 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
K-9 to 5
- Animal Planet
- Genre: Educational
Common Sense Media says
Working dogs in some scary jobs; OK for most kids.
Parents say
Kids say
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this program showcases pooches in the workplace, including seeing-eye dogs, university mascots, and visitors to therapeutic settings. But it's not all fluff: They also perform jobs that may frighten younger kids, such as bomb sniffing, search and rescue, and SWAT duty. Young viewers may have questions about safety issues after watching, but overall it's a touching, sometimes-funny take on the unconditional love, intelligence, and loyalty of man, woman, and child's best friend.
What's the story?
K-9 TO 5 gives viewers a glimpse at some pretty dedicated employees -- employees who happen to have four furry legs, wet noses, and the ability to bark on command. Take Handsome Dan XVI, the bulldog who serves as the mascot of prestigious Yale University, who appears at games, art openings, and parties, and sits for pictures, shakes hands, and lets kids (and adults) pet his head. Just like Handsome Dan, many of the workaholic dogs on K-9 to 5 are presented against a backdrop of peppy music and footage of them in action on the job. But other stories are more touching, such as that of the German shepherd who meets kids at an inner-city child development center. And then there are the incredible stories of the dogs that help out in law enforcement and search and rescue.
Is it any good?
The language and footage of K-9 to 5 are appropriate for all ages. It's the descriptions and context of the pooches' jobs that parents need to be aware of for the youngest viewers -- pre-screening to check for potentially scary occupations isn't a bad idea.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about the responsibilities and costs that come along with owning a dog. If kids are asking for a pooch, discuss who will feed, walk, play with, bathe, and train it. Families can also discuss the characteristics of certain breeds and the benefits of a mixed-breed dog. Plus, you can talk about the immense amount of training undertaken by the dogs featured in the show -- and their owners' time commitment. For kids interested in learning more about canine training, look for local shelters or classes to observe.
There aren't any reviews yet. Be the first to review this title below.
| TV rating: | TV-G |
| Network: | Animal Planet |
| Genre: | Educational |
Review It
Great alternatives handpicked by our editors
Already seen it? What do you think?
More from Common Sense Media
Top advice and articles
