Greatest American Dog

[sparks19]

Yeah I thought that challenge was ridiculous.

I mean they chastised owners because their dogs came when called instead of gathering up the puppies... well isn't that what most owners train for? for their dog to come regardless of distractions. Also not all dogs like puppies so it seemed like a potentially dangerous situation for the puppies to be put in. they were awfully cute though.

I really felt bad for Bill and Star. they were stuck between a rock and a hard place IMO. If he didn't push her and just stopped I think the judges would have been disappointed that they didn't finish the challenge. but if he pushed her they wouldn't be happy with that either. they have been pretty inconsistent in what exactly they are looking for. I'm glad he didnt' get sent home because of it. and he took his criticism like a gentleman.

I am so glad BJ is gone. I'm sick of her whining and crying and DRAMA.

Did anyone else tear up when bill talked to his wife on the phone? and told her that he would love her and cherish her for the rest of his life... and then called her old woman haha. that was so sweet and I cried lol.

JD... well I am not surprised at all that he uses the methods that he does and even seemed to look down on people who use "positive reinforcement"

I loved how Leroy almost got to the end of the maze and then on his own accord went back and got the puppies lol. that was cute.

[Ginger's Mom]

Yeah I thought that challenge was ridiculous.

I thought that the challenge was definitely stacked against the smaller dogs. Did dog "experts" really think that the small dogs would react well to puppies (with puppy energy levels and lack of body control) that were larger than them bouncing on them? I don't think any small dog would do well when suddenly put in a pen with three bouncing dogs that were larger than them. Of course Andrew and Belle Starr would be alarmed at three uncontrolled dogs larger than them bouncing at them. They were sure to not respond well to the dogs. Apparently the producers of the show have decided that it is time for all of the small dogs to go.

I really felt bad for Bill and Star. they were stuck between a rock and a hard place IMO. If he didn't push her and just stopped I think the judges would have been disappointed that they didn't finish the challenge.

I agree with this too. And I think that is what Bill was thinking when he did it. That the judges would chastise him for not encouraging Star to continue the challenge.

That "altercation" between the two lady judges was some of the worst acting I have ever seen. I have no idea what the producers were hoping to accomplish by staging such a scene.

[Karen]

Frankly, I was glad to see Beth Joy and Bella Starlet go home, they were both getting too stressed out.

But I have decided that the producers, for some reason, have decided they like Laurie, and never put her in danger of leaving. Andrew didn't even get through the maze, or try to. At least Bella Starlet tried, but got confused ... Andrew just didn't "get it."

I was annoyed with them for Bill and Star, as sparks pointed out - he was between a rock and a hard place. But he never resorted to yelling or being mean, or even scolding Star, and no harm was done.

We knew, as soon as we figured out what the challenge was that Leroy would win - he's a Border Collie, for goodness sake! It's in his genes! But it was good to see them win one for his own sake.

I thought the battle between the judges was not as faked as the "apology" sequence. And was completely bemused by the male judge just standing serenely through it all.

I knew Presley, who IS still a puppy himself, would likely fail at the task - ain't no way those poor pups could keep up with his bounding, joyful self!

[shais_mom]

I agree I thought Bill took his criticism with dignity.
I want JD to be next.
I had a feeling Leroy would do well, its in his blood to herd!
I did cry when both Travis and Bill talked to family.

bad acting - yea- lol - they are animal trainers NOT actresses - you can tell that.
I was glad that Wendy finally left Lucky during the outside performance.

[anna_66]

I want JD to be next.

Oh gosh, not me. I want it to be Andrew. I love him, but can't stand his mom. She just bugs me.
I may not like JD, but LOVE Galaxy. Such an awesome dog.

[k9krazee]

Welp, I finally got caught up with all the episodes last night.

Frankly, I don't think any of them are the "greatest american dog." I've seen much better trainers and dog/dog people out there, oh well.

I don't like the judges either. They're magazine editors, aren't they? Get some real dog people in there that actually know what they're talking about.

They drive me up a wall. Especially when the lady went on and on about the bands used on Leroy being inhumane. I agree, it wasn't the best decision but I think it was far from inhumane, it didn't hurt and I personally have used tape and things in order to get a behavior out of a dog. Put tape on Micki's nose (in an attempt to teach 'hide your eyes') and he has a full blown panic attack. It doesn't hurt him, he just doesn't like it. That's what I felt happened with Leroy.

Also I was a little peeved when they started discussing training methods. JD's method OBVIOUSLY works with his dog, and his is one of the better trained ones there. To each their own, I say. Not every training method is going to work for every dog. I do really like Laurie, she knows what she's talking about for the most part. BJ really got on my nerves and she should have left before Preston. I think Leroy could be awesome if the lady knew what she was doing.

That last event, rescuing the puppies was ridiculous. Like chastising Andrew for nipping a puppy, when he was obviously just telling the puppies, hey I don't like that. It's how puppies learn what's acceptable and what's not. I saw nothing wrong with nipping and putting a puppy in it's place, and considering Andrew's size I was impressed with the way he handled it. I felt bad for Bill and Star. Star wasn't comfortable from the beginning, then they got upset that Bill pushed her. If he wouldn't have pushed her they would have said something about that. "Presely focused very much on you and wasn't particularly engaged with the puppies. He had no patience to bring them through the maze" WELL DUH. Presely did awesome, running through the maze to get to his daddy. Most dogs would do the same thing, and not care about the puppies. In fact, not ONE of the dogs tried to get the puppies to the other side, it was all in if the puppies wanted to follow the other dog and the dog was going slow enough for them to keep up. I thought the whole theme, "rescue", was lame.

I hope Bill and Star win. And I still really like Travis. I'm sure in a few years Presely will be awesome.

An Elephant? Are you SERIOUS? Jack would definitely freak.

[shais_mom]

Oh gosh, not me. I want it to be Andrew. I love him, but can't stand his mom. She just bugs me.
I may not like JD, but LOVE Galaxy. Such an awesome dog.

I like galaxy but not her owner.
If the DOG could win that would be one thing. But she comes attached to him. BLAH
I think Wendy gushed over Galaxy's performance b/c she has a crush on JD.
But then again I've seen her reality show on the Style network and I think she's a borderline Man-Hater.

[momoffuzzyfaces]

I thought the show last night was good. I like little Andrew. what a brave boy to face down a charging elephant. I wouldn't have!!!

I'm sad that Star and Bill had to go though. I hope that Galaxy's injury isn't serious. I think he did it when he was in the harness jumping off the tower.

[Karen]

We wanted Bill and Star to win, and were sad that they went home. We agree that it was probably an injury caused by the harness that has Galaxy limping, poor girl. For the first time, JD seems human, with his girl injured. I hope she'll be okay, and I hope the show pays for the veterinary care she'll require.

We thought Leroy did a great job, he didn't immediately jump, but when his momma made it clear, off he went. And he was SOOOO ready at each step of the course, with that Border Collie focus and energy ready to Goooooo!

[Cincy'sMom]

I'd like to see it come down to Presley and Stat. I like Andrew and Galaxy (and of course Galaxy is my colors!), but I just don't care for their owners.

And I agree Karen, the apology portion was the worst acting fo the whole fight. Pathetic!!!