Television gone to the dogs: DOGTV

As loving pet owners, one of the hardest things we do each day is leave our furry friends home alone while we go out to work or to run errands. It can be especially difficult to leave the house if you have a dog who suffers from separation anxiety, or is extra energetic and prone to destruction when bored. Worried that their pooches might get lonely or bored, it's not uncommon for pet owners to leave the TV or radio on for their pets. The assumption is that the noise helps our canine companions feel less alone when they have to be left at home.

Now dogs in San Diego (access in other locations will come later) don't have to listen to the boring old radio or watch human TV programs, because cable TV has gone to the dogs. For a fee of $5 a month, dog owners can purchase a cable channel designed just for dogs. DOGTV, the new 24/7 digital channel is backed by well known pet experts and organizations such as the HSUS, ASPCA, AVMA, and famous dog trainer Victoria Stilwell. The channel was designed with the intention that it can serve as a 'babysitter' for dogs who must be left home alone. It, so far, features three types of programs. Relaxing programs are designed to calm stressed pooches, while stimulating and positive reinforcement programs are aimed to engage and stimulate dogs who might otherwise be left home alone and bored. The DOGTV website claims that their scientifically developed programming will leave your dog confident, happy, and "less likely to develop stress, separation anxiety or other related problems." So far DOGTV has created around 800 three to five minute long programs for dogs.

What do dog owners think of the new channel? So far opinions seem mixed. Some owners love the idea of having a channel designed just for dogs. Other owners feel that TV designed for dogs is a bad idea, and even that some owners may take things too far and use DOGTV to replace doing things for their dog, like taking them on walks. They argue that dogs should be able to get out and experience life, not watch it on TV, and that most well rounded, properly trained dogs don't need the TV on to make them feel comfortable when home alone. What do you think? Do you leave the TV or radio on for your dog when you leave them home alone? Would you spend $5 a month to purchase a TV channel made for dogs? Do you think some owners would depend to much on DogTV, using it to entertain their dogs rather than walking or playing with them? Do you think you're dog would even watch TV? Leave a comment below to share your opinions.