Season 1 |
Episode Guide
Lady Macbeth
Diesel
Nino
Heaven
Blue
Lost and Found Dogs
Before Netflix even released Canine Intervention, this documentary series came under a lot of heavy scrutiny from dog owners. Between questionable training methods to concerns over animal wellbeing, Netflix seemingly had a mountain to climb before this even released. But release it they have.
For those unaware, Canine Intervention is a series all about training aggressive dogs and quelling their animalistic tendencies to make them more obedient pets. There’s been plenty of these shows over the years, including My Cat From Hell and Dog Whisperer, and the set-up here follows mostly the same formula. The attention here though falls to Oakland dog trainer, Jas Leverette.
Running one of the top dog training facilities in San Jose, California, each of the first five episodes hone in on a different canine and showcase a style or methodology to teaching these dogs how to be more obedient. While this is all well and good, there are huge gaps between the start and end of the process, leaving lots of question marks over exactly what goes on in the training center.
During the first episode, for example, we meet an aggressive three-legged dog named Lady Macbeth. Her fearful behaviour is cause for concern, prompting Jas to take Lady Macbeth away for a week’s intensive course.
We then fast forward one week to find the dog completely transformed, gaining trust around other people and learning very quickly how to control her urges. What happened during that time? How was the turn-around so quick?
By comparison, episode 3 is essentially a one-stop refresher course for a dog that’s already been trained. With a new family member in the house and the dog pretty chilled around the baby already, the bite training here is a pretty routine affair and doesn’t bring a whole lot to the table.
Another episode we see Jas reinforcing the idea of using a slip lead for a 5 month old pit bull, putting pressure on a dog’s neck. Now, I’m no expert when it comes to dogs but seeing this pit bull trying to take the lead away doesn’t make for particularly pleasant viewing. Now, while slip leads aren’t inherently bad, it’s highly advised not to use this long-term while other vets say it shouldn’t be used as a method for training new pups.
However, episode 6 is pretty good and definitely heart wrenching as it hones in on rescue dogs in general. Alongside a lot of the dog-centric material is a lot of Jas’ family life as we follow the birth of his child too. While tinged with some nice heartwarming segments, for a show about dogs and dog training, I’m not quite sure it adds very much to this at all.
Some of the problems with this show though could perhaps have been addressed by showing the whole process of training a dog – including any potential ugly or difficult moments, The carefully edited episodes, highlighting the pick-and-choose approach to filming, definitely feels like a deterrent here.
The result is a show that doesn’t really do a whole lot to shake off the controversy surrounding it. In fact, it’s likely just to make it that much stronger. There’s certainly some elements that are quite good here, especially when Jas calls out an owner for poor behaviour or mishandling their dogs, while the helpful hints that pop up on the screen throughout are definitely welcome.
Unfortunately, Canine Intervention is a little ruff around the edges, failing to show the whole process of training these animals and doing nothing to shake off the controversy surrounding it.
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Verdict - 4/10
4/10
Made it to episode 4 on this series and couldn’t watch anymore. Regardless of what method you use to train your animal, training should not cause injury to it. The dogs with thin, light fur all had red, raw rings around their necks after time in this training program. The “slip collar” they use is far too thin to be safe, especially for animals with high reactivity. A prong or choke chain would actually be safer. The marks left on Blue were hard to look at. If someone brought my 5 month old puppy back in that condition I would be contacting a lawyer.
I love it!!! I’m learning so much from this show.
I love this show. I see nothing questionable in his training methods at all. These are animals. Animals don’t think like a human. What hurts a human doesn’t hurt animals. I grew up on a farm, so perhaps this is why I understand it. Jas is giving back to this world in very wonderful way.
I have watched only the Diesel, Heaven and Blue episodes, so perhaps I’ve missed something. But so far, it seems like this show is half about dog training and half about helping people learn how to be more in control and more connected and engaged with those around them. I’ve been more moved by the owners’ stories than the dogs. The Diesel episode in particular. The title “Canine Intervention” applies as much to the people as the dogs. This reminded me of a program, Second Chance, that employed prisoners to train service dogs. It’s a win for all parties.
I take back my original comment I finished the 1st season and I actually really liked Jas and his methods I believe he’s intense because he’s so passionate about what he is doing and the show definitely tugs at your heartstrings
I’m sorry I prejudged without watching the whole series I would have deleted my comment but there is no delete button maybe you can delete my previous comment moderator?
Thanks
I like the show but feel like Jas is very intense hard to watch him he needs to relax a bit more and enough about his love for his wife ugh he had to have her because she was so beautiful really dude? How shallow
also I feel like his training approach is basically just treat driven something is missing with this show is like too see more of the process with these dogs
All I see is a box and lots of treats given to encourage the dog what if your dog can’t stomach a bag of treats in one training session then what?
Joanne. You are definitely not a fan of the show or anything about it. U probably dont deserve adog. Or any pet. U r a hateful, judgemental and ignorant person.
I love this show! You can clearly see that the trainer is a professional. I don’t know why people always focus on the wrong things. The dogs are always happy and well- behaved when they return to their owners, that should be the main focus. Come on people, give the trainer a break. I see a hard working man making a living with what he knows best. I personally think that he is a very good dog trainer and probably one of the best we have. I hope that Netflix does not cancel the show, because I really enjoyed it so far!
Joanne is a fucking idiot!! He is a great trainer and she could never do better!!
The show and training is fine!! The person Joanne needs to chill the fuck out because I doubt she could train a dog better!! But I do agree with the stupid owner comment!! Like the lady from episode 4 with her support dog heaven!! The boots! The clothes, the stroller! She using her dog as a toy!! She’s the only issue in that whole episode!
This show is atrocious! Aside from the extremely annoying verbal tick of “you know” every ten seconds, there is very little true understanding of animal behaviour. He gave a dog that had killed another dog to a first time dog owner. No sound judgment there. If I hear “bruh” one more time I am going to punch the tv. Why can’t Netflix make some sound choices and find accredited, educated dog trainers and behaviourists? Another show doing disservice to dogs. Not to mention the dumb ass owners!
I started watching. I’m on episode 2 with Diesel and I’m getting so pissed at the owners letting their dog jump on peoples cars, not even checking if the dog scratched it.. and walking away. That’s not cool at all..
Other than that, I think it is an okay show so far. Nothing new..