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On Television:
Greatest American Dog
Not Monitored: Production Compliant
In this new CBS summer reality series, 12 teams of dogs and their owners live together in an estate called the Canine Academy and compete for $250,000 and the title of Greatest American Dog. The show is hosted by zoologist Jarod Miller, who is joined by a panel of three judges: Wendy Diamond (and her dog Lucky), founder of Animal Fair magazine; Allan Reznik, editor-at-large of Dog World and Dog Fancy magazines; and Victoria Stilwell, co-founder of Dog Trainers of New York, New Jersey and Georgia.
In each episode, the teams of contestants compete in challenges that test the dogs’ skills and the owners’ ability to train their dogs. Competition winners stay in the luxury suite at the Canine Academy and determine which of their competitors stay in an actual doghouse. Each week, the judges eliminate one team, until the final winner is awarded the title “Greatest American Dog.”
American Humane monitored some of the challenges in various episodes, but did not oversee any of the activity at the Canine Academy. In accordance with our policy, we cannot issue our “No Animals Were Harmed”® disclaimer unless an American Humane Certified Animal Safety Representative™ monitored significant animal action.
This production must be considered “Not Monitored” because not enough of the action was monitored. However, since the production was cooperative in registering and in submitting the required documents, American Humane has given the entire series a Not Monitored: Production Compliant rating. As the production submits screenings of upcoming episodes, we will post updates below regarding any animal action American Humane monitored in those episodes.
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Episode 101 (the first episode) - Not monitored.
Episode 102 - American Humane supervised the animal action during both obedience challenges to ensure the safety of the animals while the contestants performed various actions.
Episode 103 - American Humane supervised the animal action during both teamwork challenges to ensure the safety of the animals while the contestants performed various actions.
Episode 104 - Not monitored.
Episode 105 - American Humane supervised the animal action in the mud challenge, to ensure the safety of the animals while the contestants performed various actions. American Humane did not supervise the animal action in the "dancing with your dog" challenge.
Episode 106 - Not monitored.
Episode 107 - Not monitored.
Episode 108 - American Humane supervised the animal action during both courage challenges to ensure the safety of the animals while the contestants performed various actions. Although Galaxy the dog is seen limping after the challenges, no limping occurred and no apparent injury to the dog was observed while American Humane's Certified Animal Safety Representative™ was present; therefore, American Humane cannot determine what might have caused the limp. Read more below about what actually occurred behind the scenes. |
Episode 108 -- The Inside Story
The recent episode of America’s Greatest Dog which aired Aug. 27 contained elements that prompted viewers to contact American Humane with concerns regarding animal safety issues during the taping of the program. Two instances in particular were the subject of a number of complaints: one in which the participating dogs were confronted by an elephant, and one in which owners and dogs performed an obstacle course challenge which included a “zip line” from a 32-foot-high platform.
American Humane Certified Animal Safety Representatives™ were present during the taping of both of these challenges and concur that neither harm nor injury came to the animals while actual taping was taking place. However, as a reality show that does not operate under the Screen Actors Guild contract, the production chose not to include American Humane in all aspects of the production process and, as a result, American Humane is unable to speak to a number of show components.
It is important for the public to understand that, as is the case with the vast majority of reality entertainment, those television shows are specifically edited for dramatic effect, and America’s Greatest Dog follows that practice. We would like to make the public aware of the prevailing facts concerning the actual activities the dogs performed and the perception of danger promoted by the producers during the Aug. 27 episode:
The Elephant Challenge
The dogs had acclimation time with the elephant prior to the challenge. The elephant used for this scene was an older elephant that moved gently and slowly, and many of the scenes indicating the elephant moving at a faster speed were filmed separately, after the dogs had left the location, and were edited into the final program. All elephant trumpeting sounds were also edited into the final program, as the elephant never vocalized during the taping. None of the dogs were aggressive in any manner, all had received obedience training and, at all times, the dogs had the full ability to “break” and go to their owners, who were positioned just a few feet away between the two animals and closest to the dog.
The Stunt Challenge
Appropriate American Humane Guidelines for the Safe Use of Animals in Filmed Media were in place and in effect during all instances in which an American Humane Safety Representative was present. However, the editing of the show for dramatic effect gave a false impression of the amount of conditioning the dogs received prior to the zip line stunt challenge.
The preparation first shown in the episode was done on lower pieces of equipment that did not reflect the size and height of the equipment used in the actual challenge. The large equipment was tested by the professional dog trainer and her trained animals to ensure safety for the contestants and their animals. American Humane was informed by the trainer and production that the contestants progressed to training on the actual 32-foot platform for three days prior to the actual taping and that the harnesses were specially fitted for each dog. The American Humane Safety Rep saw preparations with the trainer’s dogs, where adjustments were made to ensure the zip line functioned smoothly without jerking or pushing the animals in any way. The Safety Rep also witnessed additional preparations with the contestants on the actual equipment, which was done on the day of filming. During the prep, even dogs that did not jump during the taping did so during the prep and did not appear to be stressed. The dramatic introduction that gave the impression that the contestants and the dogs were experiencing this stunt equipment for the first time was not an accurate representation of the preparation that did occur. At no time were the animals forced to do anything they did not want to do.
An Injured Dog
American Humane received many concerns regarding the limping dog. This dog did not display any signs of distress, nor did it limp following the challenge. It is our understanding from the show veterinarian that, after American Humane left the set and the contestants were taking their break before the taping of the judging segment, the owner, J.D., was playing Frisbee with his dog, Galaxy. During that play session, the dog came up lame. The dog was seen in the edited show limping without explanation, giving the impression that the limp was perhaps due to the stunt challenge. Again, it is editing that lends itself to the difference between audience perception and reality, as well as the desire of the producers to heighten the drama of the show. Audiences will find further veterinary explanation in future episodes.
Reality Show vs. Reality
Reality shows are complex productions that elicit a myriad of responses to unusual and unique situations. American Humane’s highly qualified Certified Animal Safety Representatives apply their expertise and years of specialized training to ensure the welfare of the animals that appear in them.
American Humane assures the public that we continue to endeavor to educate the television networks, the production companies and the public about the necessary safety measures that American Humane and society demand. Although these animals were given some preparation, American Humane does not agree with the use of private pets in entertainment. American Humane recommends that only trained animals be used in entertainment. However, the “reality show” venue prefers the unanticipated behavior that ordinary people and their pets can offer and promotes the manipulated, heightened drama that belies true reality.
‘Greatest American Dog’ -- Setting the Record Straight
American Humane finds the inappropriate quoting, usage and interpretation of our humane guidelines for the furthering of an agency or person’s personal agenda to be inexcusable. In the specific instance of the use of a snarl band during the taping of America’s Greatest Dog, episode 104, American Humane would not have allowed the snarl band or the citrus spray action to occur had we been on set.
American Humane monitored some of the challenges in various episodes, but did not oversee any of the activity at the Canine Academy. In accordance with our policy, we cannot issue our “No Animals Were Harmed”® disclaimer unless an American Humane Certified Animal Safety Representative™ monitored significant animal action.
What Our Guidelines Really Say
Pursuant to recent inquiries, misunderstandings and misrepresentations regarding America’s Greatest Dog in particular, and snarl band usage in general, American Humane issues this statement:
In no instance in American Humane’s Guidelines for the Safe Use of Animals in Filmed Media does American Humane specifically refer to snarl bands, and it is inaccurate and irresponsible for certain parties to claim otherwise. Importantly, what we clearly state is:
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Animals should be trained and prepared in advance to perform the required action. -
Costuming and/or props shall be made available to American Humane for inspection prior to filming. Animals shall be adequately conditioned and trained to wear or use all costumes or props. Costuming and/or props shall be comfortable, provide ease of movement, and shall not restrict the animal’s breathing or cause the animal to overheat. -
Tie-downs, waist ties and hobbles shall not be used on animals not properly trained to wear them. -
American Humane recognizes that unique or unforeseen situations may arise that might require on-site judgment differing from these Guidelines. American Humane Certified Animal Safety Representatives will make that judgment in the interest of the safety and welfare of the animal. -
Training and/or cueing equipment such as collars, leashes, muzzles, whips and other devices must be used safely and humanely under the supervision of American Humane Certified Animal Safety Representatives.
American Humane safety reps, while engaged in protecting the welfare of animals on set, make many important decisions according to a multitude of varying instances in any given situation. The interpretation of our Guidelines is based on both the training and experience of our highly qualified and professional Certified Animal Safety Representatives and is in no way open to the random or indiscriminate interpretation by individuals.
This is an example that speaks to the vital importance of professional, trained animal preparation; the exclusive use of positive training methods; and the fundamental overriding significance of the presence of American Humane on set whenever possible. | 
