viewers
DogTV is a 24/7 cable television network designed to entertain dogs left home alone through invigorating or soothing imagery and sound. – Photo courtesy of DogTVLOS ANGELES, April 28 – Do dogs watch television? Yes, according to 5,000 videos on YouTube, notes DogTV, a channel designed specifically for canines that claims pups can be stimulated by bouncing balls and butterflies, be relaxed by mountain views and classical music, and learn to cope with car rides and noisy vacuums by watching TV.
The ultimate dogsitter, DogTV is a 24/7 cable television network designed to entertain dogs left home alone through invigorating or soothing imagery and sound to prevent boredom and stress.
“Animals need visual and auditory simulation throughout the day,” says Dr Nicholas H. Dodman, a veterinarian behaviourist at Tufts University Department of Clinical Sciences, who worked on designing DogTV’s programmes and points out that new digital screens are more easily viewable for pets than analog television.
Three types of programmes in 3- to 6-minute segments have been scientifically created for relaxing, stimulating, and behaviour-improvement to keep dogs active and alert or calm, based on their typical sleep and activity patterns.
Colours are muted since dogs don’t see green and red the same, and footage was shot from the point of view of a dog. Here are examples of programming:
Relaxation: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4M38ZbvMym4
Stimulation: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZLJdb6Yhg2I
Exposure: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YF63zxlnKMs
While DogTV may help alleviate separation anxiety, offering surrogate companionship, it shouldn’t be considered a substitute for exercise and playing with pets anymore than video games are a replacement for human interaction for kids, say some critics. Intended to increase animal contentment and health, it may also relieve pet owners’ guilt.
“Like people, some dogs just aren’t that into TV,” says Teoti Anderson, previously with the Association of Pet Dog Trainers, reported the New York Times. Repeat viewing is at 80 per cent, according to the channel spokesperson Bonnie Vieira.
Recommended for stay-at-home dogs, the channel is an alternative to doggy daycare, which can cost between US$8 (RM24.33) and US$35 day or US$250-US$550 per month.
The eight-hour block of on-demand cable TV will cost US$5 per month. It is also available online for a US$10 fee for streaming.
http://www.dogtv.com – AFP
