The Dog House opens its doors for another series, giving fans a glimpse into the immense work that goes into finding homes for beloved dogs.
Channel 4’s observational documentary follows the tireless work of the dedicated staff at Woodgreen shelter, who are committed to matching their homeless dogs with potential new owners.
Often, they have rescued their dogs from abandonment, abuse or illness, and the moving documentary also touches on sensitive issues that lead to dogs ending up in shelters, such as pain, illness, disabilities and death.
The new series of the show began last week, and this time viewers will be able to gain an in-depth look at the training and rehabilitation processes of nervous and excitable dogs, as well as the challenges faced by both dog owners and rescue centres.
And while what happens at the centre makes for a heartwarming TV show, behind the scenes there are key moments that aren’t shown on screen, ensuring the safety and wellbeing of both the humans and dogs involved.
MailOnline takes a look at moments viewers never get to see…
The Dog House opens its doors for another series, giving fans a glimpse into the immense work involved in finding homes for beloved dogs.
Operations to save lives
While viewers enjoy the heartwarming moments when the dogs meet their potential 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 year.
While viewers enjoy the heartwarming moments when the dogs meet their potential new owners, the extraordinary veterinary work behind the scenes is not shown on air.
The procedures ranged from routine dental work and castrations to more complicated routine neutering and joint operations, according to The Mirror.
The charity has detected a rise in the number of animals needing major veterinary treatment, likely caused by the delay in veterinary appointments amid the cost of living crisis.
Secret off-camera training
Before filming begins for each series, the film crew must receive training on how to act and behave around the dogs, many of whom are nervous or restless.
Canine behaviourists Sue Ketland and Wendy Kruger are available to provide guidance on how to behave around dogs.
Before filming begins for each series, the film crew must undergo training on how to act and behave around the dogs, many of whom are nervous or restless.
A key tip for those working on the show is to wear green so you can blend in with the staff.
It is also advisable to have a pocket full of treats ready to offer to the dogs if necessary.
The camera is always on
During filming, the cameras are never turned off to ensure that every key moment is captured.
During filming, the cameras are never turned off to ensure that every key moment is captured.
The center is equipped with 30 fixed cameras, four mobile cameras and six GoPros, none of which are operated by humans so as not to distract the dogs.
Remote controlled hidden cameras are similar to CCTV cameras, ensuring that all the action is captured discreetly.
Meanwhile, while most cameras are located five feet off the ground, many in the meeting paddock are positioned just above ground level so viewers can see things from the dog’s point of view.
The show is filmed entirely at the 42-acre centre, and follows the 60-person team working to counteract the worst of our throwaway society, witnessing stories of dog rescue and restoration.
The Dog House is located within the Woodgreen animal charity complex in Godmanchester, Cambridgeshire.
The show is filmed entirely at the 42-acre centre and follows the 60-person team as they work to counteract the worst of our throwaway society and witness stories of dog rescue and restoration.
The adoption centre, which originally opened in North London in 1924, takes in hundreds of abandoned and neglected animals each year, including dogs, cats and a variety of small pets.
Thanks to the overwhelming success of The Dog’s House on Channel 4, Woodgreen now receives thousands of enquiries a week – around 600 for every dog they are looking to rehome.
The sixth season of The Dog House airs on Sundays at 8pm on Channel 4.
