|
|
|
Judge on "Greatest American Dog," CBS TV
 
Group: Special Guests
Last Login: 11/6/2008 2:47:36 PM
Posts: 63,
Visits: 40
|
|
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.
----------
Allan Reznik
Editor-at-Large, Dog World & Dog Fancy
Editor-in-Chief, Dogs in Review
Dog Breed and Dog Show Expert on DogChannel
Judge on "Greatest American Dog," CBS TV
|
|
|
|
|
Judge on "Greatest American Dog," CBS TV
Group: Special Guests
Last Login: 11/6/2008 2:47:36 PM
Posts: 63,
Visits: 40
|
|
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,
GretchenGretchen, 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!
----------
Allan Reznik
Editor-at-Large, Dog World & Dog Fancy
Editor-in-Chief, Dogs in Review
Dog Breed and Dog Show Expert on DogChannel
Judge on "Greatest American Dog," CBS TV
|
|
|
|
|
Judge on "Greatest American Dog," CBS TV
Group: Special Guests
Last Login: 11/6/2008 2:47:36 PM
Posts: 63,
Visits: 40
|
|
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!
----------
Allan Reznik
Editor-at-Large, Dog World & Dog Fancy
Editor-in-Chief, Dogs in Review
Dog Breed and Dog Show Expert on DogChannel
Judge on "Greatest American Dog," CBS TV
|
|
|
|
|
Judge on "Greatest American Dog," CBS TV
Group: Special Guests
Last Login: 11/6/2008 2:47:36 PM
Posts: 63,
Visits: 40
|
|
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.
----------
Allan Reznik
Editor-at-Large, Dog World & Dog Fancy
Editor-in-Chief, Dogs in Review
Dog Breed and Dog Show Expert on DogChannel
Judge on "Greatest American Dog," CBS TV
|
|
|
|
|
Senior Member
Group: Forum Member
Last Login: 8/28/2009 11:39:23 PM
Posts: 435,
Visits: 404
|
|
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.
----------- Sandy my 1 year old labrador-----------
|
|
|
|
|
Senior Member
Group: Forum Member
Last Login: 12/7/2008 7:11:14 AM
Posts: 457,
Visits: 414
|
|
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.
 Visit Freekibble.com and Freekibblekat.com and feed dogs and cats who need you!
|
|
|
|
|
Senior Member
Group: Forum Member
Last Login: 12/7/2008 7:11:14 AM
Posts: 457,
Visits: 414
|
|
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.
Visit Freekibble.com and Freekibblekat.com and feed dogs and cats who need you!
|
|
|
|
|
Senior Member
Group: Forum Member
Last Login: 12/7/2008 7:11:14 AM
Posts: 457,
Visits: 414
|
|
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
Visit Freekibble.com and Freekibblekat.com and feed dogs and cats who need you!
|
|
|
|
|
Junior Member
Group: Forum Member
Last Login: 9/11/2008 3:13:56 PM
Posts: 4,
Visits: 13
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
Junior Member
Group: Forum Member
Last Login: 9/15/2008 10:25:55 AM
Posts: 1,
Visits: 12
|
|
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
|
|
|
|