'Greatest American Dog' recap: No puppy left behind!

bev2651 Sun, Sep 7, 2008 at 11:50 PM EST

i am a dog lover and retired kennel owner/groomer. i started watching this show and still do because of the wonderful dogs. i think some of the owners have issues, but i think the judges and producers have bigger ones. as a former boxer owner, i have to ask, have any of them ever had a boxer who is as happy to behave as presley? i've never seen one. have any of them ever dealt with a border collie, collie or aussie that didn't bark when excited? ditto. these people are not experts. if they were, they would have gotten a vet involved as soon as a dog appeared injured. i hope this show does not continue to force dogs to behave abnormally. let them show us what makes us love our dogs.

Sharlene Tue, Sep 2, 2008 at 10:54 PM EST

Pat, nice try. Andrew DID bark at the elephant when she first appeared. There was no reason for him to bark when she was coming toward him. She wasn't posing a threat and he had been told to stay. A dog obeying the stay command could save his or her life. What if moving would mean the dog would fall off a cliff? Fall into a hole? Get caught in a trap? Andrew was the smartest, steadiest and most obedience and nothing you say can take that away from him.

Andrea Sun, Aug 31, 2008 at 06:22 PM EST

I was fascinated but hardly shocked by the argument between the two women; Wendy is definitely not afraid to speak her mind, but this time she spoke it on a topic that was far from her area of expertise. Victoria is what I refer to as a low impact, high yield trainer; the moment Wendy referenced Cesar Milan I knew where the discussion was headed because he is very high impact and embodies so much of the very mentality that Victoria works to eradicate when educating pet owners.

The fact that Victoria's very livelihood depends on her continued study and re-evaluation of training methods, while Wendy's simply does not, made watching this argument much like seeing a first year university student try to argue a point with a tenured professor. It was not only ludicrous, it was just plain painful. Wendy needs to update her research as consistently as she updates her style; then perhaps she will be equipped to form more rational arguments on such topics.

Pat Fri, Aug 29, 2008 at 01:47 PM EST

I like the show, love the dogs, but I thought that the entire concept on August 26th was STUPID, with the elephant frightening the intelligent dogs (I don't think Andrew could see it or he would have barked, too) and putting the dogs and masters on that platform. Why don't the masters just say no to that stuff?? I feel so badly for that beautiful Galaxy, suffering for a mean trick played on him - in a harness, "flying", actually jumping off a cliff! Come on, get humane about it.

GinaBallerina Thu, Aug 28, 2008 at 12:13 PM EST

Where's the TV watch for this week's ep?? I keep checking and it't not there! Presley flying was one of the funniest things I've seen in a looong time!

Kathy Stone Wed, Aug 27, 2008 at 11:15 PM EST

My husband and I watch this show every week because we both love dogs. We both were VERY upset with this evenings show. One dog, Galaxy, was injured trying to complete the stunts asked of her and then there were two other dogs, that were smart enough NOT to do the jump. My husband and I both agree, that we do NOT think it is wise to train any animal to jump from high places. Just think if by doing this training on any one of these dogs, those dogs might one day think it is OK to jump from a high place. I do not normally voice my opinion, but I felt that someone had to speak up for the dogs safety!!!!

innocent_me Sun, Aug 24, 2008 at 06:26 AM EST

How pleased am I that Beth Joy is gone? Pleased beyond words. Beth Joy was a HORRID woman. One down, one to go. Now all I have to do is hope that Laurie and Andrew (is that the owners name?) get booted next week and all will be right with the world. Life teaches you that not everyone has the same thought process but that doesn't mean everyone else is wrong. Sadly, that's not how she operates. You either agree with her method of training or you're wrong. Can't deal with the "holier than thou" BS. Once she's gone it'll be all about the owner/dog competition instead of the petty garbage. YAY! If JD was "wrong", Galaxy wouldn't be such a well-behaved, obedient dog. Congrats to JD - and the rest!

Sam Fri, Aug 22, 2008 at 11:30 PM EST

The argument on training methods between the judges was unprofessional and completely inapropriate for the situation. It appeared that the contestants lost respect for the judges as a result of this little altercation. I know that I did.

I personally think that JD's method of commanding Galaxy to sit and wait for the puppies was rather clever. I do not see how his performance was in anyway harsh. Galaxy seems to be a happy dog who enjoys performing. I also think that JD and Galaxy's hip-hop dance routine was the winner regardless of the judges' selection.

Bill and Star, Theresa and Leroy, Travis and Presley, and JD and Galaxy are four good teams - each in thier own way. I only hope that the judges can fairly determine the "Greatest American Dog" without personal bias and unnecessary drama.

I would like to see this show return for a second season but with a completely new panel of judges.

okiegirl Fri, Aug 22, 2008 at 01:28 PM EST

Good riddance, BJ & BS! That woman seriously needs therapy. Tillman was adorable, but his owner WAS lazy when it came to competitions. I LOVED how Presley got to Travis in 3 seconds flat. I laughed with glee at such obvious affection. I adore Bill & Star, but Presley has my heart forever. What a gorgeous, happy, loving dog with a perfect expressive face. And Travis is pretty doggone cute, too. :) I think the judges are evaluating the relationship between dog & owner far more than how the dogs adapt to a particular competition -- which is why the comps can be silly AND why Star & Presley will be the last doggies standing. Sane, loving owners + happy dogs = Winners! Go, Presley! Woof!

Jannae Gaddess Fri, Aug 22, 2008 at 12:29 PM EST

My family misses you Tillman!!! You should still be on this show!!

Fri, Aug 22, 2008 at 12:29 PM EST

I loved the goldens, I have two of them, but my black lab had a stroke (and then later passed away) during this episode. seeing the puppies made me want another one--we will go with another lab instead. sorry for bringing everyone down, still trying to deal with our loss.

Dana Fri, Aug 22, 2008 at 11:31 AM EST

I don't think there is anything wrong with JD's method of training Galaxy. Love Bill and Star and I don't think Bill would ever do anything that he thought would harm his dog, that judge is just a bi*** and had he told Star to quit then she'd be beratting him for not pushing his dog hard enough.

gary Fri, Aug 22, 2008 at 11:29 AM EST

I do not understand this challenge. It is inappropriate. It only shows that herding dogs have an advantage as that is what they are bred to do. The other dogs in my opinion have no chance. Why not come up with challenges that all dogs have equal chances. I must admit expelling Bella Starlett was for the best. I could not watch her cry anymore. What is her problem.

CH Fri, Aug 22, 2008 at 11:21 AM EST

It is no surprise that Leroy won. Border collies are natural herders and the golden retriever pups followed instinctively! Still, Teresa is one of the nicer people on the show so I had no problem with her winning - advantage or not!

Carol Fri, Aug 22, 2008 at 10:02 AM EST

These competitions are not built for every dog, or every dog-and-owner relationship.
We knew Preslie's chances would be a romp in the park - boxers have that joie-de-vive mentality, Andrew's nip may have been a notice of inappropriate anxiety levels from the puppies - he is older and smaller, I'm so glad Bella Star went home. I'm so tired of her tears...get a life!! I think Bill is a cry-baby home-boy. Brittanies are not bred for "c'mon let's go doggies" activities. They're bird dogs!!! The fight between the two judges, I think, was staged for the audience. I saw the tap from behind after the apology. The last show will be between Star and Presly.
I hope they do another one. I bet Andrew goes home next week. He's been so close. The painting deal was a rip-off. I thought the one with the words was really clever - play is unstructured. Andrew's owner - she probably sees Andrew as a dog and didn't realize the assignment was to express as if you were the dog about your relationship.

spag Fri, Aug 22, 2008 at 07:46 AM EST

Did anyone notice they said they used three new puppies when Teresa and Leroy went? Could that have made the difference? It really didn't seem like the contestant dogs did much -- it was just whether or not the puppies felt like following them.

SueS Thu, Aug 21, 2008 at 11:07 PM EST

Haven't watched the show since they booted Tilman's owner. HE WAS THE BEST

Dave from East Texas Thu, Aug 21, 2008 at 10:07 PM EST

Well..I can continue to keep watching GAD being that Bethjoy and her MANY annoyances are gone. Although a fan of the show, could they have picked a sorrier threesome of judges? Either the Brit is a dog trapped in a human body or she takes her role in the 'doggie community' too seriously. The fat guy is so not endearing, and the other woman is a straight up b****. I'm still bitter about her critique of the recently ousted Laura and Preston's painting. Laurie and Andrew should have gone that week. I'm starting to really root for Teresa and her dog. Travis & Presley, and Bill & Star are, of course, tops for me, as well! I MISS PRESTON!

Thu, Aug 21, 2008 at 09:52 PM EST

Yes border collies are awesome, but GOLDENS are the best!

Kay Thu, Aug 21, 2008 at 08:04 PM EST

And PS: I MISS TILLMAN!! BRING HIM BACK!! He was so funny and cute!

Kay Thu, Aug 21, 2008 at 08:03 PM EST

I could see that Star was uncomfortable but I can't imagine that Bill would ever ever EVER do ANYTHING he thought was hurting Star. It seems like that dog is his life. I really don't think he thought he was hurting Star.

THANK YOU for getting rid of Beth Joy and Bella Starlet. I have nothing against Bella Starlet but Beth Joy on the other hand... she wears on my neves after a while. But again I have to defend her actions from last week- she loves that little dog to pieces. I think she knows if Bella is hurting or not.

And Victoria ticked me off so bad! She's just jealous because she'll never be half the trainer Cesar is. I belieive someone said earlier that it doesn't have to be either/or and I couldn't agree more. Like Dog Whisperer says- there is more than one way to train your dog. I would just prefer to be able to do it without treats all the time. But she made me so mad, I could have reached through that screen and punched her!

Stephanie T. Thu, Aug 21, 2008 at 03:49 PM EST

It did not shock me to see Leroy lead the pups out considering that's what Border Collies are bred to do. Border Collies herd and organize sheep, and cattle.

tickles Thu, Aug 21, 2008 at 01:18 PM EST

This challenge kind of sucked. Some breeds of dogs are better at herding than others. I think the smaller dogs got gypped. Although I don't really care for Laurie...Andrew is adorable. But he was smaller than the puppies...poor little thing! I didn't blame him for nipping at the puppies to leave him alone...that is what mother dogs do to their puppies.
No matter what anyone says...Beth Joy is clearly besotted over Bella Starlett. Bella Starlett being a dog that was rescued from abuse probably is very nervous and has trouble handling new things. I have to give Beth Joy props. The "cat" fight was hilarious!! Seems to me that dogs do have different personalities just like children and what works for one may not always work for everyone. Not one person knows every training technique and certainly can't just proclaim themselves to be "the best". Victoria came across as a total b###ch and the apology was so "scripted" it was ridiculous!!
Bring back Tillman!!

Chris Thu, Aug 21, 2008 at 01:17 PM EST

What exactly did the border collie do to get the puppies out? It just looked like the puppies wanted to follow Leroy more than the others. It's not like he herded them or anything. And what did Teresa do to earn all the praise - all she did was call Leroy. J.D. did much better in that area
I felt sorry for Star - Bill was thinking more about the money than stressing his dog out.
It almost looked to me like the fight amongst the judges was staged.
And dogs snip at other dogs in order to communicate with them - they weren't biting the pups, they were warning them. It's not aggression.

Stephanie Thu, Aug 21, 2008 at 12:54 PM EST

What did JD do specfically in the challenge to prompt the dog-training argument?

Magdalen Thu, Aug 21, 2008 at 12:28 PM EST

I got the impression that Victoria & Wendy's argument is around the "Dog Whisperer" school of dog management (be pack leader, use corrective "touches," etc.) vs. treats-based training. Thing is, this is apples & oranges. I've got an 11-month old pit/Rhodie mix, and I have to use both methods. Pack leader for respect and control on a leash, and treats for learning how to do basic things like sit, stay, etc. I don't see it as either/or. That said, it's clear that Victoria & Wendy hate each other, and did before the ep started. (Poor Allen!) I can only imagine what the producers had to do after that cat fight to get them to "respect" each other so fulsomely. Anyway, I thought Leroy was great -- he really did wait for the pups and wouldn't cross the finish line until all three were safely across. Sure, he's a shepard, but it was still good to see. And, as an added bonus, no barking!

Michael Vick Thu, Aug 21, 2008 at 12:19 PM EST

Actually, I'm rather fond of pit bulls myself...

nay-lo Thu, Aug 21, 2008 at 12:11 PM EST

hey SJS - I just had to write and agree with you that Border Collies are most definitely the best dogs on the planet. Ours used to herd US when he would get excited. It was the funniest thing. Best dog ever.

Agatha Thu, Aug 21, 2008 at 11:54 AM EST

Okay, that's the cutest picture I've ever seen. It reminds me of the "puppies in a box" plotline from That 70s Show.

sjs Thu, Aug 21, 2008 at 11:17 AM EST

Border Collies are the best dogs on the planet! The only reason I occasionally tune in to this lame show is to see the border collie win it all, and no surprise Leroy did great here because he's a herding dog! It's totally natural to border collies, and it's like the puppies just knew that. My own dog used to try to herd the squirrels in our yard. Awesome, my fave dog won and the dog (and owner) i hated most lost. :)

majigail Thu, Aug 21, 2008 at 11:06 AM EST

I bet if Bill told Star she was done when she laid down, he would have gotten a talking to for quitting.
Galaxy seems like a happy dog, it's not like JD is beating her, he gives her a little discpline!

Thu, Aug 21, 2008 at 10:24 AM EST

Ok - well duh of course the border collie would do well - why is that a surprise?
And goldens are the best dogs on the planet!

danielle Thu, Aug 21, 2008 at 10:22 AM EST

Every week I think the challenges couldn't get any more inane or irrelevant to the average dog, but yet they keep topping it. This challenge had nothing to do with "rescue" and everything to do with socialization. I kept waiting for a puppy to be bitten.

Ugh. And for the first time Presley aces responding to his owner's commands instead of being a goofball and it costs him. And if I were Bill, I'd tell the judges to go screw and go home. He's got nothing to prove.