Watch Bad Dog!

Set in Toronto, Canada, Bad Dog! is a popular television show from Animal Planet that premiered in 1998 and ran until 2000. The show features dogs that are misbehaving and causing trouble in their owners' lives. Each episode stars the talented Canadian actors Sheila McCarthy and Harvey Atkin as they showcase different dogs with a variety of behavioral issues. Atkin is a dog trainer in real life and brings his expertise to the show, while McCarthy interacts with the owners and their pets.

The show is notable for its unique take on dog training. Rather than using scolding or punishment, the show primarily employs positive reinforcement methods to help train the dogs. This gentle but firm approach has proven to be successful in transforming the behavior of the dogs featured on the show.

The episodes typically begin with an introduction to the dog and their owners. The owners detail the dog's problematic behavior and how it's impacting their lives. Some of the common issues that the show tackles include barking, jumping, aggression, and destructive behavior.

After assessing the dog's behavior, Atkin comes up with a customized training program designed to help the dog overcome its bad habits. McCarthy then spends some time with the owners, educating them on how to interact with their dogs and reinforcing the principles of positive reinforcement.

The training sessions themselves are a highlight of the show. Viewers get to see the dogs making progress over time, and Atkin's dedication and patience are evident in every session. He often employs clever techniques to teach the dogs appropriate behavior, such as using a toy to redirect their attention or practicing recall with the dog on a long leash.

The show is also notable for its focus on responsible dog ownership. The owners are encouraged to take an active role in training their dogs and to ensure their pets have the proper exercise, nutrition, and socialization. This comprehensive approach to dog ownership helps viewers better understand the responsibility involved in owning a dog and why proper training is so essential.

Despite the focus on behavior modification, Bad Dog! is also incredibly entertaining. The dogs themselves are a delight to watch, with their endearing personalities and goofy antics. The show doesn't take itself too seriously, with plenty of light-hearted moments and comedic relief.

Fans of the show appreciate the positive impact it has had on dog training in general. The emphasis on positive reinforcement has helped shift the conversation away from punishment-based methods, which can often have negative consequences for the dogs involved. Instead, viewers are inspired to use more compassionate techniques that strengthen the bond between dog and owner.

In conclusion, Bad Dog! is an excellent choice for anyone who loves dogs and wants to learn more about effective training methods. McCarthy and Atkin are both talented actors who bring their passion for dogs to the screen, and the show has a fun and engaging tone that keeps viewers coming back for more. With its focus on responsible pet ownership and positive reinforcement training, Bad Dog! is a must-watch for any dog lover.

Bad Dog! is a series that is currently running and has 3 seasons (20 episodes). The series first aired on September 10, 2011.