The best dog TV shows of all time

Whether it’s watching a group of four-legged friends on the adventure of a lifetime or following the antics of some playful pups in one of the many dog training shows on TV, we love watching our furry friends on the big screen. But did you know that your pooch pal might like it too? Dog TV shows can be informative and entertaining for both pet parents and their four-pawed pals, but that doesn’t mean you can just binge watch any old show together. Let’s take a look at the best TV shows for dogs and explore some of the benefits of watching the small screen with your pup.

Watching TV with your dog

Watching TV is great, but watching TV with your dog is definitely a level-up. But while you might be into action-packed thrillers and nail-biting horrors, nature documentaries, low-key family comedies, and TV shows featuring lots of furry friends will be more up your pup’s street.  

Should dogs watch TV?

TV’s not for all pups, but there’s no reason why you shouldn’t have a TV marathon if your pooch pal is hooked. Watching TV with your pup can be a great bonding experience for pet owners and dog sitters, but dog TV shows can also be a great way to calm dogs down when you can’t be there. Putting on a TV show for dogs can be a great distraction for anxious pups as the sounds mask outside noises, helping to ease separation anxiety while you pop out to the shops or concentrate on work in the next room. A relaxed dog is a happy dog, but the telly shouldn’t replace other forms of stimulation like exercise, playtime, and training sessions. 

Top TV shows about dogs

From Hollywood hounds to doggy documentaries, here are some dog TV shows to add your watch list:

Gunther’s Millions

This is the story of the richest dog in the world, Gunther, who allegedly inherited his owner’s $80 million fortune. This four-part documentary series follows the outrageous lifestyle of the German Shepherd and his entourage before taking some unexpected twists, reminding us that nothing is ever as it seems, especially in the lives of the rich and famous.

It’s Me or the Dog

If you’re looking for dog training TV shows, this series follows families as they get to grips with their troublesome pups with the help of dog trainer Victoria Stilwell. Each episode is packed with tons of info on dog behavior and training techniques, so it’s a great watch if you want to learn more about your own pooch pal and how to take better care of them. 

Scooby-Doo

Do we even need to explain? This dog cartoon TV show might not be the most informative, but it’s certainly an easy watch, even when Fido’s around. The family favorite follows Scooby-Doo and his friends as they travel around in their Mystery Machine, solving supernatural mysteries and investigating strange goings on. 

Hudson & Rex

Detective Charlie Hudson and his loyal police dog Rex work together to solve cases of homicide, kidnapping, and organized crime in the city of St Johns. Day to day they might be investigating crime scenes, gathering evidence, and tracking down suspects, but what we’re really here for is the heartwarming bond between the unlikely pair, which strengthens as the series goes on. Can you name a better duo?

America’s Top Dog TV show

Be wowed by the dogs and their handlers as they compete in a series of challenges to determine which team will be crowned America’s Top Dog. Obstacle courses throughout the series test pooch pals for their obedience and teamwork, and could serve as inspo if you’ve got a paw-ticularly clever canine! 

Lassie

One of the oldest dog shows on TV, this classic follows the adventures of a loyal dog named Lassie and her various human companions as she travels through America. Lassie faces a number of challenges and obstacles along the way and often finds herself rescuing people in need, earning her furry superhero status. 

The Healing Powers of Dude

In this feel-good Netflix original, 11-year-old Noah is paired with a support dog called Dude to help with his anxiety. The two quickly become inseparable as Dude helps Noah face his fears, embarking on various adventures and learning important life lessons along the way. 

TV shows and channels for dogs to watch

Our pooch pals perceive motion differently from the way we do, so the images shown on pre-digital TV would have been choppy and uncomfortable for pups to watch. Luckily for us, advances in technology mean that we now have a much smoother viewing experience, and this makes watching TV much more appealing for our pooch pals too. But that doesn’t mean Fido will want to binge watch the entire season of The Last of Us with you. So what shows do dogs like?

Our four-legged friends like watching TV shows starring pooch pals and other furry friends, so America’s Top Dog, Hudson & Rex, and nature programs on Animal Planet might tickle their fancy. Avoid watching shows with sudden loud noises while you’re dog sitting, and keep an eye out for any signs your pooch pal’s finding the show uncomfortable.

If you want some top-notch on-screen entertainment for your furry friend, DogTV has been designed by scientists and dog experts especially for pooch pals. From the colors on the screen to the scenes of slow-moving animals and objects, everything on this TV channel for dogs is adapted to be more eye-catching for your four-legged friend, plus it’s all arranged to the beat of a soothing soundtrack to keep your dog happy. Spoiler alert: you can choose between short clips of doggy playtime in the Stimulation segment, everyday sights and sounds in Exposure, or the Relaxation program, which can be particularly useful for pups that get stressed when left alone.

Movies your canine companion will love

If your love of dogs and movies knows no bounds, here are over 35 movies to watch with your dog by your side.