The secret life of our dogs II – Professionals on four paws

The dog is the Germans’ second favourite pet. He is a partner, confidant, protector and usually a fully integrated member of the family. But as a professional on four paws, he also supports his human as a loyal and conscientious companion.

In the documentary “The Secret Life of our Dogs II” we explore what forms the basis of this close human-dog relationship. And what special abilities herding, rescue or guide dogs for the blind bring with them. With the help of special camera techniques, we put ourselves in the dog’s world and stay at his eye level. Spectacular footage from a high-speed camera shows for the first time on TV how dogs dive under water.

The documentary accompanies guide dog Bruno and shows how he masters the tasks with and for his new mistress. The mongrel dog leads Hannelore Hohenester safely past all obstacles. He has to be fully concentrated on the job and must not be distracted by anything. Herding dog Karl is being trained by shepherd Knut Kucznik east of Berlin. He learns to keep the sheep together and even drives them safely along a busy main road. Karl shares the job of watching over the flock of sheep with the guard dogs. The white Pyrenean mountain dog puppy Gustav grows up with his siblings and half-siblings in the giant flock to later protect them from a possible wolf attack.

Herding dog Karl and guide dog Bruno would do anything for their humans because they are closely attached to them. Just like the dogs of the Ulm rescue dog team, who follow their humans’ command even through a fire tunnel and over a rickety rope ladder. Absolute trust and reliability is the basis of this special human-dog relationship.

The documentary delves into the world of the dog and deciphers how it builds an intense relationship with us, the humans, that is unique among all animals.

Broadcast date:Pfingstmontag, den 16. Mai 2016 um 13:40 Uhr, ZDF
Length:43 Min
Written and directed by:Daniela Agostini
Camera:Thomas Bresinsky, Thomas Frischhut, Rudi Diesel
Editor:Fabian Teichmann
Editorial advisor:Brigitte Duczek, Natalie Müller-Elmau (ZDF)
Production:Ulrike Römhild
Line producer:Ulrike Römhild
Producer:Martina Sprengel
Executive producer:Hartmut Klenke
Filming location:Abensberg, Altlandsberg, Frankfurt, Hamburg, Hannover, Postmünster