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RE: Behind the Scenes: Episode 10 - SEASON FINALE!!

muttlover17 — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 20:53:48 GMT

Both me and Simba watched the finally, and i actually sorta, kinda knew that Presley would win.Haven't you noticed that the shows mark, with the dog jumping through the hoop with the letters, "Americas Greatest Dog" Was in the shape of a boxer? So i sorta infered thAT THEY WOULD WIN WHAT DO YOU KNOW, THEY DO! I have telepathic connections with the T.V. >:]

RE: Behind the Scenes: Episode 10 - SEASON FINALE!!

#1trainer — Sat, 20 Sep 2008 15:49:56 GMT

i think there should be a under 18 kids version of greatest american dog that younger trainers can show off how the work with there dogs and i love who won this years!

RE: Behind the Scenes: Episode 10 - SEASON FINALE!!

BouncingBoxer01 — Sun, 14 Sep 2008 21:01:26 GMT

I would like to say that I was not impressed with some of the challenges that the dogs had to go through. Yes, obedience is a big thing, however I felt that the way that some of these challenges were set up were very confusing to the dogs. The elephant issue has already been brought up here, but really, an elephant! I think that the obedience part of the show has to be rethought, if you are going to do another season. Also, where does most Photogenic come in? Some of those dogs had great pictures, others were not so great. Is it really fair to eliminate a dog and owner based on a photograph? Some owners are not as creative as others, as for not being creative, using inhumane means to get a dog to have a certain "look" for their photo should be means for immediate elimination. I felt bad that the Bulldog got eliminated and the woman who used that growl band on her dog did not. She lacked total creativitey. It showed because she did not even give half of an effort before resorting to the growl band that she put over her dogs snout to draw the dogs lips up to look like an angry snarl. Her dog was already confused and showing signs of insecurety. If I remember right, her dog had nipped her before because it was getting so distrought. Sure, the guy with the Bulldog thought he had it easy, and did, having to portray "lazy", as that seemed to fit his particular dogs personality. He still should have remained even though his pic may not have been that great. Atleast his dog was happy and went through no trauma during his photo shoot.

RE: Behind the Scenes: Episode 10 - SEASON FINALE!!

IlovmydogMax — Sun, 14 Sep 2008 12:03:27 GMT

I do see what you are saying but i however do not feel they base it on the owner they do to a point though. this is because if someone were say mean or made thier dog fear them the dog may not be being loyal or doing things out of love though the dog would have more potential to win with another owner. On the owners attitude,personality, ect. you can see what a strong relationship the dog has with them and how loyal the dog is to them and weather the team is deserving or not. For example galaxy may have had more of a chance with nicer owner though galaxy deserved to win JD did not though travis and Presley both showed what it meant to be Greatest American dog and why they deserve to win. I feel Travis and Presley even though they did not do great with the challenge on show 9 presley showed us he is loyal to travis listening to him and going back to his place where travis told him to go. Win or lose the challanges it was just a way of seeing the personality and bond between the owners and dogs. i feel Travis and presley(though more so Bill and Star) really showed what it was to be greatest american dog. And i do not think the decided it was Jd's time to go just because he doesn't bath his dog often. I will say The way JD acted when he was voted off was terrible he was acting as though no one eles deserves to win and he is better then everybody after that i was sure it was his time to go. And holding Galxey up putting all the wieght on her fromt legs which she hurt a week earlier is careless even if she seemed better. Anway in my opion though Galaxy was a good dog I did not like JD's i'm better then all of you and only one who derserves to win attitude(just my opinon)

RE: Behind the Scenes: Episode 10 - SEASON FINALE!!

cowgirlblues — Sat, 13 Sep 2008 22:39:36 GMT

I am confused-was this americas greatest dog or greatest owner??? it seems you based your decision on your like or dislike of the owner of the dog-what you saw as JDs arragance-we saw as confidence-his dog galaxy was VERY well trained-she didn't seem robotic to me-altho if your dog isn't trained one that was might appear so in your book, my border collie is always keyed in on me and the more well trained she becomes the more she exhibits that trait-completely focused. I was astonished that presly who blew the challenge on show 9 was allowed to stay-it made all of us believe this was a pre determined outcome-and to boot Galaxy for not being bathed 1 a month was the most ridiculous thing i have ever heard. bathing just for the sake of bathing is strictly for the human --not the dog--if there is a next season-we american dog owners would like to decide with our votes who stays and who goes.

RE: Behind the Scenes: Episode 10 - SEASON FINALE!!

RickMichigan — Sat, 13 Sep 2008 10:42:39 GMT

I couldn't agree with your post more. You say it "way better" then I could.

RE: Behind the Scenes: Episode 10 - SEASON FINALE!!

Rat_Terrier — Sat, 13 Sep 2008 08:33:00 GMT

Mr. Reznik,

Thank you for shedding some light onto what exactly happened with the Final Challenge. That being said, the Final Challenge, as televised, was not an unbiased substantive evaluation of each contestant. The viewers are left to fill in the blanks, as it were, to understand the reason for the elimination of any of these contestants as well as to understand the validity of the final two moving on in a head to head competition.

Additionally, in weeks prior, contestants were eliminated for failing the Challenge. So my query is this, how is it possible that a dog/owner team who ultimately failed the Loyalty Challenge sailed through to the Final Challenge. Three dog/owner teams, despite the dogs being placed under tremendous pressure to bolt, passed this challenge and, yet, one of those dog/owner teams were eliminated. In the end, it matters not one whit what caused one dog/owner to fail the challenge. As presented, they failed the challenge and should have been eliminated. From all appearances, this was a gross injustice. Please shed some light as to the final decision made with regard to the Loyalty Challenge.

Furthermore, it seems impossible that the viewing public could extrapolate any verdict given that the bar of judgement was adjusted from week to week.

In the end, I advocate that each dog/owner team are judged fair and square and without bias, and are given the dignity and respect they deserve. I also expect the owners to be honest and respectful to their fellow competitors and judges. The dogs are all ready honest without any compunction whatsoever. Perhaps these are lofty goals, but without a goal in sight, how can there be direction.

After viewing this show in its entirety, I deeply appreciate being able to put my thoughts to paper and I apologize in advance for any offense, although none was intended.

V/R,

Ms. Rat Terrier

RE: Behind the Scenes: Episode 10 - SEASON FINALE!!

flatfacedfriend — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 15:15:09 GMT

I came away with several thoughts after the finale:

Pros: I sincerely hope there is another season. Each night after watching Greatest American Dog, I was inspired to spend more time with my dogs and appreciated them more and more. It was also good to see positive training methods so strongly championed on mainstream tv, not just on Animal Planet.
I wouldn't have wanted to be the ones making the final decisions. Those were hard choices. By the time you got to the final three (plus Star), you could argue any of them to win. Travis is a nice guy and I wish him and Presley the best.

Cons: I wish we could have seen more of the past contestants in the last episode, more of a reunion, like in Survivior. A few flashes of their faces just wasn't enough. This needed to be two different episodes instead of two halves of one hour. I'm sure that's decided by the network, but it would've been better.
I'd also ask for better editing. So much of what you said here cleared things up that could've been made more obvious by showing different scenes or having the host explain more things, if time is short. I'm guessing by watching the finale that there was a lot more to that first challenge that we should've seen or had explained.
If there is another season (fingers crossed!), I hope the judges can see footage of the preparations the owners take, because although Teresa got better with her dog, she should've been gone before Star.
I also wish the show could be renamed. "Greatest American Dog" is incredibly hard to justify, especially when the judging is so heavily weighted by the owner's methods and relationship. (I think a lot of dog owners got their hackles up, thinking their own dog was better than the ones competing.) Better to have a title that is less prejudicial, like "America's Dog Star" (as in, there's more than one) or something like that.

Overall, if this show (or a new incarnation of it) comes back, I will be there to watch it! It's a great idea, it just has some growing pains.

RE: Behind the Scenes: Episode 10 - SEASON FINALE!!

IlovmydogMax — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 13:11:12 GMT

Point taken! The challenges were created by professional dog trainers and they obviously felt Suzie the elephant was trustworthy, particularly with her handler standing right by her. But reliable or not, that's still a lot of weight and power to go on faith and past good behavior. I will pass on these viewers' valid concerns to the Powers that Be should they decide on a second season.[/quote]

Thank you so much for your concern

RE: Behind the Scenes: Episode 10 - SEASON FINALE!!

IlovmydogMax — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 13:07:43 GMT

I'm glad to hear i was not the only won who found it so bad to bring back the elephant let alone have it on the show in the first place for the dogs saftey and i am sure many other people agree with us as well i know i have said it many times i just cxan't say it enough that i believe that was the worst part of the show and need to be more careful about the dogs saftey. Oer then that it was a good show.

RE: Behind the Scenes: Episode 10 - SEASON FINALE!!

IlovmydogMax — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 13:03:41 GMT

Ok just quoted myself to go along what i'm going to poat now lol

I thought both dogs were great but was really glad to see travis and presley win. Travis really new what greatest american dog was and presley really showed him. I was glad to be able to see Andrew do what he did because we did not see him do it that much throughout the show as many people said he mostley just sat and stayed but i though he was so cute running through the course Anyway their were many good teams and i was glad They won. And once agin i agreee with you DogsRme and thought Bill and Star should have won.

RE: Behind the Scenes: Episode 10 - SEASON FINALE!!

dogsRme — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 10:37:38 GMT

If there is a next season, I hope they show some of the other dogs that tried out instead of just the twelve that make it. Sort of like what they do for American Idol, show you some of the auditions. Maybe if we saw that we would get a better idea of why those 12 were chosen.

RE: Behind the Scenes: Episode 10 - SEASON FINALE!!

Allan Reznik — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 10:34:59 GMT

starry*boy (9/11/2008)

First off, I would like to say that I am so happy TRAVIS and PRESLEY won!!! They deserved it, next to bill and star!!! Proving that nice guys finish first. His great personallity reflected from him, showing through the whole game that he was a great person and he wasn't cocky.

What was with JD at the end, standing Galexy up on her rear end waving. She basically were calling the judges, a-holes. Uncalled for. So glad that he didn't win. He couldn't take losing like a man. The greatest American dog is reflected on how the owner is too, not just the dog. JD is arrogent, rude and thinks he is better than anyone else. Doing what he did when he got voted out showed his immaturity and stupidity.

I also don't get what is with Lauries lieing. She kept saying Andrew didn't have seperation anxiety and she clearly did. Watching that part where she told Andrew to sit while she went outside and Andrew didn't obey. The dog clearly does have a problem, that is just not normal and that excuse "he just prefurs me" has gotten old. I am really glad that Andrew didn't win. He proved nothing of what the Greatest American Dog should be.

I was sad to see the elephant back in the challenge. PEOPLE COME ON!!! This is a wild animal, elephants even TRAINED ones are known to go on a wild rampage. What if something out of happened, had the elephant lost control? Any one could of been dead.

The bottom three, wasn't hard to choose between. I choose right away after Bill & Star were gone that it had to be Travis. Underdogs rule!!!

I have a question Allan, if you had to go back and reward one of the dogs the 2nd greatest american dog, out of everyone even those who were voted out from day one, who would you give the award to?

Ooh, that's a tough question in your last paragraph. Bill and Star were definitely sentimental favorites. I loved them both.

RE: Behind the Scenes: Episode 10 - SEASON FINALE!!

Allan Reznik — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 10:32:20 GMT

Brinks Mom (9/11/2008)

First off, I was thrilled to see Travis and Presley win. He and Bill and Star were my two picks from the first show so I am glad that he won. I am glad that it came down to him and Laura as opposed to JD. I feel badly for Galaxy because I feel that Galiaxy is a very gentle soul and JD is just too cocky and arrogant and cannot take constructive criticism at all. Had Galaxy been with anyone else in that group, Galaxy probably would have been The Greatest American Dog. I think JD showed no class when leaving and I was completely surprised to see him there at the end with all the others. I thought he may not show up. He probably had to under contract. But the way he left was just totally classless.
That all being said, I agree completely with I Love My Dog Max, in that bringing back the elephant was just pure stupidity. As I said before, it was not that long ago, that a TRAINED elephant broke loose from its trainer and ran through the city streets injuring a number of people and killing one. That was a trained elephant. Why the creators or directors felt they needed to do something like that is ridiculous and gives no rhyme or reason to The Greatest American Dog.
I hope they have learned as they went this year with the changes that need to be done.
Some of these things they did were just not what makes a dog loyal or challenges a dog. Putting a dog in a harness to make him leap is not something we would do with our dogs. This was not the Circus Dogs of America, it was The Greatest American Dog; but sometimes I really had to think about it.
I think the judges made the right decision in choosing Travis and Presley. I really do. I hope that Travis and Presley come back next year to crown the new Greatest Dog. I would like to see how far Presley has come within the year. It should be interesting.
All in all it was a good show. As in any new show, you have to work out the kinks and I hope they did and will rethink some of the things they did this year and make the necessary changes. Heck knowing what I know now, I would probably enter my dog if I could but then again, I am not sure I would subject her to an elephant. LOL!!!
Great job everyone.
CONGRATS TO TRAVIS AND PRESLEY!!!!!! WAY TO GO!!!!!!!

Thanks for the great comments. Yes, JD's arrogance did him in. Victoria did some training with him in the first challenge -- which got cut for space-- and his comment was that it was the first training instruction he'd had in 12 years! I commented that he sounded as if he thought he had nothing more to learn. With all the books, videos, classes and seminars available to us today, that is unforgivable. We were shocked when he hoisted Galaxy up by her back end, putting all her weight on her shoulders, after she'd just pulled her shoulder muscles a few days before and been taken to the vet. That was unbelievably stupid!

RE: Behind the Scenes: Episode 10 - SEASON FINALE!!

Allan Reznik — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 10:26:27 GMT

dogsroc (9/10/2008)

You guys did an AWESOME job putting this show together. It was just PERFECT and I'm sad its over... Please tell me there is a Greatest American Dog... 2? To bad there aren't more shows like this. It was so nice to enjoy a reality TV show without all the swearing and back stabbing and bickering. Greatest American Dog was just a good down to earth wholesome program.

Its too bad producers don't make more shows like this.

It's going to be missed... VERY MUCH!!

Thank you for your time,
Gretchen

Gretchen, thank you for your great comments. I keep getting asked if CBS will pick up "Greatest American Dog" for another season, and I know we three judges would love to do it.

If you'd like to send your comments to CBS about how much you enjoyed the series and would like to see a second season, you can direct your e-mails to: rpfaiola@cbs.com

Tell your friends enjoyed the show! We've gotten lots of great response. Thank you, one and all!

RE: Behind the Scenes: Episode 10 - SEASON FINALE!!

Allan Reznik — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 10:19:36 GMT

Riss (9/10/2008)

Glad it came down to Travis & Presley and Laurie & Andrew. They were my picks after Bill & Star had to leave. I had a hard time chosing between them, since I thought they were both really good, but I had to go with Presley. So glad he won! So, Allan, what was it that made you all choose Travis and Presley, since I know it was a really hard decision to make?

Thanks for the support! Yes, it was a tough decision. Laurie a wonderful and kind owner-trainer whose dog is so devoted to her; Travis young, enthusiastic, devoted to his dog, and someone who learned so much, as did Elvis, in those 10 weeks. I think Andrew's incredible attachment to Laurie worried us a little. Andrew needing to run behind the curtain to find Laurie rather than wanting to stay and play with Lucky was unfortunate.

They are both very upbeat, receptive, intelligent dogs. Unfortunately, much of the footage for the first challenge was cut out for time. Each of the judges got to work with the dogs one-on-one, based on some of the weaknesses they'd shown in the past. Andrew didn't like to retrieve so we got the tiniest dumbbell in the world, that we basted with bacon to make it irresistible, and I got him to go get the dumbbell and bring it back. As for Presley, because he has trouble with his stands (he tends to sit for Travis, and then slide into a down), I worked with him on this and he did great (and the bait I had was in my pocket, not in my hand, so I just had to pat my pocket to get him to stand-stay). Wish they'd kept that in.

At the end of the day, I think Presley and Travis just showed such potential, and had such a loving, easygoing relationship, even when Presley would blow an exercise, they seemed to represent what the Greatest American Dog ought to be: a funloving happy dog and a caring human who wants to be the best owner he can possibly be.

RE: Behind the Scenes: Episode 10 - SEASON FINALE!!

Allan Reznik — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 10:07:27 GMT

dogsRme (9/10/2008)

I am glad that Presley won. It was based on personality there. Travis was nicer than Laurie. Plus, Travis is a farm boy. I am a farm boy. Kind of like a common thing, to root for people like you. I do still feel like Bill and Star were ABOVE ALL the greatest American dog. No amount of challenges and dance, paint or whatever competitions will change that. Bill showed his loyalty when he saved Bill's wife. No other dog has done that on that show.

I couldn't agree more. Bill is such a likeable man, always a good sport, always gracious to his fellow competitors. And Star is such a great dog. Do you remember when she bolted off the dance stage and decided she had to visit with the judges? We loved that spontaneity! By comparison, the other old dog competing, Galaxy, just seemed so lacking in personality. JD barked out his commands and Galaxy complied. They just didn't have the warmth that Bill and Star did.

Travis learned so much on the show, as did Presley. He seemed genuine to us, decent, a good competitor who always displayed the highest sportsmanship.

RE: Behind the Scenes: Episode 10 - SEASON FINALE!!

Allan Reznik — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 10:01:28 GMT

IlovmydogMax (9/10/2008)

Though most people who didn't watch the show yet wouldn't look here i don't want to spoil in case they do so for now i will say i was happy for who won and loved watching the dogs and their owners throughout the show as they got closer, learned new things, and see their personality come out. I however was not to happy with the show it was bad enough they had the elephant once but to have it again is crazy, and to have the dog walk under it with the foot up and everything i can't believe it.( i would not bring max on the show though i know odds are nothing will happen i will say once again I don't care if it's trained it is a wild animal you can't control it and never know what they may do. An elephant could easiler seriuosly injur or even(i hate to say it) kill a dog. Whoever comes up with the challanges either isn't an animal lover, and or does not care about the dogs saftey or just did not think about it conserning the dogs saftey(which i believe and hope is the case) all i ask is if the show goes for another season it for it to be more careful and more concerned with the dogs saftey. Anyway i enjoyed the show for the most part

RE: Behind the Scenes: Episode 10 - SEASON FINALE!!

starry*boy — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 05:27:49 GMT

RE: Behind the Scenes: Episode 10 - SEASON FINALE!!

Brinks Mom — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 01:41:50 GMT

RE: Behind the Scenes: Episode 10 - SEASON FINALE!!

dogsroc — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 21:33:21 GMT

RE: Behind the Scenes: Episode 10 - SEASON FINALE!!

Riss — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 19:06:44 GMT

RE: Behind the Scenes: Episode 10 - SEASON FINALE!!

dogsRme — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 18:40:28 GMT

RE: Behind the Scenes: Episode 10 - SEASON FINALE!!

IlovmydogMax — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 18:14:25 GMT

RE: Behind the Scenes: Episode 10 - SEASON FINALE!!

IlovmydogMax — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 16:10:56 GMT

Can't wait to see who wins they all did so great!

Behind the Scenes: Episode 10 - SEASON FINALE!!

Allan Reznik — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 16:01:11 GMT

Hey everyone! Be sure to catch the season finale of "Greatest American Dog" tonight at 8 p.m. on CBS! There's a double elimination tonight! Only one team can win. Chat with me tomrrow about tonight's episode!