Greatest American Dog: Beth Joy and Bella Starlet

Beth Joy and Bella Starlet Expelled
From Canine Academy
CBS Wednesday 8/7c 8/20/08

Beth Joy and Bella Starlet growled and cried their way through the start of Greatest American Dog tonight. Why did Travis stick up for them and get Laura and Preston expelled from Canine Academy last week? Pure strategy. He doesn't like Beth Joy (I don't think) and needed to get rid of the real competition and distraction.

Travis and Bill proved to be an unbeatable team in the Reward Challenge. Travis got to call his mom, and Bill called his wife.

Beth Joy and Bella Starlet showed why they should have gone home long ago. Bella Starlet nipped and growled at everyone, Beth Joy blamed it on the fact that the dog is a pet from a rescue league. Not true, it is the way the dog owner is freaking out. She has been crying for a couple of weeks now, the dog thinks something is terribly wrong.

Release the hounds!
20 Golden Retriever Puppies!

The final challenge was to herd 3 puppies through a maze. Keep in mind puppies follow anything that is moving around them. Travis (Presley) and Bill (Star) got a 'leg up' and were allowed to pick the puppies they would work with ahead of time. It was hysterical watching Presley wrestle playfully and bounce around. Star, on the other hand, chose the statue approach to the puppies. Maybe thinking they would not notice her leaning stiffly between the toilet and the wall. She finally came around enough to allow them touches with Bill there.

Teresa and Leroy the Border Collie showed them all how it was done. Leroy waited for the puppies without being told. Hopefully Teresa learned that her relaxed attitude helped Leroy, he never let out a bark.

J.D. and Galaxy, another Border Collie mix, also got the puppies to end of the maze. The judges were torn to say the least, can you say:

Cat Fight!

Of course it ended in a kitten fight with the two women judges complimenting each other's work. The conflict was over the use of power or praise to train your dog. It is up to the dog and owner, each is different.

Finally Beth Joy and Bella Starlet were expelled from Canine Academy. Now it will be difficult to watch the final 5 leave each week.

Who do you think should win? Do you train your dog to do any tricks?