Comments on: Polling Results for Week 8

By: Monica

Monica — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 14:45:47 +0000

I cannot believe Andrew didn’t win. Andrew did everything that was asked of him — way more than any other dog. The judges got it wrong and need to be replaced with people who know something about fairness in judging a contest. I’ve heard others say they don’t think the judges know anything about dogs.

By: Melissa

Melissa — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 01:37:44 +0000

I do not like reality shows, so it was surprising that I started getting onto this one. HOWEVER, I completely agree that a lot of the challenges are potentially dangerous. I mean, an ELEPHANT!! Likewise, I truly admired Travis for releasing Presley from the “stump-sitting” when it was obvious he was uncomfortable.

BUT, what completely broke my heart was the elimination of Bill and Star. They were both fantastic and deserved the title. I literally cried when they had to leave–and I’m not that type of person!! After they got rid of Bill & Star–whom I genuinely thought were the best–I couldn’t watch it any more.

By: Jeff

Jeff — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 01:19:06 +0000

I think that what Bill and Star did on the show was great they were my favorite peopleon the show!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By: Nancye

Nancye — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 00:31:25 +0000

When your show first began tonight I knew JD and Galaxy were going home. The name of the show is “Greatest American Dog” yet you judged on the owner. I have a small white dog but still don’t believe that is the ‘greatest’ dog. You need a different set of judges if you do another series because the two women judges are not fit to judge.

By: Barbara

Barbara — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 15:54:32 +0000

I was so very disappointed last week in the elimination of Teresa and Leroy. First, I don’t think the final challenge had anything to do with loyalty, but instead, with obedience and believe that Teresa and JD were both justified in their methods of competition. On the other hand, isn’t there also an element of loyalty built in to obedience? A certain amount of respect and loyalty is required in order for any animal to obey their owner. They all go hand in hand. The object of the challenge was for the dog to stay in the triangle, which Presley did not do. Regardless of the judge’s opinions, he was the only one who failed at the task, and as much as I love boxers, should have been the one to go. Although Andrew is a precious dog, quite honestly I believe he may be somewhat clueless. Granted, he sat in the triangle, but that was totally expected by me because he wanted absolutely nothing to do anyone else - he doesn’t socialize play or show any emotion, so who, besides the judges, would think he would act any other way during a challenge? Teresa and Leroy are totally tuned in to each other and I don’t know that there could be more of a display of loyalty than him to her. I believe the judges got this one completely wrong.

On the subject of the physical challenges the previous week, I was appalled that they would expect these dogs to jump off the platform. It was quite apparent that several were fearful of jumping and to chastise the owner because they did not take the leap was completely unfair. I would never have tried to force my dog to do something she is afraid to do.

Finally, regarding Bill and Star. Could there be a more shining example of the greatest American dog? The “orange dog”, who so often was lovingly refered to as “kid” encompassed all the elements of greatness. Bill couldn’t have been more crazy about her and vice versa. I loved them both and feel that the judges were very wrong in their decision. As always, I think Bill was doing what was in Star’s best interest and for that I applaude him.

By: linda johns

linda johns — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 10:18:20 +0000

Come on,

Last night contest was ridiculous. Andrew is a dud. He is not a normal great dog. He is tied to her Obsessively I think. Anyway, Leroy is a border collie. He is active and Intelligent and she needed to be a bit strong to keep him focused and he stayed. This show needs some help if it is to stay viable. I do not like their call about Galaxy being robotic either. She is a great dog. Come on, judges and show. I am getting so I do not want to watch anymore.

By: donna

donna — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 17:29:41 +0000

I dont like Victoria & they way she judges, I think Travis & Presley should have went home, the perfect secenario would have been JD & Galaxy, Bill & Star & Theresa & Leroy for the final three. I dont like they way they called Galaxy robotic or the way Victoria talks about JD’S performance, Galaxy looked at everything going on & you could tell she wanted to do everything, but her loyalty & obedience outshown, she is a very good dog & I believe has alot of fun with JD- I hope they win

By: Cat

Cat — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 17:06:32 +0000

I am in agreement with those who feel that the judges must come from another planet????? You have to take into consideration the breed and the age of the dog, you can’t judge all the dogs on the same straight line ???? Everyone knows a border collie will herd anything so a challenge that asked a dog to herd puppies, guess who will win???
Another challenge that asked dogs to jump into mid air, why would an older dog do that?? As an older human, what I did when I was 25 I sure wouldn’t do now???? I can tell you one thing I wouldn’t want to read any of their magazines the info there would be BS. They should have come up with more generic tasks that could show any dogs best advantage, some were, and they were fair, but some were breed specific and not fair.Plus the personal comments by the judges are showing such lack of class.

By: Bromleigh Misty

Bromleigh Misty — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 06:33:41 +0000

I was upset to see Leroy go but what aggravated me more was the elitist attitude of the other dog owners especially JD who has a BC mix. Leroy was doing what BC’s do. Theresa succinctly explained Leroy’s behavior but it was obvious that the other dog owners think they are better than her and Leroy. I have TIVO’ed this episode and play it every day as it makes me belly laugh. As the owner of two BC’s I can truly relate to this episode. Someone once described a domesticated BC as a perpetual two year old in the home. They were right. If a BC does not have a job they will make it up or focus intently on play…..their minds are creative and they are thinkers. So much for the Boxer man above with his idea of BC’s….and the play of Boxer’s….not the same! Boxers will tire but the BC is the energizer bunny they keep going and talking and going and taking and going!!!!!!!!!!!

When I play last week’s portion of the show with Leroy in the pool, my girls go crazy when they hear Leroy bark. I will admit they look at the TV and then run crazily with their tails up (BC for HAPPY DOG) and then back to the TV and talk to Leroy. They have the same dance in their eyes as Leroy….LIFE. The only other dog I think that may have this at times is Presley and I think that is because he is a pup.

It is quite apparent that Galaxy is overtrained and is not permitted to shine just obey. Andrew is the poster child for separation anxiety as exhibited by last weeks show with JD….I did find it interesting that JD who thinks he is the best trainer in the show could not manage to keep Andrew in his sight…hmmmm I wonder what that says?

I don’t think the remaining dogs on this show are really happy. Perhaps Presley may be but if he hangs out any longer with those stepford trainers this dog is toast.

As much as I was rooting for Theresa and Leroy [okay so I am biased towards BC's!]I think the pair that should have won were Bill and Star. Their bond is what I would want to achieve and one that new owners and children should strive for. Their bond is what makes “The Greatest American Dog”.

By: Andrea

Andrea — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 00:49:10 +0000

I love this show but I had a real problem with the “Courage” episode. I think it came very close to animal cruelty. I am surprised your “animal advocate” judges allowed it. It should have been titled “stupidity” because asking an animal to stay still when a 9,000 pound elephant is running at them doesn’t show loyalty, it showed that the dogs who stayed still have no intelligent independence. Asking a dog to leap into mid-air may demonstrate obedience but it also demeans the dog turning him/her into a robot. No dog should be tested like that - it was a completely inappropriate challenge and I’m very surprised there weren’t protests and objections.
I’d rather see the dogs challenged in ways where thinking is valued not just blindly doing whatever their master asks.
Your producers went too far. My dog would never be so stupid as to do something so unreasonable (and dangerous) because he knows the difference between blind obedience and proper behavior.
Eliminating Bill and Star because she had the sense not to jump was a mistake. Keeping Andrew because he is neurotically attached to Laurie does not make for the greatest American dog or the greatest television.