The Road Home episode shows how Little Girl, a Catahoula leopard dog mix, is given a second chance and learns to overcome her fears with help from John Garcia, in hopes that she will be adopted. Shy dogs are often among the first to be euthanized in shelters because they are difficult to adopt, but not at DogTown, a no-kill facility. Later we will follow a morbidly obese Chihuahua, Tuli, with a tiny head and a pineapple-size body, who must lose weight to become healthy enough for adoption. Finally, we meet Shockey, a terrier mix who is full of energy and excitement that makes her hard to control. See how DogTown manager Michelle Besmehn works to help Shockey listen to commands and overcome her stubbornness.

“Obese Chihuahua” – Due to serious health concerns, an overweight Chihuahua has to shed some pounds.

“Little Girl’s Big Fears” – An extremely shy dog overcomes her fears at Dogtown.

Technorati Tags: chihuahua, dogs, dogtown, january 29 2010, national geographic channel, the road home

For the meantime, read on to know what the new episode is all about.

(Photo credit: © NGT)
Kanab, UT, USA: Dr. Patti Iampietro takes a look at Lake, a blind retriever-mix, who lost her sight due to complications with diabetes.

Meet one of DogTown’s toughest challenges, Clemance, a shepherd mix rescued from the 2006 Lebanon-Israel war. DogTown manager John Garcia helps the traumatized canine overcome her aggression toward people and other dogs when she is on a leash. John teaches Clemance through a strong relationship that meeting dogs while on a leash is no reason to lash out. Then meet Lake, a blind Lab mix forced to live in isolation because of her severe aggression toward other dogs. Dr. Patti Iampietro is part of the medical team that performs a complex procedure that may help Lake regain her sight and potentially curb her aggressive tendencies. Finally, two neglected Chihuahua mixes, Monte and Piñata, rescued from filthy and unsafe conditions, are skittish and terribly shy. Trainer Pat Whitacre creates a unique training program that teaches the dogs how to trust humans with the hope that it will lead to a permanent home for them.

Watch a video on “Canine Cataract Surgery”  below.

Cataracts have blinded the diabetic dog. Dr. Patti hopes surgery will help restore at least some of his sight.

Watch a video on “Chihuahuas Surplus” below.

A glut of unwanted Chihuahuas in L.A. results in euthanization and neglect – but this pair of pups get a second chance.

Technorati Tags: dogtown, january 10, National geographic, television programs

DOG WHISPERER: CESAR IN OZ

Friday, January 8 at 9PM ET/PT

Brisbane, Australia: Paris, a Shar Pei, gives Cesar Milan a kiss. She’s a cuddly and bubble dog belonging to the Cowleys. (Photo credit: © MPH – Emery/Sumner Joint Venture)

Dog Whisperer: Cesar in Oz continues with Cesar in Australia. Cesar begins working with Sydney, a 9-year-old Weimaraner who was attacked by a man on a postie motorbike, the vehicles used by Australian mail carriers. The incident turned Sydney aggressive against posties or anyone riding one of the motorized red postie delivery bikes. Cesar pulls out all the stops to stamp out Sydney’s postie phobia. Next Cesar faces one of his toughest challenges in Oz as he meets Vincent, a 4-year-old shar-pei who has a thirst for blood, attacking other dogs and his owner. Cesar’s Australian adventure is not over yet — he meets Australian red cattle dog Astro, who barks incessantly at the oddest activities, including making the bed, riding a bike or carrying an object out of the house. In this special destination episode, Cesar gets a taste of Australian wildlife … in canine form.

“Astro’s Epic Bark” – Alison’s dog, Astro, has been barking almost non-stop for 7 years. Will Cesar bring a little silence back into their lives?

This pup has a bite history with mail men on red motorbikes. Can Cesar change this dog’s relationship with the posties?

DOGTOWN: BRIGHT FUTURES

Friday, January 8 at 10PM ET/PT

Kanab, UT, USA: Sherry Woodard and Kristi Littrell spend quality time with Billy, a dog who needs management for aggressive behavior. (Photo credit: © NGT)

When animal control seized pit bulls from Michael Vick’s property, 22 of the most severe cases were sent to DogTown for rehabilitation. While many of the Vick dogs have made steady progress, one in particular has been a challenge for DogTown manager John Garcia. When Handsome Dan arrived, he suffered from a crippling fear of people and had been known to face his kennel wall for hours on end. Under the expert care of Garcia, we’ll see how Handsome Dan has transformed from an emotionally traumatized pit bull into one who is ready for adoption. Then, Dr. Patti Iampietro races to find a cure for Charlene, an elderly spaniel mix with a mysterious life-threatening illness. And finally, meet Billy, a behaviorally challenged rottweiler mix who has a habit of lashing out when strangers try to touch him. Watch as behavioral consultant Sherry Woodard doesn’t give up on helping Billy.

“Billy’s Bad Behavior” – When Billy starts showing signs of aggression, his trainer tries to find an explanation. Could there be a physical problem?

“Vick Dog Rehab” – After spending most of this life in a cage, this former fight dog gets his first taste of wide open spaces.

Technorati Tags: cesar milan, dog whisperer, dogtown, january 2010, National geographic, new episodes, television program