You chews the channel: Why TV for dogs might not be a barking idea

Like most pet owners, I worry about leaving my animals on their own at those times when I simply can't be there for them.

Cats don't mind if you disappear up the path, (I think they're happier when you've gone) and, as long as you feed them, they don't really care if you are in or not.

Dogs, however, wilt as you say goodbye, whine when you close the door and bark pathetically as you make your way down the path making the cats tut loudly and giving you a guilt trip for the rest of the day.

I try to keep mine happy and occupied because idle dogs make mischief in a huge way. If you want the evidence, I have a pile of half-eaten shoes, several nibbled walls and I can't count the amount of things I've thrown away as being beyond repair. That includes a bookcase, several pet beds and an exercise machine minus chewable pedals.

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When I go out, I stuff the dog's toys with tiny treats, hide their other toys or edible chews in various locations and leave their favourite playlist on the iPod or leave on their favourite music channel, Relaxmydog.com

Crooners or classical music please Skye, while Niko is more a heavy metal fan.

I daydream about them jiving around the hallway, dressed in a ball gown or leather jacket, bopping away their day.

I know they are safe, have plenty of water and enough things still left to enjoy creating havoc with but I'm still relieved when I get home and they are both OK.

Obviously, I'm not alone in worrying about my pooches' mental wellbeing.

Apparently, there is now a television channel for dogs that has just arrived in America and is set to hit our shores soon, although you can already find it on YouTube.

The channel offers dogs the chance to watch suitable programmes specially produced to meet their visual needs (they see blue and yellow better) and interests.

Short, six-minute films showing pets enjoying seaside walks, playdates and interaction with humans have been produced and scientifically tested to ensure that our canine pals enjoy their viewing and are therefore less stressed.

Separation anxiety and, consequently, endless chewing, is reduced, as they get in touch with their canine side.

Sadly, my dogs were more interested in playing ball, ripping up items of washing and my pocket full of dog treats to notice a dog playing in water on the TV screen but, who knows, in the future?

Is there a job opportunity in this for me?

Could I retrain for a job in the television industry and produce programmes such as The Great British Bark Off or Wet Nose Day.

Maybe my dogs will steal the remote control and put on the next episode of Emmertail or a period drama like Boneton Abbey?

Meanwhile, I'll organise doggy daycare and they'll still be ecstatically pleased to see me at the end of the day.