Greatest American Dog-Week 2 Thoughts
It was family night again last evening as the Hoefinger’s gathered in front of the television to watch episode #2 of Greatest American Dog (GAD).
The kids (Bo, Copper and Logan) all agreed that this week’s episode seemed to flow better. This may be because we knew what to expect…a reality show with dog owners and their precious pets. Personally I think they’re following the reality TV formula a bit too closely (the dramatic music, the interviews driving conflict, the selection of who goes into the doghouse), but it’s still fun to watch.
The show started out with a scuffle and ended with an owner meltdown, with a bunch of doggie goodness in between.
We saw a little bit more of the human-canine bond. When Bill was sitting on his bed, missing his wife and family, Star came over to comfort him. You can tell, these two just have a great relationship. Also, Bill’s concern when Star got hurt, brought me back to the times waiting in the veterinarian’s office with my own dogs, hoping things will be ok. We need to see more of this with the other owners. They have the relationship, CBS just needs to show it to us.
Since this week was obedience week, the challenges were pretty easy. I think my dogs could have passed most of them. Well, except that back up command.
The line of the night came from Tillman’s father Ron as he prepared for the ‘dining event. “We’re going to try as hard as we can. If he does a backflip and talks Japanese, right on! If he runs off the stage to smell another dog’s butt, well that’s my dog”. I think a lot of us can relate to that!
I couldn’t stop laughing when Tillman was presented the steak, but not allowed to eat it. I can’t believe he held off.
I thought the judges did a good job in who they selected to take the last lap. It was obvious the entire night who should go, but looking to grasp defeat from the paws of victory, Beth Joy went off on the judges for criticizing her for dressing up Bella Starlet. I’m not saying the content of what she was saying was right or wrong, but there’s a time and place for everything. The judges could have let their egos get in the way and vote for Beth Joy’s and Bella Starlet’s exit, but they didn’t sending Elan and Kenji home instead
I was surprised the judges weren’t a little tougher on Elan for the way she handled Kenji. I thought it was great when guest judge, Wendy Diamond, kept interrupting Elan when she was trying to respond in the same way Elan interrupts Kenji. I hope when Elan sees the episode she’ll be able to take a step back and see the error in her ways, especially in the grabbing of the snout.
I’ll be watching next week.
So what did you folks think?
i thought that sending elan and kenji home was calling it correct,i to saw her as being a very potentially agressive person,who i would want no where near my dog ever,
as for bill and star went thru the vet moment ,my heart sunk,i have been there ,,and i’m facing going back since my darlin lil girl has hurt her back,
i know how that rips your heart out , thank dog star will be fine,
as for the funny moment tillman ,i was rotflmbo,
(rolloing on floor laughing my butt off watching him ,i too can’t believe he did not gobble that treat right then and there,.
my trixiemae she gets so worked up when i do that to her that her lip curls up and trembles trying to hold back from grabing somthing she knows is not allowed ,it is the most hysearicle thing you have ever seen
welll a week till next show cant wait,,,
oh i too with they drop the corny music and obvious stag drama ,our pets dont need highlighting like that they are allready star of any show
oh yeah and for bella stars mom
cut the dramics and play the game ,,you lil girl is precious enough with out all that
As beautiful as Mom and I think Kenji is, we were glad to see her go home this week. Kenji is great, but her mom is awful! She doesn’t know how to work with Kenji and teach her. She needs to go to obedience school herself!
I sure hope that next week, BethJoy and BelleStarlet go. As bad as Elan and Kenji were last night, I was still surprised to see them go after BethJoy’s outburst regarding BelleStarlet’s outfit!
I am enjoying this show (much to my chagrin, actually… I didn’t want to like it!)
I absolutely love Bill and Star. The relationship between them is wonderful - total dedication to each other. If only all of us were so lucky to have that!
I was afraid the judges would change their minds and send Beth Joy and Bella home because of her outburst. I’m glad they didn’t do that because Elan and Kenji were obviously the ones that needed to go home.
The challenge this week seemed much more appropriate than last week. I hope they continue more in this vein.
I was glad to see Elan go, although I found it ironic that during her exit speech she commented that she had learned patience during her time on the show — even as she “shhhed!” the poor dog one more time.
Kenji must be an absolute nervous wreck. No wonder she bounces around like a crazy dog. I can’t see how this lady considers herself a trainer.
Anyway, LOVE Bill and Star. What a pair! The positive reinforcement he uses is a good lesson for all of us, and something I need to do a better job of remembering to do.
I felt they sent the right pair home, mainly because of Elan treating her Kenji the way she had. I sure got a kick out of Wendy Diamond’s reponse to Elan, right on!
As for Beth Joy’s attitude, I thought just maybe should might have been the one to go instead of Elan, perhaps she is next.
Have to say I enjoyed this show much better than last week’s. We’re getting to know the relationship/bond some of them have with each other. Love, love, love Tillman and his relationship with Ron. It was priceless to see him being so tempted by the steak and not taking any. I thought the right one went home and Ron has such a great attitude….I was getting nervous for all the dogs when Elan kept up that noise to get Kenji to stop doing something. Kenji is just adorable, hopefully they can work out their differences. Everything is a learning experience and I think Elan handled her exit very graciously.
Looking forward to next week.
We just love Bill and Star!! My favorite moment was when they walked around the table and when the cameras showed Bill, he just stood there with that BIG grin like a proud papa!!!!
Tillman and Presley are great to watch as well!!!
This week’s show was MUCH improved. It does follow the reality show “script”, but I happen to like that.
I could not wait for the judges to send Elan packing. Wish the dog could have remained with another trainer, but it is what it is. The girl has a LOT to learn about how to handle dogs. She infuriated me in the hour that I was subjected to her, so I felt horrible for Kenji having to deal with that “aahhh! aahhh!” every other second. OMG, it was causing me great anguish. Poor dog.
Bella Starlet has to be the next to go. I loved how the judges tried to tell Beth Joy respectfully that doggie clothing is unnecessary, but her reaction to the critique was surprising, to say the least. I figured they would be sending Elan/Kenji home, but after Beth Joy’s outburst, I wasn’t so sure. Unless she somehow manages to redeem herself, I predict she’s history after next week.
Star and Bill are such a treasure. I hope some of the others can learn something from this duo. Every scene with them is an uplifting one.
Kenji and Elan needed to go because there were some clear behavioral problems there. Giant schnauzers are beautiful dogs and make the most wonderful companions when properly trained and socialized, but they can be very difficult and definitely are not for everyone. I hope Elan chooses to go to a professional dog trainer who knows how to deal with a such a strong willed and powerful breed like the GS. Kenji has the potential to be a sweet, loyal and dependable companion, Elan just needs to work hard at it.
Yes, much better this week. The challenges were good and the Bill/Star part was awesome (although I was terrified for them when they were at the vet). The drama between the housemates is a bit much but kind of like a real dog park. There is always someone who won’t control their dog….
I agreed with the judges pick but was shocked that Beth Joy freaked out like that. Doesn’t she know she is in a competition and the worst thing to do is piss the judges off? LOL. She won’t last long.
I was so delighted that the judge recognised Travis for talking in baby talk to Presley and being so sweet with his dog because dogs like that……and its nice to see a man act and talk like that with his puppy. Being so gentle with his dog is so great to see I just love it the are so sweet together. I was glad he got to be at the oposite end of the table from kenji.
I look forward to Thursday evenings again. I too am glad that Elan went home….while watching the show, my pit bull Max was “watching” too….every time she made that noise, he barked at the TV…she was getting on our nerves! My favorites are Bill and Star…he loves her so very much, and that’s the same kind of bond I have with my dog.
Thank goodness gracious Kenzie finally left! That dog was out of control and her obedience was not up to par. Her owner was no better. If only Victoria had lectured her a bit more about why her training techniques were so flawed.
Thank goodness we no longer have to look at those poor cropped ears. Beacon is next!!
I wasn’t going to watch the whole show but couldn’t turn it off once I started. Loved the obedience, especially watching Tillman eyeing that food! He was priceless! Bill and Star are a magic team and show how a loving pet/owner relationship should be.
The judges were way to hard on Dave and Elvis.
Dave had him under control without verbal commands.
His 2 hand signals were quite understood by Elvis.
I find myself liking the show a lot too. I didn’t think I would. I am fond of all the dogs and the humans. It will be really interesting to see how it unfolds.
I am thankful to Dogster for turning me on to the program!
Why do you think the judges are so hard on Elvis and Dave?
I think the judges are hard on Elvis and Dave because they see the great potential there. Dave is great, but needs a little direction. I see it as constructive criticism. At least I hope that’s what it is.
I agree with everyone else. Kenji is beautiful, but her owner isn’t. Aaaaakkkkkk!!!!
BethJoy is a whiner who should just let her dog shine instead of making flimsy excuses. The tears were nothing more than a smoke screen. Give me a break.
I thought this week’s show was great. I was SO glad to see Kenji’s Mom, Elan, go! She was driving me NUTS with that ahhh! ahhh! sound. Plus she was physically rough with her dog. I wish that Victoria Stillwell was able to explain to her what was wrong with her approach to dog training in more detail.
I love Star and Bill, and I’m definitely rooting for them to win!
I felt bad for Dave and Elvis too. I didn’t think Elvis seemed so confused by the two-handed signals — he performed beautifully. Also, I thought those two “macho” type guys, JD and Ron, were a bit too hard on Dave regarding the spat between Tillman and Elvis. Dogs have run-ins sometimes, all that is needed is better management. No big deal, unless it becomes a habit.
Beth Joy and Bella Starlet, well, the Mommy is goofy but the dog is cute. Lose the clothes on the dog! You know, she told the judges that she didn’t normally dress her dog up, but only did so that time for the formal dinner. She wasn’t being truthful though — last week when she first arrived, Bella Starlet was dressed up (too warm for the weather and someone else commented on it on the show). Beth Joy seems to love her dog, but maybe she’s acting a bit too, with all the drama and tears.
Overall, though, good show and I thought they chose a great winner and sent the right team home!
Yes, Elan & Kenji had to go unfortunately for Kenji. Elan appears not to understand her breed of dog & certainly doesn’t understand how to train. She is one of those people that no matter how good a trainer she goes to, she will not listen or change - we feel very sorry for Kenji - what great potential, all wasted. The expressions on Laurie’s face watching Elan & Kenji when they were in their individual groups was priceless!
The judges are hard on Dave & Elvis because Elvis is out of control & Dave doesn’t see it - in fact makes excuses for him. Elvis is a great dog but a jack after all & needs direction.
Beth Joy is somewhat hard to take but she is the element of drama after all. Bella Starlet is a great little dog & Beth Joy needs to let her shine.
Presley & Travis are an absolute joy to watch as are Bill & Star.
We were quite surprised to see all the teams do so well with the obedience segment.
yes, we’ll keep watching, once ya start ya can’t quit!
Good call with getting rid og Elan and Kenji, she made her dog a nervous wreck. Now lets hope they boot Laura and Preston off next, they are the most boring of the group and she the ady uses too much makeup on herself and the dog (make-up for the dog being spraypainted)
I had a feeling Elan and, unfortunately, Kenji, wouldn’t last after watching the first show. Elan obviously had no control over Kenji because Kenji was totally out of control on the first show. Kenji is a beautiful, beautiful dog and I pray Elan gets it and realizes she must change her training technique — it’s hurting Kenji, not helping her.
I actually thought the judges were going to change their decision and give Beth Joy and Bella Starlet the boot after Beth Joy went off on them. When they said they were judging on grooming and Bella Starlet walked out with clothes on, I thought to myself, uh, I think you better take that off her Beth Joy. Man up, Beth Joy, Man up!!! HA! HA!
My favs are Star and Bill and Travis and Presley. I was in tears, of course, when Bill was missing his family and Star came up to him — I lost it!! Then, when Star was injured and Travis got emotional — I lost it again! I remember the first time Coco had a reverse sneeze attack. It scared the bajeebees out of me. I had never heard of a ‘reverse sneeze’ and I thought she was choking. I called her vet’s office to tell them what was happening and as soon as the vet tech told me what it was, I broke down. I think I lost it because I was scared and relieved all at the same time. So, I probably would have been like Travis — gettin’ all emotional and stuff.
I really didn’t like how David gave JRTz more bad rap! His dog not listening to him is soley his fault, not “He’s a Jack Russell, their crazy, you never know what they are going to do” Also laughing when your dog bites another dog’s eye is ridiculous, not to mention him confusing Elvis even more by laughing and petting him when he broke his stays. David should really take to heart the advice Bill gave him, and hopefully he will stop blaming his dog not listening to him on the breed!! I really like Bill and Star, and Laurie and Andrew. They are really great owners and they truly know what they are doing. Kudos to them!!
We were quite glad to see Elan & Kenji to go. We hope that Elan sees the error her ways for Kenji’s sake. Even in the closing interview, Elan got onto Kenji - and Kenji wasn’t even doing anything (maybe lifting her head).
We’ve been rooting for Bill and Star since before the 1st show because they’re from Texas and so are we… The more we watch the show, the more we fall in love with them. They definitely have a good, caring relationship as well as work well together.
We just wanted to add that we hope Beth Joy and Bella Starlet go next. Beth Joy is too stressed out, and yelling at the judges is a very poor decision for her - shows some lack of self-control which effects her relationship with Bella Starlet.
We totally agree on above remarks - it’s always a shame when a pair is sent home (wish they had devised a kinder way to handle it, tho), but this week was so obvious (it’s a wonder they didn’t decide to send two pairs!) But I really feel that Bill and Star stole the show - they certainly get my vote!
Love those dogs!
Bill and Star rule. His obvious love for that precious Brittany shows us what a true gentleman he is.
We’re big Bill & Star fans! I really enjoy watching them just be together. They just love each other and it’s sweet. It’s nice to se the majority of the people & their dogs get along so wel together. It was cute when Travis & Presley shared their suite with everyone and everydog…really LOVE LOVE LOVE the show!
When you think about it, the premise of the show is sorta backwards. They send home the dogs/owners who are the worst and weakest. They should be the ones to remain on the show and get one-on-one help! But, that wouldn’t make for a dramatic reality show, of course.
I would like to see a show where they just take average, every-day dogs and owners (like my Lucie and me!) and teach us and coach us one-on-one with a trainer. My dog can do sit, down, come, leave it, and shake. But she’s not too good with stay. I never taught her heel or how to spin around or walk backwards.
Elan & Kenji really were the ones that deserved to go, really. I was on the fence with Bella Starlet. The woman backsassed the judge and shouldn’t expect to stay next time ’round. That’s just my opinion. I dress my smallest dog sometimes, so I’m not totally against it, however if they were judging my grooming I would not have dressed her.
Bill & Star are just too cute. I was so scared for Star after the incident, but Bill sure loves her deeply and you can tell. She’s his everything!
I absolutley adore Travis and Presley. They are the poster couple for american “bachelors”. Love them!
I was glad to see them go. Kenji seemed like a nervous wreck all the time: I guess I would too if I had some shhing me like that all the time. Bella Stralet is a little confusing to me; isn’t she a TV dog? She really does not seem to very well trained at all to me. I love Travis & Presley they are a real inspiration to us novice trainers:)