What is DOGTV?
DOGTV is a TV channel specifically for dogs that provides visual and audio stimuli designed for canine viewers.
According to their website (https://www.dogtv.com/), DOGTV claims to be scientifically designed for a dog’s visual and auditory senses. The programming features relaxing music along with video of slow moving objects, textures, and colors that are meant to appeal to dogs.
Is there a free DOGTV channel?
DOGTV is not available for free and requires a paid subscription through providers like DirecTV, Dish, Spectrum, Cox, Xfinity, and Amazon Prime. The channel launched in 2012 as a subscription service designed specifically for dogs home alone to provide relaxation and entertainment.
DOGTV does not offer any free trials or free tiers for access to their channel. The standard DOGTV subscription costs $4.99 per month. There are occasionally promotions where new subscribers can receive 1 month free, but regular access requires a paid subscription.
In March 2020 at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, DOGTV briefly made their channel free for 2 months to help dogs stressed at home. However, after this promotion ended in May 2020, DOGTV returned to being a paid subscription channel.
While dog owners report positive effects from DOGTV, such as reduced anxiety and more calm behavior, the channel does require a continuous paid commitment. There are no options currently to access DOGTV’s content for free.
DOGTV Subscription Options
DOGTV offers both monthly and yearly subscription options. The monthly plan starts at $9.99/month while the yearly plan is $99/year, which saves about 17% compared to paying monthly. DOGTV is available on most major streaming platforms including Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, Android TV and iOS/Android mobile devices.
You can subscribe directly through the DOGTV website and get a 7-day free trial. DOGTV is also available as a channel add-on through providers like DirecTV Stream, Xfinity, Spectrum, Cox, Optimum and Dish Network. The monthly price when subscribing through a cable/satellite provider is generally $5-10.
Occasional discounts and bundle deals are offered directly through DOGTV and third-party retailers like Amazon. For example, a recent deal offered an 82% discount on a lifetime subscription to DOGTV for $149.
DOGTV Programming
DOGTV offers 24/7 programming specifically designed for dogs home alone or looking for stimulation and relaxation. The content is created by animal behaviorists to appeal to dogs’ senses and instincts. According to the DOGTV website, the channel features two main types of content:
Relaxation – These videos use audio and visuals to help create a calming environment for anxious or stressed dogs. The content features relaxing music, soothing sounds, and slow-moving images to promote rest. This type of programming is good for dogs that have separation anxiety.
Stimulation – Designed to engage dogs both mentally and physically, these videos feature stimulating movement, sounds, and activities. The goal is to prevent boredom by providing dogs home alone with fun entertainment. This programming features brightness, contrast, color, and motion calibrated for a dog’s vision.
Throughout the day, DOGTV adjusts the types of videos based on changing moods and energy levels. In the morning, the channel focuses more on stimulating content to help dogs wake up. At night, relaxation videos are played to help dogs wind down.
Does DOGTV work for dogs?
DOGTV claims that their programming is designed specifically for dogs with colors, sounds, camera shots and content to capture their attention and provide relaxation when home alone. However, there is limited scientific research on the actual effects of DOGTV on dogs.
Some initial research has shown promising results. One study published in the Journal of Veterinary Behavior in 2012 found that dogs were more relaxed and less stressed when watching dog-specific TV compared to watching regular TV programs or no TV at all. The study utilized heart rate monitors on dogs to measure their physiological responses.
Owners of dogs who watch DOGTV report anecdotal evidence of the channel keeping their dogs entertained and soothed during the day. As one DOGTV reviewer on Amazon stated, “My dog LOVES Dogtv. Our dog is our child (obviously). We leave it on in the bedroom for him, he snoozes on the bed while we’re at work.”
However, some dog experts and owners remain skeptical about the true effects and benefits of TV designed for dogs. Some critics suggest most dogs quickly become habituated and pay little attention to the TV after prolonged exposure. Others argue that a TV channel cannot replace real human interaction and activity for a dog’s enrichment.
Overall the concept shows promise, but more research is still needed on the specific features that capture dogs’ attention and translate into measurable benefits for their well-being. Most evidence of DOGTV’s efficacy remains anecdotal at this stage.
Alternatives to DOGTV
While DOGTV requires a paid subscription, there are some free alternatives for providing dogs entertainment and relaxation while home alone:
Other TV and videos for dogs: The Relax My Dog YouTube channel has hundreds of free videos designed to relax dogs. There are also options like regular TV or pet-friendly shows on services like Netflix.
Pet cameras and apps: Pet camera systems like Petcube allow owners to interact with pets remotely. Apps like Petzi Treat Cam let owners view, talk to, and give treats to pets when away.
Classical music and audiobooks: Soothing classical music or audiobooks can provide comfort and distraction for dogs when home alone without visual stimulation.
Interactive dog toys: Smart dog toys that dispense treats or require physical interaction can keep dogs engaged and entertained for hours.
Tips for dogs home alone
Dogs can often feel anxious or stressed when left home alone for long periods. There are several things you can do to help them feel more comfortable and enriched in your absence:
Make sure your dog gets plenty of exercise and playtime before you leave. Take them for a long walk or play a game of fetch to help tire them out. Provide interactive puzzle toys or chews that will keep them occupied in your absence. According to the Animal Humane Society, “Provide mentally stimulating toys to keep your dog busy.”
Leave your dog in a comfortable area with access to water, their bed, and a way to go potty if needed. The RSPCA recommends, “Make sure your dog has access to water, a comfy bed and somewhere to go to the toilet.”
Try leaving the TV or radio on for background noise. There are even specialized “TV channels” like DOGTV that cater to dogs by showing dog-friendly programming. As Figo Pet Insurance suggests, “Leave the TV or radio on to provide comfort through voices and soothing sounds.”
Consider getting a pet monitoring camera so you can check in and talk to your dog remotely. This can provide reassurance about how they are doing.
With a few simple preparations, you can help your dog feel comfortable and relaxed at home alone. Just be sure to provide exercise, enrichment, comfort, and monitoring as needed.
Other specialty pet channels
In addition to DOGTV, there are a few other specialty TV channels aimed at pets and their owners.
One example is Feline TV, which offers programming designed for cats. Similar to DOGTV, Feline TV plays various cat-friendly content like relaxing music, stimulating cat games and toys, and nature video footage. They offer a subscription streaming service with plans starting at $7 per month.
Another competitor in this space is My Pet Network, which offers both dog and cat programming. Their service is $4.99 per month and provides shows focused on reducing stress, decreasing loneliness, and providing mental stimulation for pets home alone. My Pet Network can be accessed through Roku and Amazon Fire TV.
Compared to DOGTV which starts at $6 per month, these specialty pet channels offer similar pricing and content aimed at improving pets’ lives. While DOGTV focuses solely on dogs, Feline TV and My Pet Network also attempt to serve cat owners. However, the core offering of calm, engaging programming specifically for pets differentiates them from regular channels and makes them appealing to pet parents.
The future of TV for pets
As the pet industry continues to grow, we’re likely to see even more specialty products and services for our furry friends. According to one estimate, the US pet industry was worth over $100 billion in 2020 and will reach $275 billion by 2030 [1]. With this growth, companies are looking for new ways to cater to pet owners. One area of innovation is customized video content powered by artificial intelligence.
For example, companies could create individualized TV channels tailored to each pet’s breed, age, preferences, and needs. Machine learning algorithms can be trained on pet behavioral data to recommend the optimal content to reduce anxiety, stimulate their brains, or keep them relaxed and entertained. However, some pet experts caution against leaning too heavily on excessive screen time as a babysitter for pets, when direct interaction and outdoor time are also important for their wellbeing.
As technology continues to advance, we may see the rise of new pet gadgets and personalized media. But responsible pet parents will be sure to strike the right balance between high-tech enrichment and quality time spent together.
Key takeaways
DOGTV does not currently offer a free channel option. The cheapest subscription starts at $4.99 per month. There are also more expensive annual subscription options. While DOGTV claims their programming is designed specifically for dogs with colors, sounds and footage meant to appeal to canine sensibilities, some experts question how much dogs actually benefit from or pay attention to television.
For dogs home alone during the day, alternatives like puzzle toys, snuffle mats and interactive feeders can provide mental stimulation. Taking dogs to daycare a few days a week is another option. Daily walks and playtime when owners are home helps too. So while DOGTV may be an entertaining novelty item for some pet owners, it’s likely not a necessary expense.
The future of TV for pets seems mixed. As more households cut the cord, streaming services for pets could grow. But without concrete evidence dogs actually watch or benefit from TV, pet-specific programming may remain a niche market. More research into how dogs react to and comprehend televised content would help inform future innovations and products.