The Best Netflix Shows for Dogs to Watch Right Now

Canine vision and hearing process digital media differently than human senses, making high-definition nature programming and ambient documentaries appealing to domestic pets. Modern high-refresh-rate televisions allow dogs to perceive smooth motion on screen rather than flickering still frames.

Pet owners frequently utilize streaming platforms like Netflix to provide background stimulation or calming visual entertainment for animals during alone time. Documentaries featuring natural animal vocalizations, outdoor landscapes, and steady camera movements can engage a dog’s natural instincts while keeping anxiety low.

‘Our Planet’ (2019–2023)

‘Our Planet’ is an ambitious British nature documentary series narrated by Sir David Attenborough that explores diverse habitats across the globe. The series showcases high-definition footage of terrestrial and marine wildlife navigating their natural environments. The wide color spectrum and crisp imagery capture rapid animal movements that can engage a dog’s predatory tracking instincts. Soothing orchestral scores and gentle narration provide a calming auditory backdrop during intense scenes. Dogs are often drawn to the frequent depictions of running mammals, sweeping landscape vistas, and birds in flight.

‘Moving Art’ (2014–2021)

‘Moving Art’ is an ambient series created by filmmaker Louie Schwartzberg that highlights natural landscapes without narration. The episodes present continuous, high-definition time-lapse and slow-motion footage of oceans, forests, waterfalls, and floral blooms. The absence of sudden loud voices or chaotic editing makes the program suitable for soothing anxious pets. Gentle musical arrangements accompany the slow-moving natural phenomena to create a restful environment. Canines sensitive to abrupt noises can rest while remaining passively engaged by the continuous environmental movement on screen.

‘Night on Earth’ (2020)

‘Night on Earth’ is a British nature documentary series that utilizes low-light thermal and infrared cameras to reveal nocturnal wildlife behavior. The series documents predatory chases, animal communication, and nocturnal migrations across deserts, oceans, and jungles under the cover of darkness. The high-contrast imagery helps dogs distinguish shapes and movement more clearly against dark backgrounds. Natural audio recordings of night calls, crickets, and rustling foliage stimulate a dog’s acoustic awareness. Actress Samira Wiley provides steady narration that complements the quiet atmosphere of the nocturnal footage.

’72 Cutest Animals’ (2016)

’72 Cutest Animals’ is an Australian documentary series that counts down animal species based on their physical and behavioral traits. The episodes feature a wide variety of creatures, including puppies, kittens, koalas, and birds exhibiting playful activities. High-pitched vocalizations and lively audio cues throughout the series tend to trigger curiosity in listening pets. Each segment presents brisk, clear footage of animals running, jumping, and interacting with their environments. The constant visual turnover keeps dogs alert without overwhelming them with aggressive predatory imagery.

‘Tiny Creatures’ (2020)

‘Tiny Creatures’ focuses on the survival stories of small animals, such as mice, hamsters, and insects, navigating various American landscapes. The cinematography emphasizes ground-level perspectives, simulating the eye-level viewpoint of a small mammal or foraging dog. Rapid movements and close-up tracking shots of scurrying animals appeal directly to a dog’s visual tracking reflexes. Sound design features exaggerated rustling, scurrying, and squeaking effects that capture canine auditory focus. The dramatic narrative structure keeps screen action moving quickly across diverse domestic and wild settings.

‘Life in Color with David Attenborough’ (2021)

‘Life in Color with David Attenborough’ explores how animals utilize color patterns to communicate, evade predators, and attract mates. The documentary uses specialized camera technology to capture ultraviolet and polarized light visible to non-human species. The vivid blue and yellow contrasts throughout the series align well with the dichromatic vision of domestic canines. Broad shots of peacocks, mandrills, and dart frogs moving across natural terrains supply continuous visual interest. Sir David Attenborough’s calm vocal delivery ensures that the auditory tone remains soothing throughout the episodes.

‘Penguin Town’ (2021)

‘Penguin Town’ is an eight-part docuseries narrated by Patton Oswalt that follows an endangered colony of African penguins in Simon’s Town, South Africa. The series tracks the birds as they navigate human neighborhoods, beaches, and coastal streets during breeding season. Continuous squawking, honking, and chirping from the penguins provide novel acoustic stimulation for curious dogs. High-definition coastal shots filled with bright sunlight and ocean water provide bright visual stimulation on screen. The waddling movements of the penguins across land offer steady, slow-paced motion that dogs can follow with ease.

‘Pet Stars’ (2021)

‘Pet Stars’ is a reality television series following talent agency executives who scout famous and performing animals. The program features a diverse lineup of domestic creatures, including agility dogs, costumed cats, birds, and reptiles. Viewers and their pets are treated to sequences of trained canines executing jumps, tricks, and obedience commands. Ambient indoor settings and cheerful interactions make the visual presentation bright and non-threatening. The recurring barking and human praise vocalizations can capture the attention of house pets resting in living spaces.

‘Puff: Wonders of the Reef’ (2021)

‘Puff: Wonders of the Reef’ is an Australian documentary film following the life cycle of a baby pufferfish through the Great Barrier Reef. The documentary showcases vibrant coral habitats populated by swimming fish, crabs, and manta rays. Dogs can perceive the blue and green aquatic hues, which fall squarely within their natural color spectrum. Gentle underwater soundscapes and ambient bubbling audio create a relaxing acoustic setting for anxious pets. Narrator Rose Byrne provides a calm and measured voiceover that maintains a soothing rhythm throughout the film.

‘Canine Intervention’ (2021)

‘Canine Intervention’ is a docuseries following California-based dog trainer Jas Leverette as he works with various breeds and behavioral issues. The series demonstrates obedience training, agility routines, and behavioral correction techniques across varied domestic environments. Dogs on screen frequently display tail wagging, eye contact, and focused body language that other canines recognize instinctively. Real-time verbal commands, whistles, and clicker sounds can trigger alertness in dogs accustomed to positive reinforcement training. The grounded setting and natural canine interactions make it an engaging program for pets observing alongside their owners.

‘Absurd Planet’ (2020)

‘Absurd Planet’ is a comedic nature documentary series exploring the quirky behaviors and peculiar evolutionary traits of unusual animals. The show blends wildlife footage with energetic sound effects, upbeat songs, and humorous voiceovers. Sudden movements from unusual creatures like dung beetles, mudskippers, and pangolins stimulate canine visual interest. The diverse mix of animal calls and animated sound design elements provides varied auditory stimulation. Short, punchy visual segments ensure that the on-screen action remains dynamic and noticeable to watching pets.

Please share your thoughts in the comments about which of these shows your dog enjoys watching the most.