The premiere disappointed. With all the promos, I had expected something that focused more on the dogs and their skills, kind of a Best of Show for television. But unfortunately, the producers (or the network mandate) chose instead to make this show more about the handler's rather forced and staged 'reality' personalities and less about the dogs, their various breeds and their respective talents.
And when it came to the talent show, once again we had the predictable rote of an "esteemed panel of three judges"...and of course, one of them is a Brit.
As much as I liked some of the dogs, I doubt I'll watch again because I don't care to learn anything further about their most uninteresting handlers.
I agree with your assessment, dumont. I expected a show closer to those speed/agility contests with a bunch of other tricks thrown in (like training them to chase a chuckwagon for a TV commercial or something). Unfortunately, what I saw was a bunch of annoying people (chosen intentionally because they are annoying) that have been put in a house to live together. The show had the stink of Big Brother all over it along with the stink of the AI/Dancing/etc... judging format.
I liked all of the dogs, though some of them were clearly outclassed in their level of training. I found myself cringing at some of the humans, though. Sure, it was 'rewarding' to see the 'drama queen' sent home and I would probably enjoy seeing the nutjob that thinks her dog has to wear clothes sent packing as well. However, I don't think I will ever tune in for the show again since it really isn't about the dogs.
