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'Greatest American Dog' recap: Elvis has left the building

Jul 25, 2008, 09:16 AM | by Mandi Bierly

Categories: 'Greatest American Dog', Animals, Mini TV Watch, Reality TV, Television

Elvisdavid_l Let me just say this: I'm not ready for Tillman, the English Bull Dog who naps as often as I'd like to, to go home just yet. I found this out last night when he, Maltese Andrew, and Parson Russell Terrier Elvis were in the bottom three, and host Jarod Miller milked the suspense before finally announcing that Elvis was eliminated. In the silence, I repeated "Not Tillman, not Tillman, not Tillman" aloud. What is this job doing to me?

Here's what you need to know about last night's episode:

• Elvis (pictured, with owner David) redeemed himself. Though some of the owners wouldn't let their dogs play with an off-leash Elvis, eventually Tillman's owner Rob gave "the Hannibal Lecter of the house" a second chance and the pooches had fun together. Elvis also made friends with Andrew, and I'll go there: I totally thought they might start humping. I spent a good 30 seconds wondering if CBS' Standard & Practices would have allowed that to be shown. I have half a mind to call the network and ask for a comment, but do I really need to top the time that I had to contact a rep for Talk Sex with Sue Johanson to fact-check that a caller had indeed inquired if you could get salmonella from being intimate with a raw chicken breast? No, I do not. (Unless you talk me into it in the comments section.)

After the jump, Brandy's Best in Show moment.

• Everyone hates Brandy. You probably already knew this. The woman's squeaky voice is worse than any dog's bark. This week was all about teamwork, so the Dog Bone Challenge paired the owners up and had them work their two dogs through a "tangled leash obstacle course" with the use of verbal commands, treats, and toys. Brandy was superpsyched that she and Miniature Schnauzer Beacon were partnered with Golden Boy Travis and his Boxer Presley. Travis, not so much. Behold Brandy's classic outburst, otherwise known as her audition to replace Parker Posey in Best in Show 2:

Brandy: What is going on?!
Travis: It's alright, just relax.
Brandy: Give me the hot dog!
Travis: Do you need it?
Brandy: Yes! Give me the hot dog! Where is the hot dog?!

Travis and Brandy won the challenge and were supposed to share the Dog Bone Suite, but Travis opted to save himself give her privacy and moved into Ron's room. The winning duo chose to send Laurie and Andrew to the Dog House, and she was not expecting that. She did, however, earn it later when she threw David under the bus for choosing to keep Elvis on-leash during his teeter-totter leg of the Best in Show agility relay race. (That consisted of catching a Frisbee, jumping through hoops, pushing a cart, walking a teeter-totter and maze, running through tubes, and dog sledding). Laurie had advised David that a good performance on-leash beat a bad performance off of it. She also brought up the fact that Elvis had had a biting issue, after he appeared to have conquered it. The judges recognized that she was playing dirty, but still sent David, who cried when he thanked Elvis for the experience, home.

• Travis and Laura are "getting to know each other." They love each other's dogs. And, I'm just guessing here, they also kinda like how each other looks in swimwear while swimming with those dogs. They both seem sane, so I'm still in favor of the match. You?

Chris Wed, Sep 17, 2008 at 10:48 PM EST

I just lost my beautiful boxer "Bella" in April...she was loyal, loving, energetic, compassionate and above all....very smart! She knew when I was feeling down....she was my best friend! The previous posts that tried to slam on boxers, sounded like some jealous little teenager who didn't get his own way...my family has given many boxers a lot of love...Mack, Butch, Bella, Spencer, Clyde, Ozzy, Cash, Cindy, Sammy, and Holly have been wonderful dogs and everyone of them boxers! Doesn't matter how smart a dog is, I thought we all wanted dogs to love us and in return all they want is to be loved by us too!

cissy Brazil Tue, Aug 12, 2008 at 11:32 AM EST

Wendy Diamond may be all that is written above about her, and I applaud her love of dogs, Katrina rescue, etc.

However, she may be the sole reason I will probably stop watching the show. She sneers, she's unnecessarily harsh with her words. The competitors are not trainers, not show dogs, etc. She has a superior air about her. Can't a judge be critical and nice about it? I cannot believe her love of dogs doesn't spill over to the human race.

Victoria Stillwell's program, "It's the Dog or Me' is wonderful. She is patient, understanding of the dogs and their owners. However, as a judge on this show, she is also rather viscious in her comments, using shocked looks etc. Why??

Those are my comments. Thank you for reading.

Cissy Brazil
San Jose, CA
former watcher of Greatest American Dog

nicole Tue, Aug 5, 2008 at 04:34 PM EST

these judges are IDIOTS!!!!! why on earth did they send Ron and Tillman home? just because his picture didn't look lazy?! it looked pretty lazy to me! why didn't they send home the girl for using the snarl bands?? ugh...they need to get some new judges!

Ellie Thu, Jul 31, 2008 at 11:58 PM EST

Tillman should not have been eliminated. He was obviously America's Favorite Dog as he is still being used to promote the program in all the advertising. Simply politics was at play here and that ended my interest in the program. When a player used a rubber band to control her dog's expression and was not eliminated it was obvious that bias was involved.

Denise Tue, Jul 29, 2008 at 10:48 PM EST

Sorry to add so quick but I didn't read all of your comments first. So glad that everyone else saw that Andrew and Laurie should have gone home. I am probably about to start a war, but, I owned a Boxer mix who learned how to open the oven door, the dresser door and many other tricks at only 5 months of age. I now own a Siberian Husky (my second) and must say that they usually get that "dumb" reaction-people believe that they are incapable of learning. This is so Not true! I have to say that I've come to realize that any dog can be amazing with the right person at the other end of the leash. I mean, any dog would have been major confused in the Kenji situation - right!!

Denise Tue, Jul 29, 2008 at 10:38 PM EST

Must say first that Andrew did nothing to deserve getting thrown off, but his owner?? Please-it's not a million dollar survivor here! David and Elvis maxed on the maze and he deserved major points for that and Not cheating - oh, unlike some! Plus he really did overcome the biting thing. I must also say that Star and her owner are perfect together!! Love them!! I so agree totally with the other observations here.

Know it All Tue, Jul 29, 2008 at 11:59 AM EST

Top 10 most popular dogs...
1.Retriever (Labrador)
2.Retriever (Golden)
3.Yorkshire Terrier
4.German Shepherd
5.Beagle
6.Dachshund
7.Boxer
8.Poodle
9.Shih Tzu
10.Miniature Schnauzer

He is the clown of the dog fraternity, canines answer to vaudeville. A laugh a minute, lives life to the fullest, a maximum velocity version of canine slapstick. But he is also a sympathetic soul, a shoulder to cry on, a confidante. He is all that is good in a dog. He is of course The Boxer!

These are of paramount importance in the Boxer. Instinctively a hearing guard dog, his bearing is alert, dignified, and self-assured. In the show ring his behavior should exhibit constrained animation. With family and friends, his temperament is fundamentally playful, yet patient and stoical with children. Deliberate and wary with strangers, he will exhibit curiosity, but, most importantly, fearless courage if threatened.

Bubba Tue, Jul 29, 2008 at 09:40 AM EST

True, a 48 rank is something to brag about. We're number 48!
Really, it's just glaringly average.

Bubba Tue, Jul 29, 2008 at 06:29 AM EST

I want to retract my statements on Boxers not being intelligent. I apparently thought 48 out of 80 was the bottom. It appears Im the idiot here.

Bubba Mon, Jul 28, 2008 at 08:29 PM EST

Thanks for making my point about boxers, Jack.
I went to this boxerhub website, and right off the bat they misspell "ultimate." It'a thw "ultamate" boxer resource. Hilarious. Probably is the "ultamate" boxer resource. Really makes that point about the stupidity of these dogs matching their owners ring true.
And they Canada site? It's Canada. No credibility.

jack Mon, Jul 28, 2008 at 04:06 PM EST

regarding Bubba's comment about Boxer's not being used as service dogs....

Perhaps you should do a little research before you call boxers "dumb"

Not only are boxers used in search and recue, they are also used as "guide dogs" for the blind

http://www.canadasguidetodogs.com/boxer.htm

http://www.boxerhub.com

Bubba Mon, Jul 28, 2008 at 02:30 PM EST

Momma Bubba it appears you are a rather inarticulate individual and don't know how to spell "Mama."
Life must be difficult as a human equivalent of a boxer.

Momma Bubba Mon, Jul 28, 2008 at 11:44 AM EST

Me and Bubbba got a trailer and 2 coon hounds. He real good with them there dogs. He got a neat trick he do with peanut butter and a hot dog. Bubba says that them there dogs is the smartest he ever seen. He can hide the hotdog where the sun don't shine and they find it every time.

jess Mon, Jul 28, 2008 at 11:20 AM EST

i luv the connection between star and her owner. i really want them to win.
1st-star. 2nd-tillman. 3rd-galaxy.
i also like leroy, but i dont like how his owner told him to 'shut up' on the first challenge.

jess Mon, Jul 28, 2008 at 11:18 AM EST

i luv the connection between star and her owner. i really want them to win.
1st-star. 2nd-tillman. 3rd-galaxy.
i also like leroy, but i dont like how his owner told him to 'shut up' on the first challenge.

Bubba Mon, Jul 28, 2008 at 09:37 AM EST

Gaze upon the blank stare of a boxer and you see...dullness. Ranked 48th in intelligence, while German Shepherds are third. Didn't see any boxers going through the wreckage of 9-11 or at airports. They lack the character and intelligence.
They are also rather cowardly dogs.

BoxerOwner Mon, Jul 28, 2008 at 06:39 AM EST

Bubba, I can only assume you are the breed below the Boxer when it comes to intelligence. The fact is, Boxers are very intelligent and do police work. I personally just think you're lacking brain power and god have mercy on any dog that works with you.

jack Sun, Jul 27, 2008 at 11:04 PM EST

I love Tillman, too

Jack
http://www.boxerhub.com

stewart carroll Sun, Jul 27, 2008 at 07:05 PM EST

i will not be watching your show anymore because i do not think that elvis did anything wrong but be cute and adorable and i think that the wrong person was voted off because we are not talking dogs here we are talking owners and if laurie did not tattle on elvis he would not have been voted off because he did so well on the maze which proves that the jack russell is a very intelligent dog which is why fraiser choose to have moose the jack russell as a star of the show. i think that laurie and andrew should have been voted off because she made the hole bigger on purpose and tattled on elvis which was a bigger crime because at least david put faith in elvis to do the maze which he did with no problem so should have accounted for something. i own a jack russell which is just like elvis and for some reason get a bad rap because of the name but are so loyal and loving and it just not fair

Bubba Sun, Jul 27, 2008 at 10:32 AM EST

Check out any ranking of dog intelligence and you'll see boxers near the bottom. Pressley is clearly exceptional and not responsible for the misspelling of his name. There is a reason boxers are never used for any purpose or service. They lack the brainpower. Perhaps you're correct, they do reflect their owners.
I train dogs. I would never own a boxer. German Shepherds, Australian cattle dogs and heelers are my breeds.

ktwolf Sun, Jul 27, 2008 at 08:46 AM EST

This competition isn't about the "best-trained" dog. It's about the best communication between person and dog.

I think the TWO cheaters should have gone home -- Laurie and Andrew, because Laurie punched a bigger hole in the paper covering the hoop, and Brandy and Beacon, because Brandy openned up the closed chute, so Beacon would go through it. And NEITHER cheater believed they had done anything wrong!

Plus, Laurie should have gone because of the way she turned on David and Elvis. PARTICULARLY after the way she had called Beth Joy out for dragging other dogs into her complaint about dog clothing.

michelle Sat, Jul 26, 2008 at 07:49 PM EST

omg i think brandy has a crush on travis too...u can just see the look on her face everytime travis talks to laura and when travis picked laura to be on his team first she was like annoyed

danielle Sat, Jul 26, 2008 at 03:02 PM EST

As someone who has been rescuing boxers for 10 years from idiots who don't understand the breed, I think I know more about the breed than you do Bubba. You can't compare a boxer to a retriever, they were bred for different purposes. Boxers are very tuned in to their owners' emotions, and that's why Presley is doing so well, because Travis knows how to talk to his dog. Perhaps the "stupid" boxers you've met are mirroring their owners' stupidity. (I'm just guessing...Bubba...)That's why I hope this show isn't just about obedience. I'd rather have a dog with personality like Presley than a robot like Galaxy.

Miguel Sat, Jul 26, 2008 at 10:19 AM EST

I think Star should win. Her owner helped the other team members to learn their skill and improve upon it. That's true teamwork, not like some of the back stabbing we've seen. He also owned up when they made a small mistake on the end of the maze course. He said it was his fault not the dog's because he had given the wrong command. That's admirable and REAL. I still don't know what the judges are looking for in this competition. Can someone explain it to me?

Mouffle Sat, Jul 26, 2008 at 05:40 AM EST

Tillman is my favorite. I hope he wins it all!!!!

okiegirl Fri, Jul 25, 2008 at 07:29 PM EST

I love Tillman, too, & laughed hysterically last week as he salivated over his food he couldn't eat, but I am over the moon for Presley & not just because he was born in Oklahoma! Anyone who thinks Boxers are stupid is a moron. They are easy-as-pie to train, assuming the trainer isn't stupid. Travis is smart & knows how to get the best from his doggie -- and it doesn't involve cackling or placing a threatening hand in his face. Star --3rd place, Tillman, 2nd place, and Presley to win. Woof!

Zebeagle Fri, Jul 25, 2008 at 06:24 PM EST

I want the most well-trained dog to win, and Elvis definitely wasn't it. This is a competition! If you've ever watched a reality tv show, then you know that you have to be competitive to win. This show isn't called "The Nicest Dog Owner in America".

I look forward to seeing harder tricks being performed. That will really show which dog's got talent and deserves to win.

Betty Fri, Jul 25, 2008 at 05:31 PM EST

Each week I've been amazed by who isn't sent home. Last week it was the woman with the dressed dog, who (owner) whined and argued with judges. And now Laurie last night; she should have gone for cheating with the hoop.

Seems to me they're keeping the should-be losers for entertainment value.

I hated that the Russell went home. I also like the guy from Texas with the dog who was snake bitten.

smurfette Fri, Jul 25, 2008 at 05:30 PM EST

tabitha - get a clue. noone has said that the judges shouldnt know... it was the WAY they learned of it. and HELLO?!?! these are DOGS. they're the epitome of ID. ALL DOGS BITE, and ALL DOGS BITE OTHER DOGS at some point or another. it's called 'establishing the leader of the pack'. it's just unfortunate that Elvis had a bad day and Tillman was around. they clearly got along the next time they played... DIR.

Tabitha Fri, Jul 25, 2008 at 05:12 PM EST

So you guys think the judges of the GREATEST American Dog shouldn't be told that one of the dogs bites? Seriously? Ridiculous. That dog should have never even been on the show to begin with. It's a disgrace for a dog that bites to be in the running. This show is a farce!

Bubba Fri, Jul 25, 2008 at 04:26 PM EST

Ha, the "they're just stubborn" excuse. Anybody that knows dogs knows boxers are typically on the lowest end of the intelligence scale.
The one on this show is atypical, which makes it and its trainer more impressive.

danielle Fri, Jul 25, 2008 at 02:50 PM EST

I take issue with the intelligent boxer comment. Boxers are simply stubborn and don't do anything they don't want to do unless the mood strikes them.

At first I couldn't figure out why Travis picked Beth Joy for his team when her dog doesn't listen to her. Then I realized that if they lost, she would be the hands-down pick to be eliminated. Cute, so good with his dog, and an evil genius!

Buttercup Fri, Jul 25, 2008 at 02:33 PM EST

Tillman ALL THE WAY!! I love TILLMAN! I can watch him for an hour. Wish CBS would give him a show. He's the ROCK STAR! I was nervous he was the one leaving - but glad it was Elvis. Laurie played "dirty" allright.

Bubba Fri, Jul 25, 2008 at 01:54 PM EST

Highly arrogant Laurie showed her true color last night. Preston's owner is my favorite. The boxer is pretty smart, and I've never seen an intelligent boxer, ever.

smurfette Fri, Jul 25, 2008 at 01:36 PM EST

Laurie needs to go. when she pretty much sabotaged David and Elvis she showed her true colors. yes, she's in it to win it, but i would hope not at the expense of her morals. Tillman is by far my favorite dog... can't wait till next week.

Rea Fri, Jul 25, 2008 at 12:40 PM EST

I am sad that David & Elvis left last night. It is obvious that David loves Elvis very much! Now I'll just have to choose Pressley and his handsome owner to root for.

Gary Fri, Jul 25, 2008 at 12:23 PM EST

I don't think David and Elvis were given a chance. Laurie made sure of that when she made the "dog biting" coments. She seems willing to do anything to win, but I think that will be her undoing.

dana Fri, Jul 25, 2008 at 12:20 PM EST

I will miss David and Elvis I really liked the both of them. Laurie is a beast for throwing David under the bus not liking her very much now

Libby Fri, Jul 25, 2008 at 12:16 PM EST

IMO, David and Elvis should never have been placed in this show. David clearly knew little about Parson Russells and about Elvis himself. It seemed that he hadn't even put much effort into learning how to train his pup. I'm glad he was eliminated early in the game, so he can save himself some embarrassment.

Val Fri, Jul 25, 2008 at 11:15 AM EST

I also thought Laurie should have gone home. It seems like David and Elvis were never given a chance from the beginning. I'm glad Tillman stayed and I guess Laura can have Travis since I am married and all! I love that Presley!

Jessa Fri, Jul 25, 2008 at 10:39 AM EST

Did anyone else notice that Brandy seems to be crushing on Travis?? She's engaged so why not let Laura have at him?? She and Travis would be so cute together. I too was willing them not to call Tillman's name for elimination, I'm in love with that dog! lol...also, his owner's name is Ron, not Rob. I was sad to see David & Elvis go, while they had their issues, they were quite endearing, love Andrew, but think Laurie should've gone for playing dirty during the challenge and in front of the judges.

CarrieMae Fri, Jul 25, 2008 at 10:07 AM EST

I was sorry to see David & Elvis go home. I thought Laurie should have gone for altering the hoops before the race.

Tenna Fri, Jul 25, 2008 at 08:56 AM EST

I loved when Ron put Tillman up on the stand when they were in the bottom three and he instantly fell asleep. That dog is adorable and I was doing the same thing as you last night hoping that Tillman wouldn't be the one to go!

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