Channel 4’s brand new dog behavioural series – The Dog Academy – starts on 30th March.
The series will see a team of Britain’s top specialist trainers take on the nation’s naughtiest dogs and instruct beleaguered owners in dog management skills and dog psychology.
Each episode will air every Thursday at 8pm on Channel 4, from 30th March, with 8 episodes in total.
Episode 1 – Thursday 30th March
This week, ferocious cockapoo, Bear is driving a wedge between owners, Paul and Louise (Bristol). With their marriage under stress, trainers Victoria and Adam must tame Bear’s aggressive behaviour before it’s too late. 11-year-old chihuahua Gina is a pocket rocket with an attitude problem. Her penchant for attacking other dogs has left mum and son, Cindy and Cory, carrying her around in her very own zipped up “safety bag”. Can the trainers really teach an old dog new tricks?
Episode 2 – Thursday 6th April
This week, destructive dalmatian Lupin and owners, Kelly and Emilien (Manchester), arrive in desperate need of help. Responsible for tens of thousands of pounds of damage at home, trainer Victoria must take both canine and couple under her wing. Jack Russell-cross Mya has a violent phobia of windscreen wipers, and retired owners, Gill and John (Birmingham), worry about the effect it’s having on their health. As storm clouds gather over the Academy, can trainers Nanci and Jo fix the problem before the heavens open on the long drive home?
Episode 3 – Thursday 13th April
Jack Russell, Bertie, loves to bark, and brothers Sherlock, Dobbie and Gizmo are only too eager to join the chorus. The incessant barking is driving husbands Andy and Rich (Lichfield) to distraction. Can trainers Nanci and Jo calm this cacophonous quartet and begin some much-needed training? When it comes to being scared of canines, 18-month-old cockapoo Freddie isn’t alone. His owner Ken is also terrified of dogs… including his own. Wife, Debbie, is hoping the trainers can fix husband and dog, and restore harmony to the family home.
Episode 4 – Thursday 20th April
Two new students arrive with a bad case of sibling rivalry – cockapoo Maggie, and German shepherd Cody. Escorted by later-in-life lovebirds, Diane and John, the couple have grown tired of Maggie’s “diva” ways. First, the trainers must unlock the mystery of why she really hates her baby brother. Muzzled collie, Marvin, has left owners, Laura and Dave, at their wits’ end. Concerned by Marvin’s lunging and nipping, they fear he’ll bite someone and have to be put down. As trainer Jo begins the delicate process of earning Marvin’s trust… there’s no knowing how he’ll react.
