The Dog House: UK
Sweet British reality series about dogs who rescue humans.
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The Dog House: UK
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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 The Dog House: UK is a reality show about a British dog shelter that matches dogs with human families. Personal stories about the adopters feature topics like struggling with depression, living in a wheelchair, and other personal challenges that owning a dog can potentially help them cope with. The word "damn" is occasionally used, and sometimes a malnourished or injured dog is shown (but no blood is visible). All this being said, the series is very family-friendly, and may even inspire some folks to think about adopting a dog of their own.
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What's the Story?
THE DOG HOUSE: UK is a reality series that follows a British dog shelter committed to matching deserving humans with their perfect canine companion. Hopeful adopters meet with the staff at Cambridgeshire's Wood Green Charity and discuss why they want a dog, and the kind they are looking for. They then go to a special meeting pen, where they are introduced, one by one, to dogs the staff believes meet their criteria. Sometimes it's love at first sight, while other times it's a failed connection. But often each side just needs a little time to get to know each other. After meeting what they believe is the right dog, adopters are sent home to think carefully about the decision. At the end of the episode, viewers find out if the dogs they bonded with became permanent members of their families.
Is It Any Good?
This sweet, easygoing series shows the process by which one of Europe's largest animal rehoming centers matches dogs to deserving humans. Potential adopters, who come from all walks of life, share stories about who they are, and the challenges they hope adopting a dog will help them overcome. As a result, the dogs are framed as potential healers, who have the power to help a well-matched owner live a more fulfilling life. It's not easy to watch frightened dogs being dropped off at the shelter, or see dogs reject an excited family. But these scenes are brief, and The Dog House: UK has more than enough beautiful animals and happy endings to make it worth the watch.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the role of dog and other animal shelters in our communities. The Dog House: UK shows us how they home animals, but what are some of the other ways that shelters help the animals that they take in?
Animal-themed reality shows like The Dog House: UK raise awareness about the many dogs and other animals that need loving homes. What does it take to be a good pet owner?
TV Details
- Premiere date: July 30, 2020
- Network: HBO Max
- Genre: Reality TV
- Topics: Cats, Dogs, and Mice
- Character Strengths: Compassion
- TV rating: NR
- Last updated: March 4, 2022
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