Greatest American Dog Getting Better
Two more episodes have aired since my first blog about reality TV's latest sensation Greatest American Dog on CBS. I hate to admit it, but the show's grown on me. I don't know if I've simply succumbed to the brain-melting that occurs when watching reality television, or if the show really has improved. I'm going to go with it's improved.
First, the judges totally got it right when, in episode two, they eliminated owner Elan and her dog Kenji. Obviously Elan loves Kenji, but she needs to take a hint: When the top three finishers in the first contest are the owners who talk softly and encouragingly to their dogs (Travis and Presley, Bill and Star, Laura and Preston) she might've changed her style. Dog behavior 101: Dogs respond positively to positive reinforcement; negatively to negative reinforcement. Judge Wendy Diamond also got it right when she lectured contestant Beth Joy on dressing up little Bella Starlet in a frock for the elimination contest. The heated exchange between those two--Beth Joy and Wendy Diamond (don't you just love the names?)--was classic reality TV! As Wendy says, "A dog is not a Barbie Doll. A dog is a dog."
Anyway, other improvements include less focus on the humans and more focus on the canines. I mean, that's what we're here for, right? To see the dogs and their antics (besides Presley's adorable owner Travis, that is). Like in episode three when former foes, English bulldog Tillman and Jack Russell terrier Elvis, enjoy a bout of friendly wrestling in the backyard (they'd had a tussle in episode two). Hilarious.
Alas, as with any reality TV show, there's always drama. Things turn especially serious during the elimination round, with Laurie (Andrew's owner) throwing teammate David (Elvis' owner) under the bus. Sadly it worked, with David aptly announcing upon his departure, "Elvis has left the building."
Greatest American Dog airs Thursdays on CBS, 8 PM Eastern/Pacific.
--Brandie Ahlgren, CityDog Magazine
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Brandie Ahlgren is the publisher of CityDog Magazine and a regular contributor to Wag Reflex. Subscribe to CityDog Magazine here.
Skip Haynes on July 30, 2008 at 12:47 PM
Hi Brandie,
I liked the show's concept – but mostly the dogs so much I created a song especially for all the great American dogs out there. Check it out at http://www.musicforanimals.org It's a free download, it's fun and it's for all the dogs that mean so much to all of us dog lovers. Dogs rule.
ejr on July 30, 2008 at 08:56 PM
I have to admit that this show is ridiculous. So far, two of the owners have openly mistreated their dogs. first week, one was pulling her dog's hair out as she was being judged; tonight a woman sprayed her dog with a water & grapefruit mixture and then stuffed a vacuum in its face and wondered why it bit her. I think it's unfair to put the dogs through these competitions without ensuring that the owners can handle the pressure and anxiety. It's obvious to anyone who has even a basic understanding of dogs that pets pick up on the attitudes and moods of their owners. Stressing out unstable people is unfair to animals that don't realize (and probably don't care) that they're competing on television. Those dogs would love to play with each other regardless of who was watching!
Brandie Ahlgren on July 31, 2008 at 05:25 PM
Don't even get me started with this week's episode! I am so disappointed with the judges' decision to vote off Ron and Tillman. Tillman was the show's only comic relief! And the photograph wasn't THAT bad. C'mon.
But, mostly I'm horrified by the way Teresa treated Leroy. And I really can't believe the judges kept her on. Squirting your dog in the face with grapefruit and water then forcing it to wear "snarl bands." Leroy obviously wants to please and there is no excuse for Teresa's behavior. This might've been the final straw for me.
I was also disappointed when Bill and Star didn't win the photo contest. They deserved it.
Gosh, I can't really think of any positives from this week's episode, except Tillman's hilarious antics. Alas, with Tillman gone, they are no more.
Brandie Ahlgren