DogTown

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  • 2008
  • 4 Seasons
  • 8.3  (82)

"DogTown" was an American television series produced by National Geographic. The show first aired in 2008 and ran for two seasons until 2010. The show featured the lives of dogs rescued from abusive situations or those that were facing euthanasia. It centred on the efforts of Best Friends Animal Society, a no-kill animal shelter located in southern Utah to rehabilitate these dogs and find them new homes.

The show was hosted by Chuck Thompson, Sherry Woodard, and John Garcia, who are experts in dog behaviour and training. Chuck is the executive director of Best Friends and passionately believes that every dog deserves a chance to live a happy life. Sherry Woodard, on the other hand, is the director of animal behaviour at Best Friends and helps rehabilitate dogs with emotional issues. Lastly, John Garcia is the lead trainer at DogTown and helps dogs with behavioural problems learn new skills and build up their confidence.

Throughout the show, viewers were taken through the journey of dogs as they arrived at the shelter, received medical care, were trained, and finally, fostered or adopted. The three hosts ensured that the dogs received the necessary medical attention, behavioural evaluations, and appropriate obedience training. Some of the dogs the show rescued were from puppy mills, hoarding situations, dogfighting rings, and even natural disasters such as Hurricane Katrina.

Many dogs that arrived in DogTown were scared, aggressive, and mistrusting of humans. The show depicted the journey of the dogs' transformation as they learned to trust people, socialize with other dogs, and overcome their fears. The trainers use a variety of methods, such as clicker training, positive reinforcement, and the use of toys and games to train the dogs. These methods were designed to help the dogs learn new behaviours, cope with stress and be more confident.

The show showcased the various programmes offered at the shelter, such as the puppy programme, senior dog programme, and the ARF programme (Animal Rescue Foundation). The ARF programme focused on rehabilitating and training dogs that came from dog fighting rings. The programme was aimed at breaking the cycle of dog fighting and giving these dogs a second chance. The senior dog programme was tailored to meet the needs of older dogs that require more medical attention and special care.

Another significant aspect of the show was the adoption process. DogTown worked hard to match each dog with the most suitable home environment. This meant considering factors such as the dog's previous history, age, temperament, and energy level. Potential adopters were interviewed and had to go through temperament evaluations before adopting a dog. The hosts and staff also provided follow-up support and training to ensure that the dogs settled in well in their new homes.

Overall, "DogTown" offered an inspiring look into the world of animal welfare and the incredible work that goes into rehabilitating dogs. The show promoted the importance of proper animal care, and the message that every dog deserves a second chance. The hosts highlighted the power of patience, love, and positive reinforcement in helping the dogs overcome their behavioural issues. With its heartwarming stories of dogs seeking and finding forever homes; "DogTown" is a must-watch for all animal-lovers.

DogTown is a series that is currently running and has 4 seasons (29 episodes). The series first aired on September 5, 2008.

DogTown
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Seasons
Dogs in Need
10. Dogs in Need
March 11, 2010
Rosa could die of a life-threatening problem if veterinarian Dr. Mike Dix can't figure it out,
Puppy Mill Rescue
9. Puppy Mill Rescue
March 5, 2010
Dog care manager Michelle Besmehn selects dogs rescued from a shut-down Pennsylvania puppy mill who are most in need of Dogtown's help. Among them are Parker, a dachshund with rotten teeth and Barney, a shih tzu with a skin infection on his feet. Animal care manager Jeff Popowich works to train Buzz, an aggressive seven-year-old rottweiler, to make him a safer dog.
Chance for Change
8. Chance for Change
February 28, 2010
An 8-week-old Catahoula mix is severely ill and Dr. Patti is presented with a new disease she has never seen before.
Search and Rescue
7. Search and Rescue
February 19, 2010
A new program trains shelter dogs to search and rescue.
Close Calls
6. Close Calls
February 5, 2010
The economic crisis has forced countless families to give up their beloved animals -- and DogTown adopts several of them.
The Road Home
5. The Road Home
January 29, 2010
John and Mackenzie Garcia have to say good-bye to their foster dog, Little Girl.
Sanctuary
4. Sanctuary
January 22, 2010
Sherry Woodard takes on the challenge of socializing Shaggy, a dog who struggled to survive in the Grand Canyon for 6 years.
Homeward Bound
3. Homeward Bound
January 15, 2010
Meet one of DogTown's toughest challenges: Clemance, a shepherd mix rescued from the 2006 Lebanon-Israel war.
Bright Futures
2. Bright Futures
January 8, 2010
John Garcia searches for a pit bull rescued from Michael Vick's property.
Dogfight
1. Dogfight
January 1, 2010
Cherry, a pit bull mix featured in last season, rescued from Michael Vick's property, is featured. It is believed that Cherry was kept in a cage or was a bait dog. Now Cherry is in a rehabilitation program that is teaching her not to be afraid of people anymore.
Description
Where to Watch DogTown
DogTown is available for streaming on the National Geographic website, both individual episodes and full seasons. You can also watch DogTown on demand at Amazon and Apple TV.
  • Premiere Date
    September 5, 2008
  • IMDB Rating
    8.3  (82)