Watch Dog: Impossible

Dog: Impossible is a television show that first aired on Nat Geo Wild in 2019, hosted by renowned canine behaviorist Matt Beisner. Each episode of the series features Beisner as he embarks on a mission to help dog owners solve the behavioral problems their furry companions are having. The themes range from dogs attacking other dogs and people, fearfulness and anxiety in pets, dogs that refuse to obey commands, dogs that are compulsive chewers, to those that exhibit a trailing or unwanted follow behavior.

The show highlights the need for behavioral intervention in dogs just as humans do through therapies. Through his dog advocacy organization, The Zen Dog, Matt Beisner works with the families who own the troubled dogs to give them a new perspective on how to handle these problems, employing methods that are rooted in Buddhism and meditation. He is often called upon to troubleshoot pet behavior problems that seem beyond redemption, and his techniques and training methods have earned him a reputation as a miracle-worker with dogs. Each episode is filled with tips and insights into how dog owners can better understand their pets and create a more harmonious living environment.

One of the key features of Dog: Impossible is Beisner's holistic approach to dog training, which focuses on the dog’s emotional wellbeing and state of mind, rather than just obedience training with a focus on tailored solutions to tackle individual dogs' challenges. He works to assess the dog's underlying needs and motivations and helps owners create a personalized plan of action to tackle the issue(s) - one that is designed to achieve long-term results. Episodes of the show showcase Beisner's approach, involving walking the owner through the dog's issue, empowering them with the necessary knowledge to solve the problem without inducing more harm: “Working with people is the most important part of this work. You never just train the dog; you work with the family as a unit; it’s much bigger than the dog.”

The show's primary aim is to showcase the transformative power of bonding, a concept Beisner refers to as “speaking dog.” He attempts to promote the understanding that dog owners can better understand their pets if they work out how to communicate better with them. Seeing the world through the dog's perspective and understanding the factors that influence their behavior, owners can adopt a deeper level of understanding of their pet's needs and behaviors. Beisner argues that dogs aren't lashing out or responding negatively because they want to be naughty, but because they need help and attention to overcome pain points, anxieties, or lack of direction. He involves owners in the process, encouraging them to cultivate more patience, presence, and awareness when interacting with their pets.

The series showcases a range of breeds, from large and imposing breeds like German Shepherds and Pit Bulls to little companions and crossbreeds, providing owners of dogs of all sizes and personalities with some takeaways on dog training that can be applied in any dog training context. Each episode starts with a consultation, during which Beisner talks to the owners about the dog's history and the behavioral issues they're encountering. He takes the dogs, typically on a walk, to assess their behavior patterns, the thought process behind their actions, and areas of friction in their interactions. This time allows him to identify key issues while bonding with the dog to gain what he calls 'trust equity. These surveys typically give Beisner an insightful glimpse into dog behavior and help him identify the emotional factors driving the troubled dog's habits.

In conclusion, Dog: Impossible is an interesting, informative, and entertaining series that provides viewers with helpful tips and insights into dog training and the unique emotional bond between dogs and their owners. Beisner's approach, focusing on positivity, patience, calmness, and creating a positive living environment, provides a more holistic way to approach dog training. The show also highlights the need to assess dogs' needs, options, and mental health, and for pet owners to understand how this translates into behaviors or recurring traits. For dog owners looking to gain insights into the challenges that come with owning a dog, Dog: Impossible is an excellent show worth tuning in to.

Dog: Impossible is a series that ran for 2 seasons (14 episodes) between September 2, 2019 and on Nat Geo Wild