The Dog House is opening its doors for another series, with fans getting a glimpse into the immense work that goes into finding homes for the beloved pooches.
The Channel 4 observational documentary follows the tireless work of dedicated staff at Woodgreen shelter, who are committed to matching their homeless dogs with prospective new owners.
Often, they’ve nursed their charges back to health after abandonment, abuse or sickness, with the heartwarming documentary also touching on sensitive subjects that result in dogs ending up in shelters – such as grief, illness, disabilities and death.
The new series of the show kicked off last week, with viewers this time getting an in depth look into the training and rehabilitation processes for the nervous and excitable dogs, as well as the challenges faced by both the dog owners and rescue centres.
And while the goings on at the centre makes for a moving TV show, behind-the-scenes there are key moments that are not shown on screens, which ensures the safety and well-being of both humans and dogs involved.
takes a look at moments that viewers don’t get to see…
The Dog House is opening its doors for another series, with fans getting a glimpse into the immense work that goes into finding homes for the beloved pooches
Life-saving operations
While viewers are treated to the heartwarming moments the dogs meet prospective new owners, the extraordinary veterinary work behind-the-scenes is not shown on air.
Woodgreen’s in-house team performed an incredible 8,532 operations and procedures on a variety of animals last years.
While viewers are treated to the heartwarming moments the dogs meet prospective new owners, the extraordinary veterinary work behind-the-scenes is not shown on air
Procedures ranged from dental work and routine neutering to more complicated routine neutering and joint operations, according to The Mirror.
The charity have potted an increase in animals needing significant veterinary treatment, likely caused by the delay in vet appointments amid the cost-of-living crisis.
Secret off-camera training
Before filming kicks off on each series, the film crew must embark on training on how to act and behave around the dogs – many of which are nervous or unsettled.
Canine behaviourists Sue Ketland and Wendy Kruger are on hand to provide guidance on how to act around the pooches.
Before filming kicks off on each series, the film crew must embark on training on how to act and behave around the dogs – many of which are nervous or unsettled
One key tip for those working on the show is to wear green so as to blend in with staff.
While it’s also advised to keep a pocket full of treats ready to offer the dogs if necessary.
The camera is always on
During filming, the cameras are never switched off so as to ensure to capture every key moment.
During filming, the cameras are never switched off so as to ensure to capture every key moment.
The centre is fitted with 30 fixed rig cameras, four roaming cameras and six Go Pros – none of which are human operated so as to not distract the dogs.
The clandestine remote controlled cameras are similar to CCTV cameras, making sure all the action is discreetly caught.
Meanwhile, while most of the cameras are positioned five feet off the ground, many in the meeting paddock are set just above ground level so that viewers can see things from the dog’s point of view.
The show is filmed entirely at the 42-acre centre, following the 60 strong team who work to counter the worst of our throw-away society, and witness stories of canine rescue and restoral
The Dog House is set inside the Woodgreen animal charity compound in Godmanchester, Cambridgeshire.
The show is filmed entirely at the 42-acre centre, following the 60 strong team who work to counter the worst of our throw-away society, and witness stories of canine rescue and restoral.
The rehoming centre, which originally opened its doors in north London in 1924, takes in hundreds of disowned and neglected animals every year – including dogs, cats and a small variety of small pets.
Thanks to the The Dog’s House overwhelming success on Channel 4, Woodgreen now receives thousands of queries per week – around 600 for every dog they’re looking to rehome.
The Dog House series six airs Sundays at 8pm on Channel 4.