Posted: July 11, 2008, 5 a.m. EDT
Allan Reznik, one of three judges on CBS’ new reality-competition show, “Greatest American Dog,” said a solid bond between dog and owner impresses him more than polished perfection.
The series premiered Thursday night with 12 teams of dogs and owners from across the country engaging in weekly challenges that put the owners’ ability to train their dogs to the test. In the end, one team will win a $250,000 cash prize and the title of Greatest American Dog.
People who watch the show will be amazed by what these dogs can do, Reznik said in an interview at his office in Irvine, Calif., where he serves as Editor-at-Large of Dog World and DOG FANCY magazines and answers questions as DogChannel’s breed and dog show expert.
“Small dogs perform amazing feats,” he said. “Little dogs don’t know that they’re little dogs.”
Dogs large and small, young and old, healthy and arthritic all compete on a level playing field, he said. The main idea is for the teams to demonstrate that they share a loving relationship and have the ability to teach each other new tricks, all under the TV cameras and bright lights.
Good rapport between dog and owner, spontaneity, and idiosyncrasy all win points with Reznik. His advice to pet owners: “Let a dog be a dog. He will surprise you in his attempts to please you.”
Reznik will be on DogChannel’s message boards at 10 a.m. PDT on Friday to talk about the latest episode and field questions from visitors about the show.