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Dr. Dave and Elvis got booted from the Canine Academy on "Greatest American Dog" last night. Too bad, because I think Elvis was benefiting from the social exposure to other dogs. I get the feeling Dr. Dave doesn't get out much either, so it seemed like this was a positive experience for him, too.

In the elimination competition was designed to test how well the dogs, and their humans, could train for an agilitly-like course and work as a team. Elvis was the only dog that was guided through part of his course on-leash, and that's what cost him and the good doctor their spot in the game.

Presley, the boxer pup, had no problems pushing this little cart along part of the course.In fact, Presley doesn't seem to have a problem performing almost anything his human, Travis, asks him to do. He's a pretty smart dog, and Travis seems like a good guy.

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This week's episode of "Greatest American Dog" was all about obedience. And by the end of the show it was obvious that the humans need more work on their manners and social skills than the dogs.

At the beginning of the episode, Elvis, the Jack Russell terrier, and Tillman, the skateboarding bulldog, got into a scuffle in the yard, leaving Tillman worse for the wear. Dr. Dave was chastised by his fellow housemates for not taking charge of Elvis, and rightly so. Dogs will be dogs and they do have their problems. That's when the leaders, read humans, need to step in.

In a tearful segment, Star, the lovable Brittany, was injured by some unknown fauna or flora while out in the yard, and Bill had to rush her to the emergency vet.

Anyone who has ever been in that position can relate to that dreadful feeling of turning your dog over and praying for her to be okay. Been there a couple of times. Star had only a minor cut on her ear and made a quick recovery.

Both of the challenges involved testing how well the dogs responded to their human's commands of sit and stay, even while distracted. The dogs were seated at a dinner table with their humans, and then a plate of favorite food was placed in front of the dogs, and the dogs were commanded to "leave it."

Poor Tillman wanted that steak in front of him so badly. He nudged it with his pushed-in nose, and he almost took a bite, but he resisted temptation. Good dog. I am not sure I could do that.

Beth Joy argued rudely with the judges who chastised her for making excuses to dress up her dog, Bella Starlet. The judges had to remind her that Bella Starlet is a dog, not a Barbie doll.

But in the end, Elan and her giant schnauzer Kenji were kicked out of the Canine Academy, because Elan's only way of communicating with her pooch was a series of harsh, annoyingly staccato "eh, eh, eh" corrections.

What I am not getting out of this show is tips on training your dog. We are seeing a lot of what not to do, and not enough of what to do. So far, the humans who praise their dogs profusely seem to be doing the best in the competitions. Good message there.

Last night’s premiere of CBS’ “Greatest American Dog” was the typical kick-off for a reality show: meet the contestants, which includes the typical stock characters, at least among the humans, really good dogs, and the first couple of competitions.

We met all 12 competitors as they arrived at their plush digs, a sprawling mansion called the Canine Academy, decorated heavily in a predictable dog theme.

First we meet Ron and his skateboarding bulldog, Tillman from Oxnard, Calif.; we also meet J.D., a grown man described as a “military brat” from Bend, Ore., and Galaxy, one of his pack of nine dogs.

Next to arrive is Brandy, a California fashion designer who makes matching outfits for her miniature schnauzer Beacon. Then we meet Michael, a comedian and actor from San Diego with his red Boston, Ezzie. Cool dogs, but their humans get on my nerves.

Film producer Laura arrives with her tiny white dog Preston, who sports a fuchsia-colored Mohawk hair-do, and then Travis and his 16-month-old boxer puppy Presley from Oklahoma. Both seem like people and dogs I'd enjoy hanging out with.

Next is Bill, a likeable grandpa from Flint, Tex., who said his spaniel Star saved his wife’s life by alerting him as she slipped into a diabetic coma. Whether they win or lose this competition, sweet little Star is already a great American dog, in my opinion.

Elan, of Portland, Ore., arrives with her giant schnauzer with marginal manners, Kenji, and we meet Dr. Dave from New York City and his Jack Russell terrier Elvis, who wears a collar and tie.

Another New Yorker, Beth Joy, shows up with her pooch Bella Starlet, whom she describes as a professional dog actress. Bella Starlet is cute; Beth Joy is annoying.

Finally, we have two contestants from Virginia: Lori and her Maltese, Andrew, from Stafford, and Teresa and her perpetually barking border collie, Leroy. Immediately I like Leroy, Andrew and Lori. Jury is out on Teresa.

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Tune in tonight at 8 p.m. for the moment when reality television really goes to the dogs.

Okay, you could rightfully argue it did that a long while back.

"Greatest American Dog" will premiere tonight on CBS, and will pit a dozen dogs and their pet parents in weekly competition, all vying for $250,000 and the title of Greatest American Dog.

Okay, again, you could, and should, rightfully argue that title already belongs to your own dog.

Each week a panel of three judges (a.ka. standard business model for competition shows) will dispatch one set of contestants until a winner is crowned.

The judges are Wendy Diamond, author and top dog at Animal Fair Magazine, Allan Reznick, an at-large editor for Dog World and Dog Fancy magazine, and Victoria Stilwell, the dominatrix-clad dog trainer of Animal Planet's "It's Me or the Dog." The series host is zoologist Jared Miller.

Check back here every Friday for a recap of the show and photos.