"Dog"umentaries: Films for Dog Lovers

For any and all dog lovers out there, there are tons of great dog documentaries. We have compiled a list of all of the ones we are calling “must watch” films. Some of them are eye opening, forcing you to look to things in a new perspective, others will bring a smile to your face and some will break your heart, but all of them are perfect for an evening of cuddling with your pup.

Tough Love

This film explores the notion of and popular belief in the alpha dog theory. It explores the concept of whether or not humans should be exercising dominance and corrective training over the animal we call “man’s best friend.”  It compares corrective training to positive reinforcement training, and examines how training and understanding dogs has evolved and why we must move forward with modern positive dog training. This film comes on high recommendation from Morris K9 Campus Head Dog Trainer Robin Lash.

Beyond the Myth

This documentary looks specifically at the Pit Bull and what myths and misconceptions plague the breed; from breed specific legislation to the media’s misconception of Pit Bulls. It challenges the common myths about the breed and is an eye opening experience for any dog lover. 

Shelter Me

This film looks at dogs adopted from shelters and shows the positive impact shelter dogs can have on the lives of not only the people that adopt them, but those that interact with them on a regular basis. It follows the journeys of three different sets of dogs, beginning with a pair of stray dogs and their struggles from being picked off the streets to finding their forever homes. The second story looks at shelter dogs currently being trained as service dogs by inmates at a women’s prison, and the impact these dogs have on everyone involved. The final story looks at a group rescuing shelter dogs and training them to be service dogs for soldiers suffering Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). These uplifting stories will touch the hearts of any animal lover.

Dogs Decoded

This film examines the science of the bond between humans and dogs and what makes dogs such great companion pets. It’s a great film that helps put science behind why humans and dogs are so closely attached, how our pets play off our emotions and how that allows them to understand us. 

Buck

Even though this film is not about dogs, we felt it had to be included on this list. It tells the story of a horse trainer, the relationship he has with his horses and how having an abusive childhood changed the way he wanted to treat animals. This moving film shows what an amazing bond an animal can have with an owner.

These next two documentaries are not for the faint of heart. They are graphic at times and can be heart breaking, but are both eye opening and deeply moving. 

Shelter Dogs

This documentary looks at the lives of shelter dogs and how there is not always a happy ending for every dog that gets sent to a shelter. The film looks at the ethics of animal shelters and shelters’ decision to euthanize dogs. It can be a tough movie to watch, but it is extremely eye opening and beneficial.

Dealing Dogs

This undercover film was shot at a rural dog farm, a place that produced lots of dogs at a quick rate. It exposes the horrific conditions that these dogs live in and the business of dealing dogs, from selling dogs for testing to puppy mill dogs. With its honest undercover angle, this doc can be difficult to watch, but is truly moving.

There are so many great films out there about dogs that any dog lover would enjoy. So grab your pooch, curl up on the couch and watch one of our favorite dog documentaries.