So tell me … do you apply the “‘person of color,’ whoever you are” lens to everything you look at?

I’ll further bet that the cat fight was set up just to give her the chance to vent (remember how the two contestants just *happened* to disagree on training methods earlier in the show?) Basically it came down to whether you give a dog treats or just reward with *good dog* and petting. It was really weird because the woman arguing is the one that turns her nose up at the people treating their dogs like chidren, dressing them up, etc.

Anyway I really hope Bill and Star win—they’re the most IMO deserving of all the contestants. And Star is just good!

Step 2 - Stomp the rest of the crap out of her for messing with his mind by not accepting his apology when he was obviously not understanding what was going on.

Step 3 - NEVER, EVER leave her alone with a dog again… and she’s a PROFESSIONAL DOG SITTER for %@&# sakes!!

Step 4 - Stomp her again just for good measure.

I have watched a few episodes. I’m really disappointed in the show and CBS. They should have taken the opportunity to educate the American public. Also, why not give 5 min each week educating the public about performance events they can do with their dog. Canine Freestyle, Agility, Obedience,Tracking, etc.

My biggest gripe with the show. First week: the terrier bit the bulldog. Than Star was “attacked” while running free outside and rushed to ER (snake,rabid animal..), Second week: the Giant Schnauzer growled at the waiter bringing food. Third week: the “snarl bands” for angry. All opportunities to educate the public on how a canine should behave, how to train and what to do in a medical emergency. Instead it’s laughed off. And, the snarl bands…not good for kids to see and really made me feel sad for the poor dog that someone would do that just to stay on the show.

Didn’t watch last week, and not sure I’ll watch tonight.

Katie

What ever happened to “No animals have been harmed during the making of this feature…” ?

A long time ago my daughters taught my old pal Brandy to snarl when she put her hand on some favorite food. Yes, they actually taught her food agression. But just to show that it was in fact a show and nothing more Brandy would only do it when that same daughter put her hand on it. She would hold her head erect and show her teeth.

If I did it Brandy would just look at me sadly, as if to say… “You wouldnt really take that away, would you?” And of course, I wouldnt, and she knew it.

The problem is not just the media—it is that people will take actions that harm their animal thinking it is okay.

Poor judgment on the show for sure but this also highlights the problem in society at large—what about those people who still “hang” their dogs?

Locally a “trainer” got herself bit by a very friendly and congenial dog when she pushed her in training to get a response when it was clear the dog was uncomfortable.

To those in the class—it was okay because she is a “professional.”

When I was a wrangler (trainer) for the studios it was common to have the AHA representative absent from the set—in fact some trainers developed strategies for avoiding close scrutinizing…SOSDD (Same old shit different day).

But at least people have the sense to complain and hopefully use pressure to change and maybe your column will spark an “aha” somewhere.