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.
Comments
[July 18, 2008 1:23 PM]
KimI haven't watched the show but your comment about the dogs behaving better when they are praised rings true. My trainer is taking that position with my dog and I am finding that she is much more inclined to listen to me if she gets rewarded with love and kisses. Of course, a dog treat here and there doesn't hurt either!!