Common Sense Media Review
By Emily Ashby
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Remarkable dogs helping humans are fun for family viewing.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 6+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
It's a Dog's Life with Bill Farmer
What's the Story?
IT'S A DOG'S LIFE WITH BILL FARMER introduces viewers to canines who do remarkable work as humans' companions and coworkers. Hosted by Disney voiceover legend Bill Farmer, each episode of the series features two dogs with amazing skills that allow them to help people in unique ways. From service animals for health challenges to companion animals for wild animals in captivity, these dogs do incredible -- and incredibly helpful -- things. The show also dedicates time to advice on responsible pet interactions as well as fans' stories of their special relationships with their own canines.
Is It Any Good?
There's a reason dogs are considered to be man's best friend, and this fun series certainly makes a good case for that to be a universal truth. Whether or not you're a dog lover yourself, you'll find yourself in awe of the incredible work these animals do for their human friends. Some of their jobs will be familiar -- especially in the cases of companion and service tasks for people with health needs -- but others (like a professional whale poop sniffer!) may surprise you.
A dog lover himself, Farmer takes obvious joy in meeting these amazing animals and seeing their work in action. Recurring segments called "Pluto's Pointers" and "Goofy's Hometown Heroes" also help bring the pet-friendly messages closer to home, offering valuable advice about caring for and relating to dogs, and spotlighting some special stories fans have shared about their own furry best friends. It's a Dog's Life is a feel-good show that's perfect for couch time with your family and your four-legged friends.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about owning and caring for pets. If you have pets in your home, what tasks are involved in taking care of their needs on a daily basis? How do you keep them safe when you are away from home, either with or without them?
How can animals help us in emotional ways? Can they inspire us to be compassionate and kind in different ways than our human relationships do? Do you think the title "best friend" is appropriate for our dog pals? Why or why not?
In what ways does t's a Dog's Life incorporate the Disney brand into its content? Does involving the images of Pluto and Goofy contribute to the show in some way? Why or why not?
TV Details
- Premiere date : May 15, 2020
- Cast : Bill Farmer
- Network : Disney+
- Genre : Reality TV
- Topics : Animals
- TV rating :
- Last updated : September 30, 2025
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