Parents' Guide to

DogTown

By Ellen Dendy, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 9+

Canine rehab docuseries is intense, inspiring.

TV National Geographic Channel Reality TV 2008
DogTown Poster Image

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What you will—and won't—find in this TV show.

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What's the Story?

The powerful reality series DOGTOWN chronicles the day-to-day drama at Utah's Best Friends Animal Society, a 33-thousand acre no-kill facility that houses up to 2,000 animals at a time. The cameras follow the dedicated team of professionals and volunteers as they work to rehabilitate and find happy homes for dogs that would otherwise be euthanized.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say: Not yet rated
Kids say: Not yet rated

The series does a great job of documenting the way that the facility's staff creates and adjusts unique rehabilitation plans for each case, making DogTown a solid choice for kids who are interested in working with animals. Beyond the training, socialization, medical attention, and other rehabilitation tactics, the show captures the staff's love for their four-legged charges, revealing how much dogs (and other domestic animals) depend on humans for a happy, healthy existence.

Each episode follows the rehabilitation of a few troubled canines, and while stories of abuse (including the horrors of puppy mills) and neglect are revealed and injuries and aggressive animal behavior are occasionally shown, DogTown -- unlike more graphic shows such as Animal Precinct -- puts the focus on rehabilitation and adoption. The series also emphasizes neutering, which, along with adoption, is a key factor in helping cut down on euthanization.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the issue of animal abuse and neglect. How does the media call attention to issues like this? Have you ever heard a news story about animal abuse? Have you ever been to an animal shelter? What are some ways you can get involved in helping animals in need where you live?

TV Details

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