Thoughts on the Greatest American Dog
The popcorn was popped, the refreshments were poured and the treats readied just in time for the entire family to sit down and watch the premiere episode of America’s Greatest Dog at the Hoefinger household last night. The excitement was hard to contain, especially when Copper’s tail inadvertently knocked over Lisa’s Juicy Juice.
As the show started out, the first thing that struck me about the dogs was that, for the most part, they were just your average, run of the mill pets. I was encouraged to see the owners having a little difficulty controlling their dogs when they all first met. C’mon how funny was it to see the border collie climb over the fence and bolt into the pool? I loved that.
So why did this encourage me? Because I realized I may not be such a bad owner after all when it comes to controlling my dogs. I’m sure many of you thought, like me, “You know what, Meatball and I could be in this competition.” And I think that was the intent.
In my humble opinion the show wasn’t to showcase the most amazing dogs ever, but rather to show the greatest ‘average’ dog we can all relate to. Wouldn’t we have difficulty relating to a dog that’s learned how to fly the Space Shuttle at the age of one? As I watched the show I kept thinking, “Hmmm…I wonder if I could get Bo to do that?” If they showed dogs flying a Space Shuttle I know Bo would never be able to do that, if only because he likes flying his Cessna so much.
Some random musings:
- In the first competition, the equivalent of musical chairs, why wasn’t a party foul called on the dog who knocked the other one off the platform? It was pretty funny though, and apparently, not against the rules.
- How mean was it to stick Elvis and his owner into a doghouse, while the rest of the folks were living in the lap of luxury? These producers are cruel. It was a nice touch to see folks rally behind the pair and bring them food and blankets.
- The two dogs which I just loved watching were Presley, the Boxer, and Kenji the Giant Schnauzer. They are absolutely gorgeous.
- Anybody else thinking of making a dog bone shaped door for the master suite in their home?
- To me the judges made the wrong decision, based upon what was aired last night. Clearly Beacon and Brandy deserved to get the paw covered boot since the only thing they managed to do in the variety show was…uhmm…nothing. Once again, based on what was aired.
- The initial episode lacked a little in terms of the human-canine bond, but I suspect as the number of participants are whittled down, we’ll see a lot more of that. Or at least I hope we do.
I’ll definitely be at the tube next week for more.
So those are some of my somewhat random thoughts…keep the comments coming.
I liked the show a lot, I thought my dog Piper & I too, could be in this show.
I would have like to see some training tips at the end or at least some further explanation on why the one just was so against physical manipulation of getting that dog Beacon to sit.
This show could be fun and a great teaching resource.
I’d also like to see a rescue dog featured at the end, or stories about how the owners acquired their pet.
I was very disappointed in this show…I really liked the little boston that they kicked off because of his owner, after all he came fairly close in the musical chairs game and seemed quite willing. I also do not understand why there was no Lab, Golden, or mix of one of those breeds in the group. I can already see a clear winner unless something strange happens and that makes it not much fun. Most of the women do not look even competent, with 2 exceptions…which I don’t like because women work with dogs probably more than men. I also am personally against constantly dressing up dogs or dying their hair ….it does not impress me in the least. HOpe it is better next week or I won’t be watching.
Here is a great site that is looking for people with great pet inventions or ideas. Its free and new and could give you the boost your looking for to get your idea out there.
http://www.DoggyYap.com
I was excited about watching this new series and surprised as to the actual type of show it was - I was thinking more along the lines of AFV. It turned out cute and I will watch it again.
Yep- we all laughed for quite sometime when we saw the “can’t swim” dog - he was pretty comical.
No I’m not thinking of a dog door nob But I did check to see if Trixy would jump UP on the chair and sit on command - and Yes she will
Trixy has a small wardrobe, though because she is not into it that much I don’t Make her wear clothes to often - more in the winter. I tried painting her nails once too but because they are mostly black it didn’t show - but she stuck her noise down to see what I was doing and had red lipstick on for a week, That was kind of cute. I think the gal on the show got a bit carried away - though the red streak I thought was cute. I wonder how come none of the girls have pierced ears? I’ve thought about that for Trix but haven’t seen it done yet.
I also wondered why it was so highly emphasized about NOT helping your dog sit -
“either it does or doesn’t but don’t Make it” ? I am assuming the judge does know what she is talking about but how can I teach Trixy to do things unless I physically make her a couple times? I mean she didn’t learn to Sit by me just saying it….
It was an entertaining show. I am hoping Star and Elvis stay around for awhile. I wasn’t too thrilled with the judges - they seemed a bit more harsh than they need to be and I definitely think they made the wrong choice.
I posted my thoughts on my blog this morning, but thought I’d jump in here too.
I actually liked the show pretty well. (I’m not a dog-owner currently) As you mentioned, it seems that these dogs are just average, not “stars”, etc. I liked that aspect. The bond between Bill and Star was my favorite - they love each other so much.
I was OK with the final decision but thought it could have been Beacon and his owner too. Ezzie wasn’t very well-behaved - stealing Tillman’s skateboard, etc.!
I thought the show was fun and as a CPDT I hope it will spark interest in positive reinforcement training. (In positive reinforcement training generally you shape a dog’s behavior with a lure at first instead of pushing them like into a sit. Stillwell is a PRT which is why she is against the physical pushing of the sit. The theory is that by luring, you teach the dog how to manipulate his own body to perform the task.) BUT - in the preview for next week it showed Star getting hurt. I for one was upset and a little mad that they ended the show on such a negative note!
my dog sat and watched intently,i was hopeing that it would show the benafits of a well trained dog like galexy u go girl.
I have to say, I was a little disappointed in the show; however, as others have pointed out, I did appreciate that they didn’t go for more “professional” dogs, just your average canines.
The first challenge was lame and the last one seemed kind of chaotic. Some of the people on there are pretty frickin annoying and downright weird. That will make it hard for me to continue watching.
While I adore my dogs, I would never dye their hair or dress them in coats and accessories, especially if it’s hot. That’s just wrong. I guess I’m not as obsessive as I thought
The winner is pretty obvious, as it is on most reality shows of this type, but I’ll give it another week and hope it gets better.
Oh, and I thought the wrong two were booted off last night. I felt really sorry for Michael. He looked like he was going to have a meltdown. When he tried to explain to the judges his role in the play, I noticed they cut away as his voice started cracking
I think the judges are all snobs. The should not judge this show. They hardly ever smiled. The first judge (trainer) thinks her sh.. don’t stink, and the other with the Maltese, she is pretty-much the same (snobby).
Star and his owner are the sweetest and most loyal on the show. The judges were wrong on getting rid of Eezie for sure.
I think the should have got rid of becon his/her owner made her do something she didn’t wan’t to do I would have defenitly gotten rid of them
We’re big time dog lovers and were looking forward to this show. We were never thrilled with the “typical reality TV” aspect of it where you force a bunch of people to live together. It brings out the worst in people’s personalities and then becomes about the human drama and not the dogs. The dogs are cute but I think the whole putting them through competitions so that some of the owners can get THEIR egos stroked by winning (the guy in the big dog room) and then make others disappointed in their dogs for not performing is wrong. Dogs pick up on that and I’m sure they’re not airing everything which means we may not be seeing people yelling at or being a little more short with them out of frustration when training for the next competition. I hope I’m wrong but you already saw a little of it with Bella’s owner snapping “that’s not what I asked for” and Beacon’s owner who just can’t accept her dog isn’t into doing tricks for her entertainment. We won’t be watching the show again and will just read wins.
This is one of the worst ideas I have ever seen. It was supposed to be about the dogs, remember, but wound up being Big Brother instead. The bone key? Like the dogs know or care about anything about that room other than their idiot owners are screaming at them and crying!!! I am embarrassed for Victoria Stillwell, whom I was appreciating for the way she helps everyday people with their dog issues on her own show, and like what she said to the contestant about physically manipulating her dog, but really Vic - get off this show as soon as you can and RUN! Show me an hour of real agility games any time - or Cesar Millan, or even Vic’s show “It’s me or the dog,” but get rid of this waste of film.
Just in case you guys don’t know at least three of the dogs on that competition are pros….. I won’t say which ones. But there is one dog that has been in a shit load of commericals and tv show and such, one has only done a little and the other one has been doing a fair amount. And that’s just the ones I know of…. I know one of them makes their living from the dog so I don’t think they should have been in the competition. If they’re not paying the bills with the dog I think they should be allowed in but if the dog makes more money than you….. you shouldn’t be there.
Then there is Bill and Star since I know them personally…. I feel really privileged…. they’re a great team.
I thought the show was cute, and even Lola sat on the couch and watched it intently. We thought all the dogs were great, but quite a few of the owners were definitely lacking!
I was really disappointed that the Boston Terrier was kicked off first, because he was a great little dog and it was his owner that was lacking. I thought Brandy and her dog should have gone first. The dog was cute, but obviously was NOT well trained even though at the very beginning of the show they stated that all dogs had been through testing to make sure they knew basic commands.
The show was funny, yet disappointing too. I am glad however that most of the dogs were just “normal every day” dogs and not professionals, as that would not make for a fun show.
i like the show i think beacon and its owner should gone, my dog and i like preston i think she has a crush on him
Great Show! Some of the owners yell at their dog alittle to much though! I love Titan! Me and Pippa love the show!
Not sure what to think yet…..at first I was turned off by it but then when I just focused on the dogs I seemed to like it more……still not so sure????????????????????????
Beacon should have gone. Ezzie should have stayed. The judges are arrogant and snobby and the show needs a total ro-do. The outright prejudice against Michael was sickening. I’d rather sit in a tub of ice and watch a golfing show. Ezzie should be called back but who would ever admit to being wrong? What a schlock show. Hope it dies off. If eliminations were by a call in vote…Ezzie would have stayed. They better find a way to put the toothpaste back into the tube. Read it the blog….Beacon should have gone. I personally will be writing to the advertisers to let them know what think…..no $, no show. I know you probably think I’m the contestants sis, bro, or whatever. NOT!!!! I I can see injustice when it is so outrageous. The show need to be pulled off the air with a “never mind!”
I’ve been waiting for the show for weeks. I’ve been watching the previews for it and was very excited to see it which I made a point to watch it last night and I’m grateful I did.
I was saddened by the loss of Michael and his dog. I personally felt like the girl who had the attitude from the beginning should have been eliminated. The show itself is really interesting to watch. The dog that skateboards is amazing. I really like seeing things like that. I don’t like to see anyone go but I know that is part of the show and I wish the remaining contestants all the best of luck.
I have hope for Star and Bill — the story about how the dog saved his wife’s life was amazing! Star is already a winner in my book!
But I do love that little Andrew — he looks so much like 2 of my girls even though they are a different “breed” than him.
What happened to the dog that gives the owner a “kiss” in the promo I was seeing — I guess that one didn’t make it to the finals. It was a white dog.
I have been waiting to see this show ever since I saw the first commercials. It was a little slow, which I expected since we don’t know the dogs/peoples personalities yet. I will watch it again, but I agree, the judges were to hard and hard looking…what do they expect…Loved the aspect that everyone was rallying around Elvis and his owner (in the doghouse). Totally disappointed in the end…Ezzie was adorable and should have been given another chance…and Michael, when he tried to explain was totally cut off (very rudely)…I say bring them back!!!!
For the over all types of dogs & owners that were chosen for this show, I too agree that the judges were a bit harsh along with the host. I am proud that at least one of the dogs is a mixed breed, yea. I really don’t care for the dress up dog though I blame her mom for that & feel a little sorry for the pom’s do & color job. I’ve never dressed a dog ever & the ones I have now would probably rip my hands off if I tried.
We will continue to watch because of Laurie Williams & her Alexander. Mozart & I have trialed under her in APDT Rally & she is a lovely person. I’m afraid though it is going to trun out like all the other myriad reality shows. I actually thought about entering Mozart for a chance to be on this show until I read the fine print about going to CA for a week at my own expence.
This show is so annoying I can hardly describe it.
All it does is give an outlet for cocky and conceited dog owners, just as all other reality shows do.
What is up with the two schnauzers with those horrible cropped ears??
No one on that show has any idea of proper positive reinforcement training, and poor Victoria Stilwell must be dying when she has to watch these erronenous owners control their dogs.
Funny how of course they could not get some true professionals on that show, because, HELLO?, true dog enthusiasts actually have LIVES!
I would like to see some mention of rescuing on the show, spaying and neutering, as well as have someone confront the Schnauzer owners about why they chopped off their poor dog’s ears.
This is just like that show, “show mom’s” or whatever that was on a few years ago. Annoying as hell.
I definitely think the “Judges” made a mistake in getting
rid of Ezzie! What a precious Boston! Beacon did
absolutely nothing to deserve a position for next week.
I will wait with bated breath to see what happens next
week. Hopefully the “Judges” will act like real Judges.
I didn’t think the show was all that great either. I watched it and thought my dogs and I could do this. It was kind of funny seeing the one lady with the dog Preston. But I liked it but it wasn’t great. (:
I was VERY disappointed in the show, and will not watch again. It’s a typical “reality” show format, which is not real at all
I felt so sorry for Ezzie. He looked back like he couldn’t understand why he had to leave all the other dogs. He had such a sad look. Like he was wondering what he did wrong to be sent away. He was such a cute dog tho’.
The whole show was made worthwhile, by the precious and amazing bulldog. I have never seen anything as endearing as him. And I love his attitude, he is totally adorable, completley laid back, even when his skateboard was briefly stolen. I think they should give him his own reality show. Also his owner seems like a nice guy as well. The horrible girl, with the schauzer needs to go however, a show based dogs does not need a psychotic reality diva, if we wanted that, there are plenty of hideous reality shows available for her. Oh and the judges need to lighten WAY up, show warmth and humor, its dogs for heaven sakes.
I agree with Amethyst! I know 1 of the dogs is in a few commercials and has won many dog competitions, and another I have seen making “appearances” on shows. This is unfair to the other “average” dogs. I am glad Eezie is gone because I couldn’t stand to see Michael whine for a moment longer. I was shocked to see Sargeant (my Golden Retriever puppy) sitting directly in front of the television watching intently, and occasionally talking (barking) to the competitors. Although I wasn’t very amused by the show, I will watch it again just because Sargeant loved it so much. (And I love to laugh at his reactions.)
Several of my dog-lover friends and I were disappointed, too… wonder if the producers of the show would make some modifications to the show. As some said, it’s nice to see ‘average’ dog owners and cute dogs, but that’s not the objective of the show, or, is it???
I loved all the dogs - But, the judges just cracked me up - especially asking (border collie) Leroy’s Mom why he barks so much…ha ha…has this judge ever spent time with a border collie - they love to bark….Now granted - we have trained ours to speak and even whisper, but everybody knows these dogs love to bark - especially when doing their jobs! The show was pretty good - and I appreciated learning about Dogster.com from the show - because now my Jack has his own webpage - thanks - I would love to see all those dogs go home happy - and we love Star ! You can really tell all the people love their pets with all their hearts!
I agree with Kathleen from earlier comments - the judges need to lighten up - Dear judges: Enjoy yourselves - this is supposed to be fun - not political science!
I was so disappointed with the show. I thought it was going to be more funny, whimsical, clever, etc. I thought there were going to be a lot more dogs. They showed so many in the commercials. (Remember they guy saying about his dog “my dog can pee and poop on command.”?) Where was he?? I was wanting to laugh more! I was misled!!
I don’t like the premise of a dog and person being “eliminated” each week. I thought the judges were extremely harsh, negative, and criticical. It was just an example of a little power going to their heads. They made a bad choice sending Essie (Ezzie??) and Essie’s owner home. The blond girl with the white Schnauzer should have gone. The dog was cute, but the girl was clueless. She annoyed me from the second the show started. That description of her wedding???? come on, was that for real????
The show also bothers me because most of the humans on the show are in some type of entertainment business or aspiring to be. I felt like they were just “pimping” their dogs to get recognition or fame.
Finally, most of those owners had pure-bred dogs that they paid money for (probably lots of money). I am against buying dogs. (possible exceptions: farmers, ranchers, hunters, people who need a dog to assist them due to disability). But, the average person, please, go to a shelter and adopt a mutt!! They are the best dogs!!!
Overall, disappointing show. What a let down…I was really looking forward to it.
Our family watched it and enjoyed it. We didn’t agree with the pair that were sent off though, it seemed they judged them on the owner alone, and didn’t take into consideration the dog’s abilities and personality. We enjoyed the different pups and their personalities and their owners. Very interesting diverse group.
Had been looking forward to the show for weeks, but was VERY disappointed in the format. It’s just (like Ellen said), Big Brother with dogs. The show focused on the people too much and will just turn out to be another back biting reality show like BB, or Real World. The dogs are cute (aren’t all dogs?), but this show isn’t at all what I was expecting and I won’t be watching it any more. Very disappointed!
I missed a good part of the show but what I did see I found fun to watch the dogs train and perform (when the dogs seem to enjoy it) but the end watching Eezie leave, was heartbreaking. Those little eyes looking like ‘what did I do? Why are you (the owner) so upset?” The judges are a little snobby acting. I will give the show another chance but I am not that impressed yet.
I have to agree i think the judges were a bit harsh on these people and i think they made the wrong choice on who to eliminate i think it should have been Beacon since he really didnt do anything!!
I enjoyed the show for the most part i think our favorite contestant in the whole show was the Grandpa from texas and his cutie !!!
Judges these r really well trained dogs and some r amatures be a little more easy on peoples feelings there is no need to be cruel its all in good fun!!!
I LOVE Preston and Leroy! This show is great, and I have the same thoughts as Horst. It wasn’t showcasing “Outstanding show dogs”, but average run-of-the-mill pets and their owners. Love love love it!
I also thought Beacon and Brandy should have been the ones who left the show. I thought they did lack alot when it came to the others. I did appreicate the fur babies who at times do have a mind of their own!!!!! I will continue to watch but I’m not convinced that the judges are the best. What about Ceasar???? I think he would have been a better judge. I dont get out alot but ( not to offend anyone) where did these judges come from??? Dog Fancy. Good book but ,come on. I want someone who I know has a dog —-not the editor of a magazine!!!!!!!!!
I know that Mike was really upset more for Ezzie than himself but but as he said they have a great bond and that should be more important to him than winning any competition. loved Ezzie personally and I wish them well.
I absolutely love this show! My bloodhound, MaryLou and I can’t wait to watch next Thursday! Thanks for producing a show for me and my precious!
I wish I could send the dogs on the show a special tv dinner! If possible, contact us at doggiedeliveryonline.com!
I liked the doggies, but I thought most of the people were silly. I know they edit for effect and pick a lot of of outlandish people to stick in with the few normal ones. The musical chairs game was neat, though.
I didn’t like the lady who screamed at her pup to “shut up! shut up!” when he got excited and barked. She was mad at him for losing musical chairs. Bill from Texas (yay!) who loves his Star so much, wasn’t happy at all.
Does the meltdown show what we all know really can happen when average people get frustrated with their dogs — yes. But I think they should have used it for an “educational moment”. They highlighted the problem with dramatic music and close ups of shocked faces, but that wasn’t enough.
In my opinion, this outburst was much worse than the girl who got in trouble for pushing her dog’s rump down during the skits. How confusing for the dog — she revved him up so he would play the game, there was noise and cheering, and then the person he trusts starts screaming at him.
Hopefully, they’ll start doing a little more about the backstory on the pairs — they hinted about it during the intro when there was a snip about Star saving the life of Bill’s wife.
Really wanted to like it, but sorry to say, didn’t.
I heard that next episode one of the dogs goes to the hospital :0
I saw the previews for the show and couldn’t wait to watch it. I love animals so much, that I really enjoyed that part of the show. Animals are innocent and we should have compassion for them. They are loyal and trust us and rely on us. Saying that, a few dog owners on the show, bothered me in the way they treated their dogs and talked to them. Others had a good bond and respect for their pets. There was good and bad in watching the show. I didn’t totally understand why the gentleman and his dog had to be put in the “dog house”. Also, the end was stressful. I have to wait serveral days before I can find out what happened to Star? My heart is hurting. This was cruel to the viewers who are watching and supporting the show and who truly love animals and compassionate towards them. I can only hope that it wasn’t too serious and that Star will be ok. The show was interesting. It could use a little “fine tuning” improvement, but, overall, for many reasons, I will watch it again next week.
Amethyst, just curious, I too was concerned at the way the show ended with Star apparently getting hurt. You know them personally and without giving too much info I was curious as to if the dog was really hurt and how the dog is doing?
I really liked the show but agree with so many who have said the judges are a bit harsh…I thought this was going more of a fun show, an opportunity to teach dog owners how to train better and be better dog parents…along with fun competitions. It seemed just from the first show that everyone was putting a lot of pressure on their dogs. This is a wonderful opportunity to teach, inform and share information about dogs and to talk about adoptions and to better the welfare of the loves of so many us…our dogs!!! I’m going to continue to watch and hope to see the judges improve and the dog parents relax and enjoy themselves more so their dogs can.
We also liked watching the show. As owners of mini-schnazuer and English Bulldog we were able to make personal connections. I think Beakon would have done much better had his/her owner been better. I am not sure about that bond. I am curious how her demeanor will change over the next week. I thought the lil’ guy that left could have been around for a while longer. I love the attitude of Star and his owner and look forward to seeing their growth.
I liked the show, loved the dogs, but thought some of the owners were pretty darn goofy. I know they love their dogs, but for gosh sakes, dogs don’t need clothes and hair dye. I was also bothered by the one yelling at the border collie for barking (it’s a herding dog, they bark! I have 4 herding dogs, all barkers), and I was bothered by the girl with the Giant Schnauzer when she *shoved* him into a sit and then a down in the beginning of the show. By comparison, Beacon was hardly manipulated into a sit — his owner just happened to do it in front of the judges. The Bulldog, Tillman, is pretty cool, although he seems a bit of a one-trick puppy, and his owner seems a little immature and obnoxious. Star and her Daddy are awesome and they have my vote for winning — that dog is amazing and they obviously have a wonderful relationship (no yelling/disappointment with them!). Victoria is a good, positive reinforcement trainer, and she is sort of intense. To get a better understanding of her, I recommend watching her show, “It’s me or the dog” on animal planet.
Overall, I liked the show and will keep watching, loved the dogs, found some of the owners annoying, others charming (Star’s and Elvis’s daddies seemed sweet and calm and had great relationships with their dogs), and am very curious to see who wins in the end (I’m betting a border collie!).
I found the show entertaining, and I appreciated that the judges don’t want physical manipulation… they are allowing owners to use treats through-out, so there is really *no* excuse (unless it was a safety concern etc).
I’m rooting for the Boxer, as I think all-around that team has the best attitude and aptitude. The Pointer mix is well-trained, but I find the owner’s ego annoying. The BC is great, yet the tension is obviously building against their bond. If the Giant Schnauzer’s owner cuts out the alpha heavy handling, then they have a good chance. The Bulldog and owner make a really good team, but Tillman seems like he may be too laid-back to make it too the end (which makes him such a wonderful dog, especially to be representing his breed).
I too think Beacon and her owner should have been the first to go - I totally agree with the judges’ comments to Ezzie and her owner, but I think that competition was a bit unfair to him because he does that professionally, but without a dog… he knows when something isn’t going right to move on to something else so that the show goes smoothly.
I would love to have this kind of experience with my dog - a bunch of strangers living together for a few weeks, going through various training challenges with their dogs… just take out the cameras and prize money, and offer it in a bunch of locations so people don’t need to travel to far
hey! How about the Host. I really liked Jarod Miller. Known as a Willlife expert I thin he pulls this off well. Not hard to look at and a lot of energy. Loved the show. I bet episode one was the weekest. Can not wait to see what comes next. I,ve heard the challenges get more demanding on Dog and owner. Congrats to CBS
Bill,
Yes there was some kind of injury… Bill can’t tell us anything about it… but she was hurt, but she’s fine now.
To the person who said no one on the show knows anything about PRT….. umm did you not see Bill and Star? That’s all he does.
And Star supports rescue. She has two sisters that are rescues. A company Bill works with asked how they could support STar and the response was give a donation to a local humane society, and they did several pallets of food.
grr it took out the stuff I had in brakets…. Star’s two sisters are BC’s.
and to whoever said BC’s always bark when they work…. uhm… no they don’t ….most BC’s only bark when they are frustrated or aren’t getting told what they need to do fast enough…. trust me I’ve judged hundreds of BC’s in Agility….. and they weren’t constantly barking unless they were having an issue. Granted some BC’s bark more than others…. but there is still a reason.
Days later and I’m still upset with the rude judges and their self absorbtion overpowering their sense of fair play. Beacon should have gone…Ezzie should have stayed. They comment one way and vote the other. What’s with that??????? They voted against Michael because they didn’t like him defending Ezzie. He was correct in defending her, they were both put at a disadvantage for that skit. Ezzie showed her talent from the start with the musical chairs. More stuff like that would have been more fair instead of skits written by the owners and performed by the dogs. All dogs should be judged on the same “trick” when it comes to elimination. Save the other stuff for entertainment reasons only. Stupid judges, stupid show.
I think the intent of the first challenge was to see who everyone worked with their dog and to see how they handled the pressure. I would have prefered Brandy and her dog have left, but they judges were right…. Ezzie’s dad was not concerned enough with his dog….anyone could see the dog was really stressed and instead of taking the time to make sure his dog was okay he slammed her down off the “stage” and continued without even paying any attention to her.
If you had listened the judges said they were judging the teamwork of the dog and handler…. I still wish Beacon had gotten the boot (I can’s stand her handler, Brandy) but the purpose was to see the teamwork and connection between the dog and handler and yes while none of those three had much Ezzie’s dad had the least… Ezzie is really cute and I loved how she’d turn and look and listen to anyone who said her name.
1) I don’t recall seeing Ezzie SLAMMEDoff the stage. I’ll rewatch the video.
2) I believe Ezzie’s owner continued on the the sake of the group….a noble move!
3) Many dogs act skiddish when they are NOT nervous or overstressed. Mine gets excited (and happy) when the lease is pulled out for a walk. I believe the term for Ezzie was CONFUSED.
4) You need grammar lessons.
Some dogs are “pro” and have been in commercials etc. and for some, being in the lights in front of the camera is new and stressing. That is why the show is bogus. The show is sadly poor quality any way you look at it. From the content, to the judging, to the “fairness” of which there is none. I agree that Michael continued on for the sake of the others in the skit. Had he paid more attention to Ezzie, you’d all be complaining that he messed it up for everybody else. The judges made a big mistake. And it reflects directly on them, not on the owners or their dogs. I’ve re read the blogs…everyone seems to be agreement that Ezzie should have stayed. How refreshing it would be if they couls admit failure and start over again with a more honorable way of judging. I also agree that a popular audience vote would be nice. You might expect rude arrogance from American Idol judges, but what you have to consider here is that people and their pets have a very strong bond. Many people, with or without children, consider their pets as family members. How’d you like it if the judges dissed your mama? it’s too personal for the kind of comments and judging that this show exhibits. They need to start ove or stop now!
I was called personally by the producers of this show when they were first casting, and I really wanted to be on it with Borias, my German Shepherd Assistance dog. Because he was having back issues, and I am having a medical issue, I decided the time wasn’t right. I kept watching the previews, and feeling that gnawing regret, wishing we were on it…until I watched. Now I’m glad we didn’t get on (IF we would have made it on).
It’s interesting to think of what I and my dog might do in that situation, though! Who I might have gotten along with, and who would raise my hackles. Kenji’s mom with all her “top dog” “alpha’ malarkey definitely would. I can relate to the BC’s owner, cuz my dog barks a LOT, too. I would have cracked up (and did!) at Victoria’s advice to teach the dog to bark first, then teach them to be quiet. Um, easier said than done with some dedicated recreational barkers! I like Victoria and most of her methods, but not one thing will work for all dogs.
My dog and I adore each other, but even I have resorted to barking “shut up! shut UP!” at times. But that’s when it’s a long jag of very loud eruptions, and I’m trying to be heard above his yelling ha ha. It only works for a few seconds, though.
Looking forward to the next episode. I love watching the relationship stuff.
I really like Star and Bill and wish them well. It’s easy to see that they have such a great relationship.
Y did bill leave?????? i mean the judges told him to go easy on star!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! so he took theire advice and did NOT push her when he thought shed had enough he let her stop!!!! so wut if they took the easier ramp cuz she was an old girl!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! am sooooooooooooooooooooooooo sooooooooooooooooooooooo SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO MAD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! i HATE them (4 now.)