In just two short years Tony Armstrong has come from newcomer in television to hosting his own primetime series, A Dog’s World for ABC.
But the former AFL footballer feels much more comfortable in front of the camera than on the football field.
“Football’s not my natural home, I don’t think. I wasn’t very good at it, unfortunately. That’s why I talk about it now instead of playing it. I really enjoyed football, but I think I’m better at this. I’ll continue to work hard and hopefully it all works out,” he tells TV Tonight.
“I did some stuff with the AFL, then NITV and now I’ve been with the ABC for a couple of years – about a year on News Breakfast but I’m really enjoying it.
“I just try to relax and be myself as much as I can when I’m on screen, because I don’t really know any other way. I hope that comes across.”
The new series produced by WildBear Entertainment, hears from the world’s top canine researchers, and looks at the fascinating evolutionary journey of dogs, revealing their amazing super senses, as well as providing the practical advice for owners.
“It was really nice getting the tap on the shoulder and was really humbling,” Armstrong says of being approached to host.
“I’m just there to host but really it’s about the experts who are speaking. We wanted it to be grounded in really reputable science and knowledge.”
Armstrong is not currently a dog owner, but only because he recently had to put his dog Junior down.
“I had a black Labrador, I got him back in 2010 as a puppy. It was pretty sad, but these things happen,” he reveals.
But while dogs are important for companionship and even mental health, for Armstrong the most surprising aspect of the series was scientific.
“It was around just how much they manipulate us, and how long they’ve been doing that. There are little behaviours or little mannerisms that they know. I thought ‘Wow, they’re so clever.’ It’s so much more of a symbiotic relationship than one-way where it’s just us getting stuff out of them.”
The series draws upon genetics, neuroscience, behavioural and physiological research to uncover the mounting evidence for what makes dogs unique among animals.
Meanwhile, Armstrong admits to some reluctance over his recent media fame and adoration via social media.
“I’m kind of uncomfortable with that. I mean, I just try to do a good job and everything else looks after itself, in this kind of industry,” he continues.
“It’s not always nice what people say (on social media), but that’s ok. There’s enough nice stuff there as well. I don’t really buy into that. That’s where people get themselves into trouble… when they look for validation.
“I love that with live TV you’re only ever a second away from things going really wrong. I find it funny when things go wrong. But they’re both good in their own way.
“TV’s just a lot of fun really. I’m still a relative baby when it comes to TV. Under 2 years, so I’m learning every day.”
A Dog’s World with Tony Armstrong airs 8:30pm Tuesday on ABC.