First Cable Network for Dogs Launched

by Michael d'Estries, Mother Nature Network

Flickr/Creative Commons

Is your dog a couch potato in desperate need of some quality television programming while you're at work? If you and your four-legged friend happen to live in the San Diego area, you're in luck.

DOGTV, the nation's first cable network dedicated solely to viewers with a penchant for bones and kibble, has recently launched. Co-founder and chief content creator Ron Levi says the goal of the channel is to "provide companionship for dogs and reduce stress caused by an owner's absence."

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"A lot of people laugh and think it's funny or a gimmick," Levi told MSNBC. "But then we explain the research and the science behind it. This is a great opportunity to makes dogs happier and their lives more pleasant while they are home alone during the day."

DOGTV not only features programming shot from the point-of-view of man's best friends, but also in colors they can see best (yellow, green, indigo and violet) and sounds that are soothing (i.e., classical music). Each of the more than 800 shows last roughly three to four minutes - or roughly the attention span of the average canine.

According to the in-depth, official site, the network focuses on three themes for its shows: relaxation, stimulation and exposure.

"Many dogs suffer from lack of stimulation, which becomes acute when their owner is away," the FAQ reads. "The stimulating content will provide the dog with invigorating images, animation and exciting real world sounds to keep the dog up and running."

DOGTV is available for free on Cox (Channel 2635) and Time Warner (Channel 148) in San Diego. After a trial period, it will cost $4.99/mo. The network hopes to go nationwide soon. You can see an example of one of the programs below.

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