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Finalewatch: 'Greatest American Dog'
Oh, Greatest American Dog. I go away for two lousy weeks (thanks for covering, Tamara!), and while I'm gone you eliminate my favorite pair? Uncool. Bill and Star were the sweetest pair of reality show contestants I think I've ever seen, aside from being talented competitors. Let's all pause for a moment in remembrance before moving on to the finale. [Single tear] ...Okay.
The contestants face the judges and are informed that there will be two Best in Show challenges this week. First, an interview with the judges. They grill Laurie about her relationship with Andrew, among other things, and test Andrew on his ability to socialize with another dog without Laurie present. Of course, he immediately runs away to go find Laurie, but then does pretty well.
The judges ask JD a lot about growth and learning, as well as his training techniques. They're appalled to find out that he only bathes Galaxy a couple times a year. Yeah, ew. I mean, I know wet dog smells bad, but dirty dog must smell worse! Travis faces questions about why they're in the competition and what they've done right, and Presley gets tested on his "leave it" abilities. He does a killer job.
The judges criticize JD's dominant training techniques, Travis's ability to focus Presley, and Andrew's dependent relationship with Laurie. Shockingly, JD and Galaxy are eliminated. Wow. Good news for Laurie--do we even need to watch the rest of the episode? JD is surprised at the result (as am I) and a little mad at what he sees as a misconception of his training style.
Hmm. It's hard to say without seeing him with Galaxy in person, and I'm generally inclined to trust that what everyone said was true, but I really didn't notice the extreme dominance that everyone's talking about. And Galaxy was pretty clearly the most obedient and capable dog in the group. So I guess what I'm saying is that if the dominance thing is true, I agree with the result. But only if it's really true, and I don't think I can judge that from this side of the screen.
After expressing their surprise and satisfaction at JD's elimination (yeah, I bet), Laurie and Travis practice with their dogs. And it's a good thing, since part one of the final challenge is a giant obstacle course with a grand finish: Susie the elephant. They'll be judged on owner's use of commands, owner's proximity to dog, overall performance, and overall progress at Canine Academy.
Presley does a great job with most of the obstacles, but has trouble retrieving his toy from under the elephant. Andrew, on the other hand, balks a bit at the teeter-totter and wobble board, and Laurie lifts him onto the jumping platforms. However, he has no problem getting his toy from under Susie. Back in the arena, all the eliminated contestants and their dogs are there to watch. The judges ding Travis for Presley's focus problems, and Laurie for Andrew's tentative performance in the beginning due to her hovering.
In the final part of the challenge, the judges ask Laurie again about Andrew's separation anxiety, and ask Travis about Presley being so young. The answers are about what you'd expect. All these interviews are a little too Miss America for me, to be honest. Give them more actual challenges! They judges talk about how great each contestant would be as an ambassador for all of dogdom before declaring Presley the Greatest American Dog.
Wait, really? I did not see that coming. Laurie has a great attitude about it, and Presley is adorably excited. I guess Travis said it best: "The Greatest American Dog doesn't have to be perfect." The judges clearly wound up going on personality and relationship rather than training, which works for me.
What do you think about the final result? Was Galaxy robbed? Or are you still mourning Bill and Star's absence?
I predicted last week exactly what happened, but it still does not make it right! I knew the judges could not stand JD, and so Galaxy was screwed out of the win. She definitely was the 'Greatest American Dog' in this group. It is a real shame, bacause I do not think JD was in any way threatening Galaxy. There is a huge difference between being firm and decisive, and being abusive. I agreed with JD when he felt offended by their comments about his dominance over Galaxy. I saw only great trust, obedience, loyalty and love.
This idiotic decision was at least a little remedied by the judges not giving Laurie a win. It is still mind boggling to me how she and Andrew made it that far in the competition. That dog did not know any tricks, did not want to play or socialize with other dogs and people, did not want to do anything except be next to Laurie. Even when he was supposedly 'doing' things in the challenges, he was most of the time just sitting or lying there falling alseep. And his separation anxiety was simply ridiculous and quite honestly harmful to him. Can you imagine when Laurie has to leave for some reason - he would probably go wacko from running around looking for her. I have this image of thim like an African Grey parrot when they get separation anxiety - they pull out their own feathers. All I see in my mind is Andrew with bald spots all over the places where he can reach. I know it is terrible of me to say this - but the image is hilarious. From the final two definitely the right one won. Presley has tremendous potential, and we saw it come to the surface more and more with every challenge. Plus he is very smart, adorable and clearly totally devoted to Travis. Go Presley!
Where did you get your degree in dog behavior? You are talking nonsense.
Bonnie | Sep 10, 2008 9:37:43 PM | #JD and Galaxy were robbed, what a bunch of nonsense out of your clearly unqualified judges. Your judges were a joke, especially the two ladies on each end. The judge on the left, the first one, was full of herself and not knowledgeable about anything but what her own opinion was. The lady on other end was just full of herself period. The only judge that made a little sense was the gentleman in middle and he was a joke. The judges sucked, and if you don't get more qualified judges for next time, I will skip this show altogether. It was quite evident they don't understand the alpha trainer and what a fantastic team Galaxy and JD are. Poor, Poor judging. Please, get more qualified judges, dog trainers, vets or people who work with dogs on a regular basis, not the idiots you had on this show.
Von Lackey | Sep 10, 2008 9:54:58 PM | #I'm SOOOOO ticked off!!
It's not 'Great American Dog OWNER'....it's 'Greatest American D.O.G.!!!!!!'
Travis kissed the judges' butts and won that thing. They just could not get past J.D.'s training methods which were fine.
Galaxy was far and away the best dog of those 3. I'm sorry, but, that show is cool...BUT, they need to seriously figure out exactly what they want from the contestants and implement it from the beginning. They can't just base their decisions on how they're feeling that week and lay their little judgments on the owners. It should be based on the DOG'S performance....PERIOD!!!!!!!
We love you GALAXY!!!
T | Sep 10, 2008 10:00:39 PM | #Galaxy was robbbed...for sure. I agree those judges are idiots. Why do they think its so great to keep giving a dog a food reward. Any dog can learn any trick pretty quickly when there's food involved. One minute there praising JD for doing a great job and the next they saying he's to harsh.If I had my chioce I'd pick JD to train my dog anyday! I think they were just wanted to add some excitement cause we all know Galaxy should've won. You can see Galaxy loves JD and is not scared of him. Stupid show. I doubt I'll watch it again! Travis & Presley are a cute pair... wonder if he'll hook up with one of the gals!!
Regardless of the merits of the final three (or all the dogs for that manner), it seemed pretty clear to me that the judges already had their chice in mind when the contest started. The 1st "challenge" didn't seem like a challenge at all, rather a way for the judges to set up the final two that they wanted. It was so clear they were going to send JD home, there wasn't even a sense of drama to it. They didn't even really test his dog on anything, they just tore-down the man and his methods (not that he didn't help them with his own arrogance).
Then once they said that one of the criteria for the final challenge was overall progress at Canine Academy.
they might as well have not even bothered with the competition. Clearly they were planning on grading on a curve.
After the first show I swore I would not watch again, but because I love dogs I had to.
JD and Galaxy were always the best but the judges were bent on punishing JD for his huge ego. It was Travis sucking up to those idiot judges that won it for him. I never saw such a poorly edited show as this. I hope that JD, Teresa, Bill and Laurie are able to capitalize financially on their experience. There should have been a $25,000 prize for every participant, including the winner. The $250,000 should have been donated to the Humane Society.
Here's the Lowdown..... This was Canine Academy. They were judged based on what they learned throughout the competition. Although extremely talented, GALAXY & ANDREW didnt learn anything new. If it was based on UNIQUE talent, I would've given it to Tillman NONE did what he could do. PRESLEY did learn, he learned the most. So I feel it is justified.
Satown | Sep 11, 2008 7:40:17 AM | #I also think JD and Galaxy were robbed. I look how JD trains Galaxy and I think it is fine. The judges were insane and really don't know anything about dogs. Half the challenges were stupid and didn't really test the dogs. They need better judges if there is another season.
T | Sep 11, 2008 8:10:25 AM | #I loved the show...it brought me to tears every show to see the love for the animals. I too agree that Galaxy was the most talented, but JD just couldn't keep his mouth shut and accept the critisism in a proper manner. They obviously were looking for the dog as well as owner that would be able to socialize with the public during the reign of Greatest American Dog. I couldn't see Andrew being able to do that, nor could I see JD, although I think Galaxy would have been great...Presley is still very trainable and seems to have no problem with people. My favorites from the beginning were Bill & Star, and Travis & Presley....so when Star was eliminated, I was pullling for Presley. I think they will both be great. By the way....I too am from Oklahoma!!!!!
Tammy | Sep 11, 2008 8:49:53 AM | #I don't blame JD for being mad at the judges for accusing him of harsh training techniques. Laurie and Andrew, at the final little obstacle course, were a joke. Laurie was basically almost pushing Andrew to where he needed to go and constantly following her finger that was no more that a foot in front of his nose. He's a nice dog, but really can't do much except follow Laurie around.
Had a feeling that Preston would win - after all, the CBS logo for the show basically showed a silhouette of Preston.
Cynic | Sep 11, 2008 9:26:16 AM | #Here's a link to JD & Galaxy and the performing schedules, etc.
http://www.k9kings.com/
Love ya Galaxy!!
J.D. AND GALAXY WERE ROBBED BEYOND BELIEF!! GALAXY OUTSHINED THE OTHER DOGS BY A MILE, BUT BECAUSE OF THAT MORON VICTORIA, SHE DIDN'T HAVE A CHANCE. I HOPE THIS SHOW DOES NOT DO ANOTHER SEASON, BECAUSE I WILL NEVER WATCH IT AGAIN!!!!! THE SHOW WAS A JOKE, BECAUSE THE GREATEST AMERICAN DOG DID NOT WIN!!! I LOVE YOU GALAXY, AND I HOPE VICTORIA GETS BIT BY A REALLY HUGE DOG. SHE SUCKS!!
Cindy | Sep 11, 2008 10:31:36 AM | #I'm a little tickled by how vehement some of you are in your defense of Galaxy (and JD). Sure, Galaxy deserved to win ... but JD sort of undermined her chances.
Anyway, yes, I was still mourning Bill & Star's absence! They were so sweet! I thought Star and Galaxy were probably the "best" dogs. But this was just a silly little summer show. ALL the dogs were swell; some of the owners were a mess; most of the challenges were dumb (especially the art one); the judges really didn't know what they wanted. But, it killed 60 minutes before Project Runway, so all is AOK.
Preston didn't win. Presley did win. If you are going to knock a contestant, at least try to knock the contestant you are thinking of.
If it comes back I would love to see a real canine academy - take a bunch of 6-8 month puppies and train them from there.
Blinky | Sep 11, 2008 2:08:29 PM | #My thoughts exactly, Jan.
Liz | Sep 11, 2008 2:11:56 PM | #I loved this show cause I loved the dogs! I hope they do another season with better judges, & better competitions..At least its a positive show with decent people..instead of lazy,two=faced backstabbing wannabes like the "cast" of Big Brother,who do NOTHING for alot of money they dont earn! JD did have a great dog but he shot himself in the foot with his arrogance, which actually shouldnt be a consideration at all! hence, new competitions..new judges..better results! but, congrats anyhow to Presley and his smokin hot owner!!!
lizouttavegas | Sep 11, 2008 3:05:56 PM | #Presley was a great dao and i'm happy for him :-) Ooo yeah travis is kinda cute !!
sarah | Sep 11, 2008 6:25:48 PM | #I love Presley (and Travis isn't half bad either!!). In a way, I agree with some previous posts----Presley came the furthest of any of the dogs & Travis came the furthest as a dog owner....so if it IS Canine Academy....then they picked the right dog & owner. The challenges were all unfair to one dog or another. I mean Malteses are BRED to be companion animals. They live for their owners. What Andrew did was just his basic instinct to be Laurie's companion. And JD HAS to use a more firm training technique with Galaxy because she is a more headstrong dog. Laurie's method wouldn't not be as effective with Galaxy. I think, in the end, if it couldn't be Bill & Star then I'm glad it is Travis & Presley.
Tena | Sep 11, 2008 6:55:10 PM | #Galaxy was a great performer but JD SUCKED. He was an egotistical loudmouth who bragged that he watched everyone else make mistakes and didn't learn anything positive from them. To be fair, some of the others were pretty bad but there was a lot to learn from many of them!
JD, with his finger pointing and towering and threatening, is a loser.
Laurie and Andrew have great mutual respect. Travis and Presley learned SO fast and were so eager to pick up knowledge. Their enthusiasm was catching. Bill and Star were adorable and great together. Just a few examples. JD could and should have learned from all of them, at the least.
I'm glad it didn't come down to "best trained dog" because JD was a jerk.
Unfortunately, Laurie smothered Andrew too much. Otherwise he could easily have won.
Travis and Presley were kind of a "normal" owner/dog team in that they were like a lot of people and dogs in the audience, starting out together and wanting to learn for themselves.
Lisa | Sep 11, 2008 8:47:55 PM | #I'm very happy that Presley and Travis won - they were by far the most improved, and both seem to try so hard. I loved Bill and Star, but also Travis and Presley.
Annie | Sep 12, 2008 7:15:13 AM | #Andrew is the ONLY dog who actually has experience meeting the public. He is a therapy dog and has been for many years. The producers had to justify giving Golden Boy the win, so they set Laurie up to look like a "B" and Andrew up to look like he isn't sociable. He was at the 9/11 Pentagon Memorial Dedication ceremony the day after the finale. Where was Presley? He could never do that. And Travis could care less about that kind of stuff. He just wanted to further his acting career. Absolutely ridiculous. As to Presley being the most improved, why would they invite already well trained dogs if that was the ultimate criteria?
Gala | Sep 19, 2008 10:33:33 AM | #Andrew is amazing, but he is not the only dog with experience meeting the public. Little Preston the pomeranian is also a certified therapy dog, who's been volunteering for years with his mom Laura. I met them in Long Beach at en event for children's cancer research... Preston was leading a pack of kids in a marathon when he was only a year old. I'd like to see Presley take a CGC. Travis and Presley would never make it as a therapy team. Presley can't even be taken places off leash... What an embarassment for CBS.
PrestonFan | Sep 27, 2008 2:57:16 PM | #
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