Sky Launches Anti-Firework Channel To Keep Dogs Calm

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In what might be the most peculiar TV announcement of 2024, Sky and NOW have partnered with Dogs Trust to launch a pop-up channel aimed at helping our four-legged friends cope with Bonfire Night fireworks.

Yes, you read that correctly – they’re attempting to soothe anxious pooches with… checks notes… Barbie and Bridget Jones.

With research showing that nearly half of the UK’s dogs get stressed during fireworks season, this rather unusual solution aims to keep both pets and their humans calm during the explosive festivities.

The Channel That Makes You Go “Ruff”

From November 1-6, you’ll find the aptly named ‘BonfireNight‘ channel on Sky Channel 310, broadcasting a carefully curated selection of films meant to keep both pets and their humans calm during the fireworks season.

Sky’s NOW subscribers can also access the collection, as long as they have the Cinema pass (which normally costs £9.99/month, unless you use special offers).

Dog watching TV with popcorn

While the idea of Margot Robbie’s Barbie calming your nervous Labrador might seem a tad far-fetched (and let’s be honest, my cat rolled his eyes when I told him about this), there’s actually some clever thinking behind it.

Dogs Trust explains that the focus isn’t necessarily on the films themselves, but rather on keeping the owners relaxed – which in turn helps calm their pets.

Jamie Morris, Sky’s Director of Content Strategy & Performance, shares this insight: “As a dog lover myself, I know all too well how stressful Bonfire Night can be. That’s why we wanted to create something supportive to help dogs and their owners.”

The Technical Bits

Channel Details

  • BonfireNight will be available on Sky channel 310
  • Launches at 6am on November 1
  • Runs until 6am on November 6
  • Available both live and on-demand
  • Accessible through NOW with a Cinema membership

To easily reach the new channel, Sky has added a playful new voice command – simply say “bark” into your Sky Glass or Sky Stream remote to be taken directly to the dedicated movie collection page. (The command goes live at 6am on November 1st, coinciding with the channel launch.)

Sky Glass remote
Sky Glass’ Voice Remote

Don’t actually bark, though – you do need to SAY “bark”.

The Full Movie Line-up

So yes, this is basically a pop-up movie channel. It features a curated selection of 21 films, including:

  • Barbie
  • Angus, Thongs and Perfect Snogging
  • Migration
  • Shrek 1
  • Bonus Track
  • 10 Lives
  • Arthur’s Whisky
  • The Amazing Maurice
  • Anyone But You
  • Bridget Jones’s Diary
  • Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason
  • Bridget Jones’s Baby
  • No Hard Feelings
  • Couples Retreat
  • The Five-Year Engagement
  • Step Brothers
  • Shakespeare in Love
  • Wimbledon
  • Girls Trip
  • E.T.
  • David Brent: Life on the Road

All films will be available to stream on-demand throughout the five-day period, as well as run live on the linear channel.

The Science Behind It

Jenna Kiddie, Head of Canine Behaviour at Dogs Trust, explains: “Around half the UK’s dogs are affected by fireworks in some way, and fear can develop even in dogs who previously haven’t shown signs of distress.”

The selection criteria focused on:

  • Feel-good, relaxing content
  • Gentle music and positive emotions
  • Familiar films that owners enjoy
  • No sudden noises or dramatic sound effects
Barbie UHD subtitles on Sky
Can Barbie calm your dog?

Veterinary surgeon Dr Scott Miller points out that “at least 50% of dogs and cats suffer with anxiety” during fireworks season.

While watching Shakespeare in Love might not directly calm your pet, creating a cosy environment with familiar sounds and closed curtains can certainly help create a more relaxing atmosphere.

Of course, you can always play one of those dog-oriented clips on YouTube – though that may make your dog more energetic rather than calm them down.

So this Bonfire Night, why not curl up with your furry friend and give it a go? At worst, you’ll end up watching some decent films. At best, both you and your pet might actually enjoy a stress-free evening.

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