Dogs 101/Cats 101 - TV-PG

Kid-OK pet primer breeds warmth and affection.

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TV Rating: TV-PG
Network: Animal Planet
Cast: Jonathan David, Tyson Kilmer, Andrea Arden
Genre: Educational
>Available On: Download

Parents need to know

Parents need to know that this educational series offers educational information about dogs and cats, from breed-based facts to health and training tips. While it's pretty mild overall, expect some brief discussions about animal mating and the use of service dogs in both search and rescue situations (including the events of 9/11) and as assistants to terminally ill patients. Occasionally, the death of an animal is discussed.

Families can talk about their favorite breeds of dogs and cats. Which would best match your family? Why? If you have a family pet, what do you love about it? Families can also discuss the different ways that cats and dogs have been portrayed in the media. What are some of your favorite animal characters? Why?

Message
Violence
Sex
Language

Message

Social Behavior:

Offers educational information about different breeds, what to expect from them, and how to take care of them.

Consumerism:

Drugs/Alcohol/Tobacco:

Some service dogs are trained to assist in drug investigations.

Violence

Discusses the use of certain dog breeds as service dogs trained to help in rescue missions (including post-9/11). Animal deaths are occasionally discussed.

Sex

Occasional discussions about animal mating, genital size, and other breeding-related information. All is offered in an educational context.

Language

Common Sense says

What's the story?

Reviewed by Melissa Camacho

DOGS 101/CATS 101 educates audiences about different breeds of dogs and cats. It discusses each breed's life from the early stages of development through the potential challenges it may face in the final years of life. With the help of animal experts, the show introduces facts about the history of each breed, as well as helpful information about the potential medical conditions associated with the breed. The series also offers tips about the type of domestic life that each breed is best suited for and how to ensure animals' overall happiness. And dog and cat owners share some of their own stories about their pets, highlighting some of the instincts and talents they possess.

Is it any good?

Dogs 101/Cats 101 is both interesting and practical for dog and cat lovers, owners, and future owners, giving them concrete information that they can use to help choose and raise a healthy pet. The show successfully breaks down some of the details about each breed so that people will know what to realistically expect from the animal they choose to live with.

While discussions about certain breeds' mating abilities may raise a mild chuckle (despite the fact that the information is offered in an educational context), overall, this series isn't the most exciting unless you have a real affection for dogs and/or cats. That said, even non-animal lovers will appreciate the show's genuine warmth and affection for animals. That, combined with the series' wealth of information, makes it a positive viewing choice for tweens and up.