[bbfan1991]

A cable channel has been launched in the US that aims to keep dogs occupied when their owners are away.

DogTV is an eight-hour on-demand service that helps keep canines entertained, stimulated and relaxed, say its creators.

Specially created music and muted colours were used to produce the programming, along with low and long shots aimed to replicate how dogs view the world.

"I shot from the point of view of the dog," chief executive Gilad Neumann told The AP.

The service is available to over a million cable subscribers in San Diego, with plans to launch it across the US in the future.

The DogTV service currently costs $4.99 per month, Neumann said.

"I always feel guilty leaving him alone all day when I'm at work," dog owner and DogTV customer Mary Catania said. "He's like my kid. I don't have any children so I really treat him like my child. Anything that makes him happy makes me happy."

Dr Nick Dodman of Tufts University, Massachusetts explained that new technologies such as high-definition cameras and digital TV have allowed dogs to perceive images differently.

Dodman explained that dogs are able to recognise others on TV screens, especially from a young age, and that DogTV will incorporate this.

Neumann added that the channel will use blue and yellow in its programming, but not red or green, as dogs can only recognise certain colours.

Relaxation portions of the eight-hour broadcast will feature other dogs sleeping and nature scenes, while stimulation segments will include dogs playing and running.

The shows will also be "refreshed" every day to give variety to the pets.

If successful, Neumann added that there may be plans to launch a CatTV channel in the future.