If ever, oh, ever there was an episode that proved my point that the show is not looking for the greatest American dog but is looking for the greatest American trainer, it was this last one.
The Judges: Art Critics or Dog Experts?
What was up with them judging the art? I don’t recall in the list of any of their credentials it being mentioned that they’re world renowned dog artists themselves.
Okay, so Laurie’s was rather simplistic and “poster-ish” but who are they to knock on her? Like they’d do better? And Beth Joy and Bella Starlet’s creation? I personally liked it less than Laura and Preston’s, yet they knocked on the latter the hardest.
But that’s the thing about art. It is so darn subjective. I didn’t think there were any real standout dog artists amongst any of them. And I certainly didn’t think the judges had any right to judge that particular competition.
Now bringing in some special guest judges like the dog art teacher they supplied for the Leg Up Reward? Yes, that would have made sense.
And the judges questioning the techniques used to get the dogs to apply the paint to canvas? Again, that’s a perfect example of not judging the dog but judging the owner’s handling of the dog.
Why not just let the dogs loose in a room with paint, tools, and the canvas and see what happens? Then judge the dog’s creativity and “concept” instead of the owner’s.
The Pawcasso Scandal
They couldn’t have an episode without a controversy.
Was Laura throwing Beth Joy under the bus when she said at least she didn’t make her dog do anything it didn’t want to? Perhaps a little.
I have to say in Laura’s defense that when she was explaining her concept for her painting it was pretty cool. (I’m talking about right when the challenge started, not when she was explaining to the judges. Wendy Diamond, in her usual obnoxious and condescending fashion, wouldn’t give her a chance.) Too bad the end product didn’t turn out like she planned. (But I’m sure Wendy still would have had some arrogant comment to make.)
Still, it was no excuse for Laura to bring Beth Joy into her misery. I’m glad Beth Joy defended herself. And it was cool to see Travis take up for her.
Who knows if it was camera editing (as a reader brought to my attention on another article does happen in the world of Reality TV), or if Travis really did lose respect for Laura when she went there and that’s why he stuck up for Beth Joy. Or, on the other hand, if Laura was shocked and felt as betrayed as she looked when he did it. If they do an after show I’m sure it’ll be asked somewhere down the line if that affected their budding relationship or if they went on to have an off-show romance.
Sun, Moon, Stars, Earth
The owners might not have had the artistic vision or talent to portray their hearts on the canvas, but they all felt the same: their dogs are the world to them, they are the world to their dogs, and that relationship makes their universe whole.
That is what it means to be a dog lover, and in love with your dog.
At least the show got that part right.
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