Channel 4’s The Dog House is among those programs that simply draws you into every story it informs, leaving you a psychological wreck – if you’re me a minimum of.
The rigged cam program, which attracts over 1m audiences per episode and has actually even been chosen for a BAFTA, follows the stories of individuals who pertain to Woodgreen Pets Charity in Cambridgeshire, aiming to offer rescue dogs a brand-new, caring home.
Each episode sees professional handlers and consultants deal with different households and people to discover them the best furry friend to join their household.
So when I was welcomed for a behind-the-scenes take a look at the 43-acre centre following completion of the 4th season, I simply needed to go and see what it’s truly like.
I was amongst the very first in the market to ever be welcomed to discover what goes on behind closed doors, so it was rather an honour.
On a day when the sun was shining however the wind was unforgiving, we followed the familiar path numerous excited households have actually taken prior to us, leading up to the Welcome Centre.
As I strolled in, I felt the enjoyment individuals should feel as they are welcomed by a friendly staff member at the desk. It looks precisely as you’d picture – however it’s really a lot larger than you see on screen.
We were led behind the Welcome Desk, where the hopefuls are sent to be talked to by the staff. I state talked to since that’s precisely what occurs. The Woodgreen Pets Charity takes their job very seriously, and the choice isn’t made as promptly as it appears on television.
Lizzie Charnock, a Pet Advisor who appears on the television program, explained that the sector where the households pertain to the couch location to talk to them is really a little bit “dramatised for television”.
As with any program, they thoroughly modify and just select the very best bits to produce a more significant story, when in reality they spend ages “talking to” individuals to discover if they are really a good suitable for a particular dog.
Lizzie explained: “They require to understand the essential things, so do they have a garden or other family pets. It typically takes about 45 minutes, and it’s lowered to simply a couple of seconds.”
I’m shocked by for how long this part of the program really takes, when it comes to the audience we just get to see staff ask a couple of concerns prior to creating a dog match for them.
Lizzie included: “They are offered a three-hour window to talk to them and match them with a dog, however in some cases it does run over.”
I believe this demonstrates how much care the family pet consultants take in making certain they discover the best dog for the owner – however likewise the other method around.
According to the family pet consultant, they will typically have somebody who “grumbles or has a viewpoint” if they can’t match them to the best dog, however they need to make certain their home and way of life work.
Lizzie included: “They simply can’t reveal all of it as there are a great deal of conversations going on.
“Things are really modified behind the scenes, however we’re never ever jeopardizing on what we do to make television.”
She likewise included that they are a reputable charity, not simply a television program.
While being in the interview location, I find a few of the rigged cams, which are so concealed they aren’t visible on television. You’ll recognize with comparable methods of shooting on Love Island and First Dates.
“All the cams are rigged so they aren’t in your face. It makes it more natural,” Lizzie informs me.
We were then required to the kennel location, which you do not get to see much of as an audience. I was happily shocked to see how well the dogs are looked after.
The kennels all have underfloor heating and outdoors space and indoor space for the dogs to utilize as they want. In addition, there are gardens connected to them, with sprinklers in the summer season to cool the pooches down.
Of course, there was a great deal of dog barking going on as we passed by.
Chris Swallow, Dog Section Team Leader, says this is because, as much as the group attempt to “enhance their lives” at the centre, the dogs are constantly thrilled to see individuals.
One method they attempt to enhance their lives is to get imaginative with their feeding techniques, putting food in all sorts of items and not simply bowls, which is why we see many cardboard boxes in different shapes lying around.
Chris includes that all the dogs’ lives will be “enriched” in a manner that fits their character. Some will have dexterity training, while others will be considered a peaceful walk.
He presented us to 3 various dogs – and they were all exceptionally happy to see us. While playing, snuggling with them, and feeding them treats, it’s simple to see why they are so keen on these animals, as I rapidly discovered myself wishing to take them all home with me.
There were likewise a couple of dogs that broke my heart, as they looked really sorry on their own. They’re plainly well took care of, however they originate from various backgrounds, and a few of them are so worried they simply peep one eye around the corner to see who is walking past.
Chris explained that they are “constantly at capability” at Woodgreen, a website that can accommodate approximately 500 dogs, and at the minute there are around 100 dogs on the waiting list.
Currently, they are getting a great deal of roaming Spaniels, Cockerpoos, Lurchers, Chihuahuas, Huskies and French Bulldogs.
As sad as it is, dogs reoccured in style, and specifically with the continuous cost of living crisis, Woodgreen has actually seen a rise in dogs who cost more to look after.
Another thing I was shocked to learn is that Woodgreen will support a dog from the 2nd they go into the charity. Sometimes individuals return to gather them after altering their minds, however Woodgreen will still support the owner in any method they require.
After our play session with the pooches, we were taken even more behind the scenes with Series Editor Jordan Maloy, who is dealing with production business Five Mile Films.
Jordan, who has actually dealt with the program given that series 3, revealed us the gallery, where 5 or 6 individuals are sitting at any one time to see what the cams are getting.
The team was establishing for shooting the next day, however it was fantastic to see all the cams detecting the live action.
Here they start rolling the cams from the early morning up until about 4pm on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
We were then removed to the Meeting Pen, where potential dog owners will typically be bubbling with enjoyment. In reality, it took just a few minutes to arrive, however on the television program, there’s typically constantly time for some significant exchanges as they get thrilled to fulfill the dog.
According to Jordan, the factors have actually mics connected to them at the start of the day, and they are hardly noticeable on screen. They likewise have environment mics awaiting the pen, so all of it noises natural.
In the Pen, there’s a giant Love Island-design couch where the factors sit while they wait on the dog they are going to fulfill.
There are likewise a number of cams – and even one at doggy height so they do not miss out on any lovable video.
Jordan said: “This is where the dog applicants sit and wait in worried enjoyment, take the dog for a walk, and after that choose whether they wish to take it home.”
However, he confesses isn’t as immediate as it would appear on the television program.
“They will opt for a walk, and after that take a couple of days to choose if they wish to take the dog home,” he discusses.
During the go to, we likewise got to see a Christmas set, where they are certainly shooting some seasonal video ahead of time – along with the well-known green couch where the factor interviews happen.
This room has a various feel to it, as it has a substantial cam in front of it, so it will no doubt feel more like a traditional interview to the factors.
The Dog House, which is presently shooting its 6th series, is presently searching for brand-new factors.
When you get an appointment at Woodgreen, there is a box to state you have an interest in participating in the program, according to Lizzie.
Woodgreen are presently “definitely desperate” for kind individuals to come forward to foster dogs, according to Woodgreen’s interactions supervisor Catie Allwright.
It’s totally totally free, and all expenses connected with re-homing, training, and materials are covered.
If you’re eager to hear more, you can head to Woodgreen’s website, where you can likewise discover details about contributing to the family pets who remain in requirement.
