The Dog House opens its doors to a new series, giving fans an inside look at the immense work it takes to find a new home for the beloved four-legged friends.
The Channel 4 documentary follows the tireless work of dedicated staff at Woodgreen shelter, who match their homeless dogs with potential new owners.
They have often helped their dogs get back on their feet after they were abandoned, abused or sick. The heartwarming documentary also highlights sensitive issues that lead to dogs ending up in shelters, such as grief, illness, disability and death.
The new series of the show kicked off last week, giving viewers an in-depth look at the training and rehabilitation process of the nervous and excitable dogs, and the challenges faced by both owners and shelters.
While the events at the center make for a gripping TV show, there are also important moments behind the scenes that are not shown on screen, ensuring the safety and well-being of both the people and dogs involved.
MailOnline looks at moments viewers don’t get to see…
The Dog House opens its doors to a new series, giving fans a glimpse into the immense work that goes into finding homes for the beloved four-legged friends
Life-saving operations
While viewers are treated to the heartwarming moments when the dogs meet potential new owners, the extraordinary veterinary work behind the scenes is not shown on television.
Woodgreen’s own team performed a whopping 8,532 surgeries and procedures on a variety of animals last year.
While viewers are treated to the heartwarming moments when the dogs meet potential new owners, the extraordinary veterinary work behind the scenes is not shown on television
According to The Mirror, the procedures ranged from dental work and routine castrations to more complicated routine castrations and joint surgeries.
The charity has seen an increase in the number of animals requiring intensive veterinary care, likely due to delays in vet appointments due to the cost of living crisis.
Secret training off camera
Before filming begins on each series, the film crew must train how to behave around the dogs, as many of them are nervous or restless.
Dog behaviour experts Sue Ketland and Wendy Kruger will be on hand to offer advice on how best to interact with the dogs.
Before filming begins on each series, the film crew must undergo training on how to behave around the dogs, many of whom are nervous or restless.
An important tip for those working on the show is to wear green so they don’t stand out among the staff.
It is also advisable to keep a bag full of treats on hand to give the dog when needed.
The camera is always on
During filming, the cameras are never off, so every important moment can be captured.
During filming, the cameras are never off, so every important moment can be captured.
The centre is equipped with 30 fixed cameras, four mobile cameras and six GoPros. These are not operated by people, so as not to distract the dogs.
The covert, remote-controlled cameras are similar to surveillance cameras and ensure that all the action is recorded discreetly.
While most of the cameras are positioned five feet up, many in the meeting area are placed just above the ground, allowing viewers to see everything from the dog’s perspective.
The show is filmed entirely within the 42-acre centre, following the 60-strong team as they work to combat the worst of our throwaway society, and witnessing stories of dog rescue and recovery.
The Dog House is set in Woodgreen Animal Shelter in Godmanchester, Cambridgeshire.
Filmed entirely within the 42-hectare centre, the series follows the 60-strong team working to combat the worst effects of our throwaway society, and features stories of dog rescue and recovery.
The rehoming centre, which originally opened in North London in 1924, takes in hundreds of abandoned and neglected animals each year, including dogs, cats and a small variety of small pets.
Thanks to the overwhelming success of Channel 4’s The Dog’s House, Woodgreen now receives thousands of enquiries a week – around 600 for every dog they want to rehome.
The sixth season of The Dog House airs on Sundays at 8pm on Channel 4.
