TVCH FORUMS HOME . JOIN . FAN CLUBS . DONATE . CONTACT . CHAT  
                  Quick Links   TOPICS . TREE-VIEW . SEARCH . HELP! . NEWS . PROFILE
Archive through September 05, 2008

Reality TVClubHouse Discussions: Other Reality Shows ARCHIVES: Archives for 2008 - 3: Greatest American Dog: ARCHIVES: Archive through September 05, 2008 users admin

Author Message
Dogdoc
Member

09-29-2001

Thursday, September 04, 2008 - 5:16 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Dogdoc a private message Print Post    
It was a good show. Darn, I wanted to hear other's opinions. Galaxie was fine on her own but they took her for an exam anyway. The judges fought among themselves. They seem so stiff as they talk to the competitors.

Jeep
Member

10-17-2001

Thursday, September 04, 2008 - 5:37 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Jeep a private message Print Post    
Yeah, the judges were split on this one. The question was "do you keep the dog that stayed in the circle (mostly) who stayed there out of fear instead of loyalty or do you keep the dog that left the circle but came back on command out of love and loyalty." They criticized the owners that leaned over towards their dogs, pointing fingers and barking commands. They said it was "threatening" and the dogs didn't stay out of loyalty but out of fear. That's why they expelled Theresa & Leroy instead of Travis & Presley. I never thought of it that way, but it makes sense to me.

Next week is the finale and all the teams will be back. I can't wait to see Elvis, Tillman and Star again. My favorites even tho they won't win.

Laurie and Andrew have it in the bag. I've never seen a dog so loyal and well trained. I hope nothing ever happens to Laurie. That dog will morn itself to death.

This show has made me want to get another dog. I haven't had one in years, just two very old sickly cats. I know better, tho!

Puzzled
Member

08-27-2001

Thursday, September 04, 2008 - 8:07 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Puzzled a private message Print Post    
I don't get these judges at all. Andrew was great, so then they told Laurie that maybe he was too attached. Huh?

They've been criticising J.D. for weeks. They act like he terrorises Galaxy, although Galaxy loves J.D. What did they mean, robotic? How animated is a dog at stay? They're nutz.

Kookliebird
Member

08-04-2005

Thursday, September 04, 2008 - 8:12 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Kookliebird a private message Print Post    
Yeah, I didn't get that either. The dog follows commands but he's too robotic. Seriously, you have to wonder if they are just looking for something to critize JD for. He was practically in tears when he went over to the sidelines and made his comment that he would never do anything to hurt Galaxy, he loved him.

I believe that Laurie and Andrew have it in the bag as well. But, to me, the fact that the dog could not be trained by anyone other than Laurie was an issue. When JD worked with Presley and Leroy, you could see the difference in training from their owner. I bet if JD had Presley for a few days, it would make a world of difference.

Karuuna
Board Administrator

08-31-2000

Thursday, September 04, 2008 - 8:37 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Karuuna a private message Print Post    
I agree that Andrew is too attached. It's great that he is devoted to her, but his inability to follow commands by anyone else when she was not present - and instead run away to find her - is not so impressive.

I do think JD is hard on his dog; but dogs are very forgiving. I think what they meant by 'robotic' is that Galaxy almost looks out of it at times, not really expressing interest in the world, just going thru the motions.

Seamonkey
Moderator

09-07-2000

Thursday, September 04, 2008 - 11:56 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Seamonkey a private message Print Post    
Andrew seems to have no joi de vivre and it did bother me that he just couldn't engage at all without "mom".. it isn't as though he was a trained police dog or a dog like a guide dog who has to be "on duty" .. even those dogs are allowed to let loose when "out of harness".

While it SEEMS touching to be so devoted/dependent, the brutal truth is that people do die and there are times when a pet MUST go to a new home and unless you are guaranteed to have a family member who will take over for you, it is best if your pet would be able to transfer and thrive in a new place. (That is also why over spoiling an animal or creating a "brat" isn't really a good thing for that animal.

Sorry I missed the judging but I suspect I'd have been pretty frustrated.. the judging seems to be pretty inconsistent week to week, to me.

I did find a board where people were really split on who should have gone home.

Rosie
Member

11-12-2003

Thursday, September 04, 2008 - 12:04 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Rosie a private message Print Post    
Perhaps the judges have already selected the winner and are just going through the process for TV?

I had to laugh out loud when Andrew kept escaping from the other people. It was cute and funny to me and I did not consider the serious consequences of Andrew's relationship with Laurie.

In any event, Andrew has been very good with the competitions.

I think that Leroy's barking finally got to the judges and may have been a partial reason to send him home.

I think the judges like the boxer's puppiness. Is that a word? lol

Karuuna
Board Administrator

08-31-2000

Thursday, September 04, 2008 - 12:18 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Karuuna a private message Print Post    
I think the judges just like the relationship between Travis and Presley better.

Teresa seemed like she was often mad/frustrated with Leroy - which of course only made him more anxious and his barking worse.

I think they should have gone home before Bill and Star.

Supergranny
Member

02-03-2005

Thursday, September 04, 2008 - 12:56 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Supergranny a private message Print Post    
I wonder if Andrew is a rescue dog? That could have a lot to do with his attachment to Laurie.

My French bulldog Sophie was a rescue from an abusive home and she really was my Velcro dog...suffered from separation anxiety when she couldn't be with me. She was okay in the car when she could see me go into the store and come out the same door. She would not mind anyone else. The problem is when she died with bone cancer I went to pieces and I don't know how I could have made it without the support of members here in Hairball Haven.

But these pugs we have now will go with anyone any time and they think everyone who comes are here to see them.

Rosie
Member

11-12-2003

Thursday, September 04, 2008 - 1:07 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Rosie a private message Print Post    
I went to the Greatest American Dog site and found lots of good information on all of the dogs and owners:

Borrowed this:

"ANDREW

Laurie describes Andrew as laid back, well socialized, obedient and a perfect companion. Laurie believes he is an exceptional therapy dog and has a keen ability to make people smile. He was the highest scoring dog in trial at the annual Town and Country Kennel Club Show and was named the top Maltese in the U.S. Novice Rally Competition. He attends special training classes two to three times a week during show season in order to keep him challenged.

STATS ON ANDREW:
Age: 5 years old
Breed: Maltese
Weight: Ten pounds
Color markings: White
Favorite toy: Squeaky ball
Favorite food: Loves all food
Best tricks: Sneeze, speak, retrieve, agility exercises"

She referred to Andrew as a Therapy Dog

Seamonkey
Moderator

09-07-2000

Thursday, September 04, 2008 - 1:16 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Seamonkey a private message Print Post    
I do wonder if the frustration with Leroy was first, or after the judges made the barking such a big issue.

Barking is verboten in formal obedience competition, but dogs who compete in flyball and scnet hurdle racing barke freely and joyously.

A tracking dog wouldn't be allowed to bark, I would assume, and a hunting spaniel or retriever or setter who gave voice would be a huge liability, but the very essence of many hound IS giving voice, baying, etc.

Helping dogs and those who go into hospitals and nursing homes, best to be quiet.

Guard/protection dogs.. the louder the better.

So I imagine much depends on the breed, where they are coming from in terms of training.. and then in the case of this show.. on the background/opinions of the judges.

I do think Andrew is a much loved little guy and lucky to be where he is and they have done well on the show.

Yeah, I've seen velcro dogs!!

And thn my labs.. they love everyone (and when one of mine clearly did not like a person, hackles up, etc., I completely trusted their gut feelings and often that was later made evident that the person was NOT a good person at all.

Rosie
Member

11-12-2003

Thursday, September 04, 2008 - 1:22 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Rosie a private message Print Post    
I sure agree about trusting the dog's instincts.

I have a pillow that says, "Never trust anyone that doesn't like cats".

Same thing applies to dogs.

Skydiver6
Member

07-21-2006

Thursday, September 04, 2008 - 1:33 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Skydiver6 a private message Print Post    
I didn't like last night's show. I thought it was cruel to be teasing the dogs like that. Leroy was beside himself. He is just so play driven and wanted to get the frisbee and ball so badly. Same with Presley & Galaxy. I hated watching them try to stay in their circle while purposely being called by people they had just played and trained with. I also didnt think it was a fair test at all because Andrew could have cared less about any of those things. Of course Laurie didn't have to raise her voice. Andrew didn't WANT to go to any of those people so he had no reason to break his stay. I really liked this show in the beginning (after not expecting to) but the last few weeks have just left a sour taste in my mouth. The challenges are stupid and tasteless.

Seamonkey
Moderator

09-07-2000

Thursday, September 04, 2008 - 1:42 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Seamonkey a private message Print Post    
Well that is a way to train to make sure a dog is solid and can handle distraction.

Sort of like Tiger Woods.. when he was little and learning golf his Dad would do all sorts of distracting things so he would get used to concentrating.

But I certainly felt for the dogs; their minds were whirling.

Skydiver6
Member

07-21-2006

Thursday, September 04, 2008 - 6:11 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Skydiver6 a private message Print Post    
But these weren't normal distractions and the dogs can't understand why they recently had an hour playing with each of these people and now these people were calling them, not just playing within their site, but outright calling them and they weren't suppose to go. I wouldn't want to do that to my dog. I was glad that Travis got to stay. The endurance challenge was stupid too and I was glad he cared more about Presley than winning the challenge.

Sherbabe
Member

07-28-2002

Thursday, September 04, 2008 - 7:18 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Sherbabe a private message Print Post    
rosie said, I think the judges liked boxer puppiness.

I think i like Travis's boyish cuteness.
If I was 30 years younger.......


Dogdoc
Member

09-29-2001

Thursday, September 04, 2008 - 7:36 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Dogdoc a private message Print Post    
I don't think these are average dogs. They seem to have been through training all their lives. At least the owners had to do the endurance trial with them. The dogs probably had fun with the "loyalty" test. They got to play a lot. I think the distraction test was good for them. It gave them something to think about.

Kookliebird
Member

08-04-2005

Thursday, September 04, 2008 - 8:00 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Kookliebird a private message Print Post    
I suspect the judges already knew which dog was going to win, so it didn't matter if Travis and Presley stayed. However, if Presley wins, I will be very suspicious as that one judge appears to have wanted him to go awhile ago.

Jodied75
Member

08-26-2004

Thursday, September 04, 2008 - 11:01 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Jodied75 a private message Print Post    
Here's something I don't understand that is kind of off-topic to the rest of you:

Why in the Dog-Bone suite are the dogs always given tennis balls to play with? They are supposed to be terrible for a dog's teeth - abrasive like sandpaper rubbing on them.

When I worked in a dog-grooming shop, we were told to advise customers not to give their dogs tennis balls. Hasn't anyone else heard of this?

Dogdoc
Member

09-29-2001

Friday, September 05, 2008 - 4:43 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Dogdoc a private message Print Post    
I have never heard that about tennis balls Jodie. I did see a dog that died because he got a tennis ball lodged in the back of his throat and it blocked of the wind pipe.

Costacat
Member

07-15-2000

Friday, September 05, 2008 - 6:27 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Costacat a private message Print Post    
The elimination challenge was a joke. Laurie's dog didn't stay there because he was loyal to her. He stayed there out of obedience. Yet not once did anyone say anything about that. And how the heck can you tell the difference beteen loyalty and obedience when what you're doing is asking the dog to stay in one position? This wasn't a loyalty challenge and I don't care how much they claim it to be.

And don't even get me started on how Andrew went looking for Laurie when the others were playing with him. That is not normal. A "velcro" dog should not ever be a "great" dog. That was sad and pathetic and proves to me that the dog was never socialized properly.

It was also a totally unfair challenge. The three bigger dogs? They PLAY with their owners. Andrew? He sits in his mother's lap. The other three dogs are constantly doing and learning new tricks. Andrew? He does what? Three tricks? Totally unfair and skewed competition.

As for the judges, I'm really REALLY starting to dislike Victoria. She has this supercilious attitude like she's better than everyone else. Her human to human communications could stand some serious improvement. And I think she's downright rude most of the time.

The last two shows have really left a bad taste in my mouth. These are not "normal" challenges that an "American dog" would have to do. The stunt dog? Seriously, how many stunt dogs are there in America?

And while I'm glad Travis and Presley are still there, I think it's totally unfair that Bill and Star got kicked out for failing their elimination challenge but Travis and Presley didn't. I do think the only reason Teresa and Leroy went home was because Victoria couldn't stand his barking. It's not Leroy's fault, it's typical to his type of dog. He's a herder with a high sharp yip, which works to keep sheep in formation.

I dunno. This show has really become a downer...

Sadiesmom
Member

03-13-2002

Friday, September 05, 2008 - 10:47 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Sadiesmom a private message Print Post    
I understand Laura runs a pet care facility that also trains animals, so Travis and Theresa are kind of the lesser professionals, although their dogs compete in trials as well. This is not the show for an average pet animal. I would have to look into others that left early to find if they had professioanl connections, but have to assume they probably had less.

Border collie barking, I used to take my dog to the park after work, the lighter times, to chase the canadian geese and keep them in the lake she likedthat but in the winter, we had problems like lick spots where she was board. I did play with her every night with hiding the ball or food and making her find it, it got pretty complicated but she never failed to find it even if it took a half hour. When she recovered from her accident but couldn't really walk much we would lie on the ground and play paw smack, she would try and trap my and from running around on the floor. You really do have to entertain a border collie. Mine only barked when it was thinking of attacking, but it would talk to me in English if I forgot to do something like feed her or give her water or take her for a walk. I preferred the talking to when she used to smack me with her bowl. She was very empathetic, so she spent a good deal of her time loaned out to suffering people death in the family, death of a pet divorce. I guess that calmed her down, but she did not seem depressed after these episodes. you could talk and she would siti and stare at you with a paw on your knee, listening carefully, I guess this is how she learned English.

But back on topic, While I could hear some anxious in Theresa's voice, I did not hear any threat. I think every dog behavied well. I would be concerned about Andrew, he wsa dog who is not interested in playing or eating, so they really should have dressed up as Laura to confuse him or madea move to threaten her, other wise he just looks like napping is his thing. The rest of the dogs are too dog like and the owners could not think out side the box. If Andrew wins it will be because he did nothing. That seems to be the challenges he excels in. it is a unique skill.

Jodied75
Member

08-26-2004

Friday, September 05, 2008 - 10:47 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Jodied75 a private message Print Post    
Dogdoc, I tried to search the internet for more information on tennis balls, but I only see a lot of stuff posted in forums. here's an example:

http://www.tendlife.com/general/talk-2537.html

Dogdoc
Member

09-29-2001

Friday, September 05, 2008 - 12:44 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Dogdoc a private message Print Post    
Thanks for the link Jodied75. The Dollar Stores sell "tennis balls" in the pet aisle that have an odd smell and an odd texture. I wouldn't give those to a dog. As for getting tongues stuck, I have never seen that. I do caution everybody to never put sharp tin can lids into the can to dispose of them. Dogs have sliced their tongues open licking tomato paste etc, from empty cans.

Dogdoc
Member

09-29-2001

Friday, September 05, 2008 - 12:50 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Dogdoc a private message Print Post    
I think Laurie's "crossed arms cold stare" at Andrew was intimidating. She was also the one who said something about dogs being "just dogs." Why does the one judge have to have her dog sitting there? That has annoyed me from day 1.