Greatest American Dog

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| Print | By | July 24, 2008 5:03 PM

Most of the reality shows about humans have not been on my top ten hit parade, so you can only imagine my reluctance to become involved in a series featuring a group of strangers living together in a house along with their dogs. They are assigned a variety of different tasks upon which the dog and their owner are judged.

Nevertheless, after viewing the second show the other day, I totally regret missing the premier airing of the new canine/human reality show, "Greatest American Dog." Now I am going to have to wait for the re-runs to learn what I missed in the first episode. I am completely enchanted.

What prompted me to view the show was how loudly one of my avid dog loving friends raved about the show. She urged me to watch, so I quickly programmed my DVR recorder, adding it to my list of priority shows, so I would not forget it again. Upon viewing it, I found it to be a totally accessible and delightful program, which captured my interest within the first three minutes, one of my criteria to continue watching.

Ranging from a Manhattan doctor with a Parson Russell Terrier named Elvis, to a Giant Schnauzer, Kenji and her owner from Texas who aspires to open a dog salon, to a Brittany Spaniel, Star, owned by a building maintenance man from Flint, Michigan, the human competitors come from all walks of life. The canine competitors, most of which are pedigreed pooches, even include a mutt. The show was created and produced by the Emmy-winning documentary specialist R. J. Cutler, ("American High").

Competition is based upon which dog can best follow instructions and silent cues. Judges watch carefully for how the owners handle their dogs how they relate with them, and I also secretly suspect how the humans interact with one another.

I was moved to tears when Star, the Brittany spaniel was mysteriously injured while on a romp outside the house, with a suspected snakebite. He was rushed to a nearby veterinary emergency hospital, his distraught owner, inconsolably upset. Happily, it was not a life threatening injury, but more than likely the result of a defensive cat lurking in a shrub, nipping him on the ear.

While watching the Giant Schnauzer who was being handled very roughly by her owner, giving impatient, confusing snappy commands, I was overjoyed by their elimination at the conclusion of the second episode. The Texan was visibly not thrilled with the Judges' decision but I sincerely hope that she will take their advice to heart and change her training methods.

I am looking forward to the next episode and can hardly wait to see it. I highly recommend this series to all dog lovers as it is informative, dramatic and highly enjoyable.

If you have watched the show, what are your feelings about it? Are you enjoying it as much as I am? Please leave a comment and share your views.

You can watch full episodes of the show here: http://www.cbs.com/primetime/greatest_american_dog/

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Vicki July 25, 2008 9:30 AM

I love this show. I was sorry to see Elvis leave last night. I really think the judges should have been more specific about the rules and what they expected from the contestants. I look forward to watching the show every Thursday night.

J.A. Morrison July 25, 2008 9:34 AM

I watched an episode for the first time tonight. I was interested immediately. the human interaction was not to my liking but watching the dogs was great. I enjoy dog challenge programs. I have to admit that, although the dog eliminated was a problem I would have eliminated someone else. Elvis really tried hard and his owner seems to be a loving and understanding person.
I will continue to watch. Now if they only came up with the Greatest American Cat Challenge. I can only imagine how that would run.

J.Block July 25, 2008 3:29 PM

I loved the show. I am hooked! The dogs are fantastic and the human competitors very interesting.

I was so sad when Elvis was eliminated.. too bad.. Good sport though.

Bonny July 25, 2008 8:55 PM

I am enjoying the show very much. Some of the dog owners are getting on my nerves, but I love the dogs! The Giant schnauser was gorgeous. I baby sit for a houseful of giants and I just love them.

Rosi M July 25, 2008 8:57 PM

Sounds like a fun show to watch! I tried to watch it last night, but missed it.

Donna July 26, 2008 9:00 AM

This show is still sitting on my DVR for me to watch this weekend...will comment after I have a chance to watch it. (Being a CAT person through and through, it's interesting to see that I like this show.)