Greatest American Dog

Infobox Television
show_name = Greatest American Dog


caption =
genre = Reality, Game Show
presenter = CBS
country = USA
language =
num_seasons = 1
num_episodes = 10
list_episodes =
producer =
executive_producer = R.J. Cutler
runtime =
network = CBS
first_run = 2008
first_aired = 2008
last_aired = present
website = http://www.cbs.com/primetime/greatest_american_dog/
imdb_id = 1196326
tv_com_id = 75269

Greatest American Dog is an American reality television show on CBS. It debuted on July 10, 2008 and is hosted by Jarod Miller with judges Victoria Stilwell, Allan Reznik, and Wendy Diamond. The winner was given the title of "Greatest American Dog" and a prize of $250,000.

Episode format

Each episode has a theme, such as "teamwork" or "loyalty," that is tested through two different challenges.

The winner of the first challenge, the "Dog Bone Challenge," receives deluxe accommodations within the Canine Academy (similar to the "Head of Household" suite on CBS' "Big Brother"). In addition, for the first four weeks, the winner of the challenge got to send one of the other teams to the "Dog House," a much smaller building with few amenities. For the remaining weeks, the winner received a "leg up," some form of assistance that would help the contestant in the second challenge.

In that second challenge, the "Dog Bone Challenge," the teams are evaluated by the judges. The judges then choose one or more winners (except for Week 1), and place three teams in the "bottom three." Of those three, the judges then choose the team they feel had the worst performance; that team is then "expelled" from Canine Academy.

Episode progress

The bottom three were Brandy & Beacon, Beth Joy & Bella Starlet, and Michael & Ezzie. Beth Joy was told her performance was disappointing when she lost control over Bella Starlet. Brandy was chastised for physically manipulating Beacon when Beacon wouldn't listen to Brandy's commands. Michael was told that his own performance overshadowed and overwhelmed Ezzie, who was having difficulty focusing.

*Dog Bone Winners: JD & Galaxy
*Bottom three: Brandy & Beacon, Beth Joy & Bella Starlet, Michael & Ezzie
*Expelled: Michael & Ezzie

He's a Farter, Not a Fighter

""'Original Air Date: July 17, 2008

Things grow a little tense at Canine Academy when Elvis has a small fight with Tillman and bites his eye. Elvis' owner, David, seems very passive about his dog's actions. Star suffers an injury to her neck and ear, and she has to be brought into an emergency vet to be stitched up. The cause of the injury seems to be unknown, though the vet suggests it may have been a feral cat. Star recovers with a bit of rest and relaxation. The theme for this week's competitions was 'Obedience'.

Dog Bone Challenge: "Doggy Boot Camp"
: The dogs and their owners formed a "drill line", and Jarod gave a command to be performed in a certain time limit. The owners and dogs that didn't successfully complete the command within the allotted amount of time were out. The commands required were 'come', 'sit', 'stay' as they walked a circle around the dog, 'shake' with the dog's right paw, 'back up', 'circle right', and finally, 'circle left' followed by 'circle right. Travis & Presley won this challenge, and put JD & Galaxy in the Dog House.

Best in Show Challenge: "Pet"-iquette"
: This challenge was set at a makeshift restaurant called 'Bone Appétit' inside the Best In Show Arena. The judging criteria for the challenge were how well the dog executes the commands, dog manners, and grooming and appearance. The competitors were divided into two groups for the challenge. The owners first had to walk their dogs past the judges in the 'heel' position to allow the judges to assess the dog's grooming. They would then take a seat at the table with the rest of their group. The wait staff then brought in trays of food to tempt the dogs, while their owners asked them to 'leave it'. The final task required the dogs to 'sit' and 'stay' as their owners circled around the table. This week also introduced one pair being announced as 'Best in Show' by performing exceptionally well. Bill & Star won Best in Show in the "Pet"-iquette challenge.

The bottom three were Elan & Kenji, Beth Joy & Bella Starlet, and David & Elvis. David was told that his particular use of hand signals was confusing and distracting. Elan was told that her communication with Kenji was confusing and stressful to Kenji. She was also told that she was bordering on being harsh with her dog. Beth Joy had put Bella Starlet in a dress that covered most of her body, which resulted in the judges being unable to evaluate her grooming.

*Dog Bone Winners: Travis & Presley
*Best in Show: Bill & Star
*Bottom three: Beth Joy & Bella Starlet, David & Elvis, Elan & Kenji
*Expelled: Elan & Kenji

The Fast and the Furriest

""'Original Air Date: July 24, 2008

Elvis proves that he can 'play nice' with both Andrew and Tillman. The theme for this episode's competitions was 'Teamwork'.

Dog Bone Challenge: "Tangled Leash"
: The contestants and their dogs had to work in pairs that were randomly selected. They were faced with an obstacle course with five sections that had leashes tangled identically throughout them. The dogs were hooked up to the leashes at each section, and, with the help of the other owner, had to guide their two dogs through the course verbally. Touching the dogs was prohibited. The first team to finish would win the competition and the Dog Bone Suite. Travis & Presley and Brandy & Beacon won this challenge, and put Laurie & Andrew in the Dog House.

Best in Show Challenge: "The Fast and the Furriest"
: The competitors were split into two teams of five and had to complete six tasks in a relay race. The tasks, in order, were a frisbee throw, a set of five hoops, pushing a cart, a multi-level teeter-totter follow by a maze, a set of tunnels, and a sled pull where one dog rode the sled and the other four pulled it. As the Dog Bone Challenge winners, Brandy and Travis were the captains of the two teams and picked their other four members. Below is a table describing which dog completed which task. Travis' team won the Best in Show challenge.

The bottom three were Laura & Preston, Brandy & Beacon, and Travis & Presley. Travis was told that Presley could have been more enthusiastic about the routine. Brandy was told that putting socks on Beacon and poor training caused Beacon to shut down. Laura was told that Preston wasn't focused and that she had lost control of him.

*Dog Bone Winners: Bill & Star
*Best in Show: Laurie & Andrew
*Bottom three: Laura & Preston, Brandy & Beacon, Travis & Presley
*Expelled: Brandy & Beacon

alvador Doggy

""'Original Air Date: August 13, 2008

Laura and Travis continue to bond. Laura and Beth Joy argue during a deliberation for the Best in Show competition when Laura mentions to the judges that she'd thought Beth Joy had pushed Bella Starlet too far with certain paint-applying techniques. Travis helps to defend Beth Joy when the judges ask her about it. The theme for this episode's competitions was 'Intelligence'.

Dog Bone Challenge: "Doggy I.Q."
: The task challenged the dogs' abilities to focus and problem solve. Tempting food was placed behind a three-walled structure, with a small slat in the middle so the dog could see what was behind it. The dog then had to figure out the fastest way to the food. There was a five minute time limit, and the owners were only allowed to say "go find it" and "go get it". Bill & Star won this challenge, but Bill gave the Golden Bone to Teresa to repay her favor from the week before.

Best in Show Challenge: "Salvador Doggy"
: The competitors were told to each create a painting that represents the bond between themselves and their dogs. The twist on the challenge was that all of the paint could only be applied to the canvas by the dog. (The paints were non-toxic and safe for their use.) The judges looked at the creativity of the painting, as well as technique and use of tools. Teresa & Leroy's 'Leg Up' was the ability to work with Kirstin McMillan, a dog art instructor. Teresa & Leroy won the Best in Show challenge.

The bottom three were Laura & Preston, JD & Galaxy, and Laurie & Andrew. The judges felt that the painting created by Laura & Preston looked very rushed and had little thought put into it. They felt that Laurie hadn't put enough effort into her work either. JD was chastised for seemingly trying to make mistakes in Galaxy's painting appear to be intentional.

*Dog Bone Winners: Teresa & Leroy
*Best in Show: Teresa & Leroy
*Bottom three: Laura & Preston, JD & Galaxy, Laurie & Andrew
*Expelled: Laura & Preston

The Big Dig

""'Original Air Date: August 20, 2008

Beth Joy is upset when Bella Starlet begins to act aggressive. JD and Laurie have a discussion about the difference between their training methods, foreshadowing a heated argument between judges Victoria Stilwell and Wendy Diamond on the same topic after the Best in Show challenge. There was no specific theme in this episode.

Dog Bone Challenge: "The Big Dig"
: The competitors worked in three randomly selected teams of two. One owner was placed inside of a box, and the other owner would be directing the dogs to rescue the person inside. The first dog had to run up and ring a bell. Above the box was a section full of wood chips that the second dog would have to dig in to reach a rope and pull it, freeing the person inside the box. There was a time limit of five minutes. The team with the fastest time would win. Bill & Star and Travis & Presley won this challenge, and were each able to call a loved one.

Best in Show Challenge: "The Maze"
: The dogs were placed at the beginning of a hedge maze and had to maneuver their way through it and join their owner on the other side of it. The twist to the challenge was that the dogs had to lead out three Golden Retriever puppies through the maze with them. Bill and Travis, due to their Leg Up, were able to find out about the twist the day before the challenge and acclimate their dogs to six of the puppies. The other competitors had five minutes prior to the challenge to acclimate their dogs to the puppies. Importance was placed on how the owner encouraged their dog to interact with the puppies and get them out of the maze. There was a time limit of five minutes. The Best in Show winners were Teresa & Leroy, who got all three puppies out of the maze on their first run through it.

The bottom three were Bill & Star, Beth Joy & Bella Starlet, and Travis & Presley. Travis was told that his "hyperenergy" made it hard for Presley to respond to him and the challenge. Beth Joy was chastised for reducing her commands to "desperate bribes" as she got more anxious with Bella Starlet's performance. Bill was told that he had pushed Star far too close to her limit.

*Dog Bone Winners: Bill & Star, Travis & Presley
*Best in Show: Teresa & Leroy
*Bottom three: Bill & Star, Beth Joy & Bella Starlet, Travis & Presley
*Expelled: Beth Joy & Bella Starlet

My Dog Can Fly!

""'Original Air Date: August 27, 2008

Things start to get serious with only the top five remaining. JD notices Galaxy is limping after one of the challenges. This week's theme was 'Courage'.

Dog Bone Challenge: "Elephant Charge"
: The dogs had to stand their ground as a nine thousand pound African elephant walked toward them at a steady pace. The dogs were not allowed to leave the inside of a circle drawn on the pavement. At twenty feet away, the elephant would stop and shake her head in an attempt to distract the dog. If the dog hadn't moved yet, the elephant would be brought closer, and would pick up a banana on the ground in front of the dog. The dog that allows the elephant to get the closest to them would win the challenge. Presley and Andrew both didn't leave the circle, and did a tie-breaker that involved both dogs inside the circle and the elephant "charging" at them instead of walking. Laurie & Andrew won the challenge.

Best in Show Challenge: "Stunt Dog"
: Both the dogs and their owners were required to do a series of stunts including an incline ramp, a balance beam, and a zip-line. There were easier options for both the ramp and the balance beam. The competitors were able to practice on smaller versions of the equipment. Laurie & Andrew's 'Leg Up' was the ability to work with Tom Roche, a film and TV stunt dog trainer, and to work privately. The others had to take turns at the different practice stations. The judges looked at execution of the stunt, degree of difficulty, and fearlessness. JD & Galaxy won the Best in Show challenge.

The bottom three are Laurie & Andrew, Bill & Star, and Travis & Presley. Travis is told he was a little bit out of control while praising Presley on the very high apparatus the competition took place on. Both Bill and Laurie chose to take their dogs up the easier ramp and neither Star nor Andrew would jump down via the zipline when encouraged to do so. The judges chose to expel Bill & Star because they felt Star could have done the more difficult ramp.

*Dog Bone Winners: Laurie & Andrew
*Best in Show: JD & Galaxy
*Bottom three: Laurie & Andrew, Bill & Star, Travis & Presley
*Expelled: Bill & Star

Dog Swap

""'Original Air Date: September 3, 2008

JD has Galaxy checked out by a vet to ensure she is still able to compete. The vet tells JD that there is no reason to remove her from activity. This week's theme was 'Loyalty'.

Dog Bone Challenge: "Tree Stump Stay"
: Each owner would stand on a tree stump, fifteen feet away from their dog, sitting on another tree stump. They had to remain either sitting or standing on the stump. The team that held their position the longest would win the challenge. Travis & Presley and Teresa & Leroy lasted about eighteen minutes before Travis decided Presley looked too uncomfortable and called him off. Teresa & Leroy won this challenge, and got to have a video chat with her boyfriend.

Best in Show Challenge: "Me or Them"
: The competitors were given an hour each with each other's dogs to bond with them, and were not told the specifics of the challenge. Teresa & Leroy's 'Leg Up' was to know the details of the challenge beforehand. The owner and their dog were stationed in the middle of a semi-circle. Each of the other owners were given the chance to try and lure that person's dog out of the semi-circle with treats, toys and vocal commands. The winners of Best in Show were Laurie & Andrew.

The bottom three were Teresa & Leroy, JD & Galaxy, and Travis & Presley. Victoria Stilwell felt that both Teresa and JD were threatening in their stances when asking their dogs to stay. Presley was the only dog to break his stay, but Travis was able to regain Presley's attention. The decision from the judges seemed difficult to make, but ended up expelling Teresa, feeling that she'd lost sight of the meaning behind the loyalty challenge.

*Dog Bone Winners: Teresa & Leroy
*Best in Show: Laurie & Andrew
*Bottom three: JD & Galaxy, Teresa & Leroy, Travis & Presley
*Expelled: Teresa & Leroy

The Greatest American Dog Is...

""'Original Air Date: September 10, 2008

The top three face off in the final episode of Greatest American Dog. There was no Dog Bone challenge this week. There were instead two Best in Show challenges where someone was eliminated.

Best in Show Challenge: "Final Exam"
: Each of the judges asked questions to the contestants individually (ie, "What makes your dog the Greatest American Dog?", "What have you learned at Canine Academy?"). Afterwards, one of the judges would examine the dog close up. Wendy Diamond approached Andrew and wanted to test how well he socialized with another dog (her own Maltese, Lucky Diamond). She had Laurie leave the room. Andrew played a little bit with Lucky, but seemed more interested in finding out where Laurie was. Wendy Diamond also approached Galaxy and asked JD how often he bathed Galaxy. Presley was tested by Victoria Stilwell on his 'leave it' command, and though not always completely focused, performed well. The judges expelled JD & Galaxy as they felt their relationship was based more on control than co-operation.

*Expelled: JD & Galaxy

Best in Show Challenge: "Obstacle Course/Interview"
: This was a two part challenge, the first part brought back elements from earlier challenges. The obstacle course consisted of a stair maze followed by two see-saws, a balance beam that wobbled back and forth, pedestals to jump across (the length of the jump was twice the dog's length), and then they had to retrieve their favorite toy from underneath the elephant from a previous episode. The interview was each owner's last words about why their dog should be the Greatest American Dog. Their audience included the judges and host, Jarod Miller, as well as their former housemates.

*Greatest American Dog: Presley

Footnotes

External links

* http://www.pupniron.com/ Laurie & Andrew's official website
* http://www.myspace.com/andrewgreatdog Andrew's My Space
* http://www.BellaStarletDog.com/ Beth Joy & Bella Starlet's official website
* http://www.billandstar.com/ Bill and Star's official website
* http://www.travisandpresley.com/ Travis and Presley's official website
* http://www.brandyandbeacon.com/ Brandy and Beacon's official website
* http://www.michaelandezzie.com/ Michael and Ezzie's official website
* http://www.theamazingleroy.com/ Leroy's official website
* http://www.gotillman.com/ Tillman's official website
* http://www.k9kings.com/ JD Platt's K9 Kings Entertainment official website
* http://www.dogster.com/Greatest_American_Dog/ "Greatest American Dog" subsite of Dogster.com
* http://www.cbs.com/primetime/greatest_american_dog/ Show's subsite on cbs.com