NAT GEO WILD'S INAUGURAL BARKFEST WEEKEND CELEBRATES MAN'S BEST FRIEND AND HELPS YOU DISCOVER THE GENIUS IN YOUR DOG

Premieres to highlight The World's Most Interesting Dogs The Internet's Best Dog Videos, At-Home Dog Intelligence Tests, and Much More

(WASHINGTON, D.C. - Dec. 15, 2014) Humans and canines share a social bond unlike any other two species on the planet. Dogs are our constant companions and can do almost anything for us. They protect our homes, assist the police, warn us of health dangers, and cuddle on the couch, but there is still much to learn about the human/dog relationship. For one weekend in May, Nat Geo WILD invites you to celebrate all things canine and to learn more about the brains behind that bark.

Nat Geo WILD's inaugural BarkFest weekend features the world premiere of the three-part series, Is Your Dog a Genius?, premiering Friday, May 15 at 10 PM ET/PT, with dog scientist Dr. Brian Hare using his groundbreaking research to help dog owners better understand their canine companions. He introduces at-home games that assess both dog and human, and he presents extraordinary dogs with remarkable problem solving abilities. The interactive series will help dog owners everywhere unlock their dog's true potential.

BarkFest kicks off with World's Greatest Dogs (wt), on Friday, May 15 at 8 PM ET/PT. These are the stories of extraordinary dogs: a surfing therapy dog, a bionic dog, a dog with the world record in scootering, and many more. We'll meet these incredible canines and their dedicated owners.

Additional BarkFest premieres include Dog's Best Friend (wt), featuring uncanny canine acquaintances including dogs befriending turtles, elephants and birds; Dogs: All Shapes and Sizes (wt) highlights the stories of dogs at their most extreme - physically. These dogs were born with unusual characteristics, and they're pushing boundaries, taking their owners along for a fun ride.

BarkFest also featured the season two finale of Cesar 911, with dog behaviorist Cesar Milan continuing his mission to rescue neighborhoods from misbehaving pooches.

Rounding out the week are Nat Geo WILD's top dog shows including Dog Whisperer and Cesar 911 marathons, Cesar Milan: Love My Pitbull, Cesar Millan: Viva Las Vegas!, his live show at The Palms Hotel in Las Vegas, Wonder of Dogs, And Man Created Dog, Science of Dogs, Secret Life of Dogs, and My Dog Ate What?

We've pulled together 48 straight hours of all dogs all the time.

BarkFest Premieres Schedule:

All Times ET/PT; Titles not final.

Fri, May 15 Sat, May 16 Sun, May 17

8 PM World's Greatest Dogs Dog's Best Friend World's Greatest Dogs

9 PM Cesar 911 Dog's Best Friend Dogs: All Shapes & Sizes

10 PM Is Your Dog A Genius? Is Your Dog A Genius? Is Your Dog A Genius?

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About Nat Geo WILD

Experience the best, most intimate encounters with wildlife ever seen on television. Backed by its unparalleled reputation for quality and blue-chip programming, Nat Geo WILD is dedicated to providing a unique insight into the natural world, the environment and the amazing creatures that inhabit it. From the most remote environments, to the forbidding depths of our oceans, to the protected parks on our doorsteps, Nat Geo WILD will use spectacular cinematography and compelling storytelling to take viewers on unforgettable journeys into the wild world. Launched in 2006, Nat Geo WILD is part of National Geographic Channels International (NGCI) and is available in more than 90 countries and 100 million homes. Nat Geo WILD HD launched in the U.K. in March 2009, and is also available in Greece, Latin America, Poland, Spain and Russia. Further expansion is expected globally. For more information, please visit www.natgeotv.com.