Dogs With Jobs

TV review by Emily Ashby, Common Sense Media
Dogs With Jobs Poster Image

Common Sense says

age 5+

Man's best friend shows off impressive skills.

National Geographic Channel Educational 2000
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Parents say

age 10+

Based on 2 reviews

Kids say

age 5+

Based on 2 reviews

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A Lot or a Little?

The parents' guide to what's in this TV show.

What Parents Need to Know

Parents need to know that they and their kids will develop an increased respect for dogs' intelligence after watching the animals' skill at jobs in which humans wouldn't out-qualify them. This series is a great way to introduce kids to the idea of a "working dog" so that they can recognize and respect those they might meet in everyday life. The show also celebrates the emotional connection between humans and companion animals by highlighting their special level of co-dependence and cooperation.

Community Reviews

moMaven
moMaven Adult
January 26, 2018
age 10+

Avoid the police episodes

Other than the police dog episodes (half of episode 1 and half of episode 2), it’s a great show. The police dog episodes include violent reenactments, lots of shooting and peril. The other episodes are heartwarming and interesting.

This title has:

Too much violence
Andrea L.
Andrea L. Adult
February 8, 2017
age 9+

More violent than expected

I was surprised the violence was never mentioned in the official review. We watched 1.5 episodes and decided not to continue. In the first episode, the dog owner is a retired police officer, and it shows her shooting a gun at a target of a real picture of a man holding a female victim. It shows the target with bullet holes in it. In the second episode, the owner is a current police officer. It shows the dog attacking criminals and talks about violent crimes like murder, stabbings and armed robbery. It showed real arrests like an episode of COPS. There is a scene where a police officer fires a gun at the dog, which was practice, but upsetting to my 5 yo dog lover who didn't understand it was training. Also, there is a reenactment of a time during a traffic stop that turned bad and the officer was dragged along the car when the suspect tried to drive off. This is not family TV viewing for families with young kids.

This title has:

Too much violence
See all 2 parent reviews

What's the Story?

DOGS WITH JOBS is a heartwarming tribute to the loving, intelligent, courageous canines worldwide who work beside humans in many capacities. These amazing animals sniff out drugs and bombs, track missing persons, act as eyes for the blind, and provide emotional companionship. The series explains the placement process for dogs in certain jobs, and how specialized trainers in various fields often look for particular breeds, as well as heightened senses and appropriate temperament. Each 30-minute episode usually features the stories of two or three dogs.

Is It Any Good?

Dogs With Jobs is a good TV choice for the family -- and if yours includes four-legged friends, it may inspire you to head outside and work out a few new tricks. While the segments' brevity will hold the attention of younger viewers, older ones may find themselves wanting more background or follow-up on the animals.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about how the dogs are selected for certain jobs. What traits do the trainers seek out for certain jobs? What special skills or natural features (size, strength, hearing, eyesight) are important? What are some of your special skills? What jobs might they make you suited for? Parents also should explain the importance of not approaching a working dog on the job.

TV Details

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