I've never even heard of this show. And to think that is what is shown on camera. I wonder what she does to the poor dog in private. I wish I could squeeze lemon in her eyes.

Posted by: ian | August 1, 2008 01:38 PM

I have not watched this show because the commercials make me sick enough. I love my dogs and see THEM as the Greatest American Dogs, but would NEVER, EVER subject them to the stresses of performing and living with others as these poor dogs do for the "entertainment" and whatever the prize is for the "winner". Ridiculous. These programs should stick to human humiliation because humans have the ability to say no when they want to.

Posted by: Erin | August 1, 2008 01:49 PM

It is terrible and horrible a show that support the cruelty with animals. Think again and think well this time

Posted by: karina rodriguez | August 1, 2008 02:47 PM

Gosh, that is SO WRONG! What a darling dog! If they keep it up that once darling dog will become not so wonderful due to the stress.

Please execs, CHANGE THIS!

Posted by: Soliel | August 1, 2008 02:48 PM

I was flipping through the channels the other night and came across the show and I saw the judging. I don't support the show because I don't agree with using animals for entertainment but it caught my attention when I heard about the snarl bands which Teresa had used. I didn't even know about the lemon juice or vacuum until I read this! I appreciated judge Victoria Stilwell's comments against Teresa's methods, however, I do think that more needs to be done and I absolutely support the steps you've suggested.

Posted by: Heather | August 1, 2008 04:34 PM

This enrages me more that one can imagine. My husband and I and our 2 daughters have always rescued dogs and we are definitely doggy lovers. To see and read about this little dog reminds me of my daughter and my experience at the vets one day long ago. Some guy with cowboy boots and a huge hat came in and sat across from us with a precious yellow Lab. And he was carrying a squirt bottle. I asked my daughter, why the bottle? Then the pup tried to jump in his lap and this asshole started squirting him! Well, my daughter had to hold me back and our vet came out when he heard the ruckus and told the guy that he could not have him inside his office. And that he did not believe what the asshole was doing was the proper way to teach his dog any manners.
This is pure and simple cruelty. I wish someone could hold this person down and squirt lemon in their eyes for a couple hours, or more.
Unfortunately sweet little Leroy is going to suffer a lot of physiological problems caused by who else, a human being. A nasty Bunch, most of them! I have never watched this show of cruelty and I never shall. Lock this person up and charge them with cruelty to animals.

Peace for all animals!
Most of my heroes wear masks!

Posted by: Judith FFFA | August 1, 2008 05:04 PM

It's really time now that people start to think! Animals are not put in this world for human abuse, amusement, entertainment, killing etc. So once more i'm repeating to all the bored and boring folks outthere: entertain yourselves without using animals! Respect their dignity and respect your own dignity - because if someone doesn't respect the dignity of other living beings he has no dignity inside himself and is just a head- and heartless jerk!

Posted by: SHAWSHANK REDEMPTION | August 1, 2008 05:06 PM

Great letter, Lisa!!

Shows like this, along with several shows on Bravo, America's Funniest Home Videos, and several Animal Planet shows, have animal abuse shown each week.

Personally I would love to know the sponsors of these shows so I can put on my blog that we should boycott them!!

It's the money that matters to these boneheads, and the attention that the owners get from being on tv. We need to hit them where it hurts - in the wallet.

(I'm sure it would hurt to hit them in other places too, but I don't advocate violence LOL)

Posted by: Maya, CVT | August 1, 2008 05:14 PM

Normally I never watch entertainment shows featuring animals (especially I will never watch or attend another circus!) but since these dogs are "owned" by the contestants, I figured they'd be treated humanely. For the most part, they are. Their" "people" are very loving to them. However I did see Theresa treating Leroy very abusively especially when she used the snarl band on him. He hated it. The judges did point out to Theresa, who was in the bottom 3 at the end of the show, that she was being very abusive to her dog, yet they sent home another contestant with a darling English bull dog because they didn't care for the picture from his dog's photo shoot whose action was he had to look lazy. They said that the lazy look is very easy to accomplish and he didn't do it right. Even though they did address Theresa as being abusive to Leroy, they sent home (I forgot the man's name) and his dog Tillman.One of the judges is Victoria Stilwell who is on Animal Planet's show "It's Me Or The Dog". She is a phenomenal animal trainer to people who have really bad behavior issues with their dogs. She is English and this takes place in the Untied Kingdom but she only uses positive reinforcement and never is abusive to any of her customers' dogs. But she should have sent home Theresa since Victoria was the one who chastised Theresa for her abusive treatment of LeRoy.

Posted by: Rex's Mom | August 1, 2008 05:30 PM

When I saw this "trainer" do this to Leroy, I was in shock that they would even show this. Lemon in your eye, OUCH! One time my sister got lemon in her eye and she was screaming and ran to the bathroom to wash it off. Leroy can't run to wash it off because his owner is too busy trying to win a competition. Remember executives, be careful with what you show on the show because some ignorant viewer will try this at home and laugh. This my friends is no laughing matter.

Posted by: Juliana | August 1, 2008 05:37 PM

This deranged woman's name is Teresa Hanula and I fear for any animals that enter her "Colossal Canines" training facility in Fairfax, VA. Can you believe she advertises herself as offering positive reinforcement training?!? This is just a helpful reminder that anybody enlisting services for their animals: never leave them alone. Always insist on being present during any training session - the good ones won't object.

Posted by: Desiree | August 1, 2008 05:46 PM

If the show has any regular advertisers, call these companies and let them know you won't buy their products while this garbage goes on—that'll hopefully put an end to it.

Posted by: Mike Quinoa | August 1, 2008 06:04 PM

Sorry but I got to say some things here.

First of all I have a problem with PETA attacking ONLY Teresa - why aren't you complaining about Prestin's owner who TOLD Teresa and SUPPLIED her with the snarl bands to begin with? Why aren't you specifically attacking the SHOW for having angry as a category? She was only trying to complete the task given to her. How else could she show that her dog was angry? Not saying that that excuses the behavior - she should have refused to do that task; but you must fault the show. Also, the judges did tell her that what she did was inhumane and she was in the bottom three. I don't think she intends to harm her dog, she was just getting frustrated. If anyone on this show is guilty of animal abuse it's Bella Starlet's psychotic owner!

Posted by: Phill | August 1, 2008 06:54 PM

I agree completely that Leroy has been mistreated. I was certain that the judges would vote Teresa off after finding out that she used a snarl band for the photo shoot. Tillman and his daddy were so much fun to watch! It won't be the same show without them!

Posted by: Jennifer T. | August 1, 2008 07:05 PM

Thanks PETA for defending this dog from abuse. This show really does set a bad example. My friends at work all know I train my dogs alot. They all suggested I watch the show. Since tv and I are not regular friends I missed it. Now I am glad I did. I have been advised several times by 'dog trainers' to use shocks, sprays, and other archaic means to control my big energetic dog. I just always felt these were inapropriate suggestions and discovered better ways to work with my friend. As a result he trusts me and gives me all the attention and love he can. If he cannot do something I need him to do I take my time and figure out some creative way to show him how with just positive rewards. Sprays etc are for really dumb people who have not learned to talk with their dogs. When the spray doesn't work then its shocks, when the shock doesn't work then its boot kicks. There is no end to this type of cruelty once the trainer starts using trauma and force. This is the same thing I saw with horse trainers and the same thing we've seen with the bad elephant trainers. People need to know they can use kindness and rewards to work with their dogs/horses/elephants/etc. Maybe even their kids! The show executives should be asked to present the trainer as an example of failed training and then have a demonstraion of how to achieve the same things using positive rewards. I am sure the collie would jump for joy if treated correctly, truely abusing a border collie...such a sensitive dog, pure ignorance.

Posted by: sundance | August 1, 2008 08:31 PM

im so happy that peta picks up the little things and actualy does something about it other than waiting around until it excalades! i wish i could slap that owner across the face what a bitch! they dont deserve to even own an animal!

Posted by: sarah | August 1, 2008 09:38 PM

Poor little helpless animal, Somethig has to be done.

Posted by: Adi | August 1, 2008 10:29 PM

I posted a message on the GAD board. This show is horrible and should be taken OFF the air. Here is my message:
I dont know how a person who uses abusive techniques can claim they are "training".
Squirting water or lemon juice in a dogs face is not a a training technique...its abuse.
Also, scaring a dog with a vacuum cleaner and always yelling at the dog, is also abuse.
The whole snarl band thing is just disgusting.
This show is disgusting. Teresa should be ashamed of herself.
I feel sorry for those dogs, having to "perform" for television.
Im sure some of these people truly care about thier pets, but this show is not right.
Teresa is abusing a dog on televison under the guise of some stupid contest.
She says in her bio that she treats her dog like royalty.
Maybe the court jester...that would be more like it.
Royalty does not get lemon squirted in his eyes or have vacuum cleaners used to terrify him.
She is a horrible pet parent and should be charged with animal abuse.
Someone should put a snarl band on that beotch

Posted by: Christina | August 2, 2008 12:23 AM

I saw the show in question and the judges did make a point of saying her methoids were inhumane, but did not vote her off. Dog shows are always a bad idea, and this just proves it. She should not be around animals and glorified on tv while doing so.

Posted by: Vegan | August 2, 2008 01:43 AM

This is disgraceful- u should treat your pets with compassion- they are not
play dough you have to mould by pushing them. Poor dogs

Posted by: Rory | August 2, 2008 03:15 AM

This is just wrong i wish I could squirt lemon juice in her face and stick a vaccum up her ass....what a bitch!!! People like this don't deserve to have a dog like that...they should take the dog away from her...Please execs, take this horrible show off the air!!!!

Posted by: Lindsay | August 2, 2008 12:17 PM

This show is dumb... it just adds to the idea of using animals for human benifit

Posted by: Morgan | August 2, 2008 02:35 PM

I saw this, and was appalled she was not voted off.

Posted by: Kelly | August 2, 2008 03:10 PM

what I don't understand is why they would ask any of the contestants to make their dog appear "angry" for the camera in the first place. also, one of the judges told teresa that using snarl bands was "inhumane" during judging, yet she wasn't the one to be sent home! also, they told the crazy woman who dresses her dog up that by dressing a dog up you're covering up other dogs ability to read important body language when meeting, yet she's still on the show as well- isn't hindering a dog's instinct and allowing them to protect themselves inhumane as well? those judges can't pretend to be "animal advocates" if they allow this behavior to continue.

Posted by: tara | August 2, 2008 03:41 PM

The field of "dog trainer" is one of the worst

It attracts either the completely inadequate that can't help anybody, or the cruel and demented

But they all claim to have "credentials" which are meaningless because anybody can set up a trainer "certification" scam

It's all a scam

Posted by: kelly | August 2, 2008 03:50 PM

Wow.. this really hit a sore spot! Poor defenseless little pets...I am curious to know, Did this Teresa abuser get cited for animal cruelty? Did someone give this Teresa abuser a taste of her own lemon juice? I certainly hope so. I am a devout dog lover and this is incomprehensible! I could never imagine something so haneous as this happening to my own pets, let alone read about someone else doing this terribly abusive cruel act to their own, on public television yet! Pets are living beings as we are human and should be treated as such. Be it any animal for that matter, all share the same physical, and emotional "pain" levels. It certainly doesn't give humans the right to control and treat any animals this way and it needs to STOP NOW! There are no words to express my sadness towards cute "Little Leroy" and any further abuse he may have endured by this sick woman. She doesn't deserve to be a pet owner. She most certainly does NOT deserve Leroy! It doesn't matter how long ago it was, but that it did in fact happen, and proof of her abuse and animal cruelty was exposed on public television. To post this kind of abuse on public television is outragious! This Teresa person should never be allowed to EVER be a pet owner or trainer. Clearly stated she is cruel and abusive! I personally think these kinds of programs invite further public humiliation and abuse towards pets/animal and needs to banned and those who abuse should be prosecuted!...I feel helpless and just venting!

Posted by: Anonymous | August 2, 2008 03:54 PM

I KNEW IT WHEN I FIRST SAW THAT SHOW ADVERTISED!!! HAS ANYONE SEEN TO IT THAT THE POOR DOG WAS REMOVED FROM THAT HEARTLESS, SOULESS, LOVELESS BITCH!!! IF SHE SO BLATANTLY ABUSES THIS BEAUTIFUL, LOVING BEING ON AIRE, WE CAN IMAGINE, NAY, KNOW WHAT SHES DOING AT HOME WITH HIM. BEHIND CLOSED DOORS
I AM SICK OF SITTING BACK, QUIETLY PROTESTING!!! IT SEEMS THESE "THING" ONLY UNDERSTAND WHATS IT THEIR FACE!! THESE "PRODUCTS - OF - SATAN" HAVE GOT TO BE STOPPED!!! SOME OF THE MOST INNOCENT, SENTIENT BEINGS ARE BEING TORMENTED AND TORTURED, BEINGS CAPABLE OF FEELING TERRORIZING FEAR, HORRIFIC AGONY, BUT ALSO UNCONDITIONAL LOVE. SOMETHING MOST HUMANS DO NOT UNDERSTAND.

Posted by: junemarie | August 3, 2008 01:58 AM

I am absolutely astonished that some people posted comments here basically blaming the tv show for what this woman did! I "train" (+evaluate) dogs for free at several local animal shelters (as well as at home and for friends)...with ONLY positive reinforcement!!!
If I were a contestant on this show and I had picked "angry"...I would have tried my very best to get my dog to "smile"...and possibly tried "painting" her upper gums with peanut butter (when dogs lick that off you might get a shot where they may appear to show off their teeth)...or maybe just "take a stand" and hopefully sort of "look intimidating" just by standing real tall with her head real high or looking down...and/or possibly try to get her to leave her k9 teeth overlapping her lower jaw (happens naturally to almost all dogs occasionally) and maybe ask the photographer/camera to get underneath her head to make her look even bigger...or etc.(...get creative people!)......and if after all that effort with *only* positive reinforcement my photo ends up being the worst and I have to pack up and go home I could do so with my dogs (and my) head held up high!
Plus...there are a lot more episodes to come...it's way more likely that this lady will go home than be crowned the winner! (No matter what happens on the show...in the end...in my book she will be a loser either way for what she did!) And if she does not win...would all that abuse have been worth it to her...will her dog ever look at her the same?
I also read one comment on how the snarl bands were suggested/supplied by another contestant (Prestin's handler)...but in the end it is still your decision what you do to your dog! (Just because my neighbor believes in head halters makes me no fan of them...and I have told him the pros and cons too!) This woman is an adult, right? Able to make her own decisions? (Plus...if I had to choose between the snarl bands and the lemon juice...just from my own experience...lemon juice in the eye is quite painful...and I have actually had some dentist rubber bands put around my teeth for over an hour...and I would rather have that done again than be blind-sided with lemon juice or water in my face/eyes!)
I'm not her dog...but even if we are going to blame the other contestant for the snarl band...the lemon juice and water were still her idea, right?
By the way: all the contestants had at least a whole evening (+ part morning) to figure out how to pose/train their dog and were allowed to use props (what about using a stuffed cat and making her dog look even slightly unhappy?)...and yet that is all she came up with? They also got a whole hour with an animal photographer that was pretty helpful...yet all she did to her dog visibly upset the poor thing!
And after all that she *LIED* (or is oblivious to her dogs feelings) to the judges about her dogs behavior during the photo shoot! She stated something to the effect of "her dog didn't mind the snarl band and had a fun time at the photo shoot"!
Obviously the judges do not get to see the video of the photo shoot (like the tv audience) they only get to see the results (photos of the dogs) and what the owners have to say/admit to...because I absolutely believe that she would have been asked to leave (or thrown out) if they would have seen that poor animal suffering at her hands just for a photo/tv show! =(

Posted by: Marsi | August 3, 2008 02:33 AM

Ugh. I hate shows like this. People who can't train a dog right shouldn't have a dog at all.

Posted by: Shantay | August 3, 2008 05:19 AM

WHY WAS THE DOG NOT TAKEN FROM HER? WHY ARE CHARGES NOT FILED AGAINST HER FOR ANIMAL ABUSE? I THOUGHT IT WAS AGAINST THE LAW TO ABUSE ANIMALS? AND THE PEOPLE THAT WITNESSED THIS WHY DIDN'T THEY STOP HER? IF YOU TELL ME WHERE SHE LIVES I WILL DO THE SAME TO HER!!!!!!!!!!

Posted by: Pam McConnell | August 3, 2008 05:24 AM

so sad to read something like this...i hate ignorant people i really do

Posted by: aaron | August 3, 2008 04:39 PM

What was up with the photographer? It would have been so easy to say I am sorry I do not film cruelty to animals. As for the comments that says you would spray her in the face, little good that would I am sure she has stuff sprayed in her face quite regularly! LOL A little lemon water would not go unnoticed.

Posted by: Crystal | August 3, 2008 05:47 PM

poor puppy! that makes me so sad to hear that lemon juice was used, that would sting so bad! one thing that I do not really agree with, however, is wanting to put lemon juice in the owner's eyes. we know that it hurts the dog and causes him stress, so why would we want to inflict that pain on any other living creature-be it dog, human, horse, monkey, etc? I think that the owner needs to be educated about her actions and the conzequences they have. I do not think that violence towards the owner is the answer though. We must have love for animals, and if not love for humans, at least respect for the living creatures they are and a willingness to educate them about our views on animals.

Posted by: sam | August 4, 2008 01:45 AM

I never heard of the show until it was made fun of on The Soup (E!).

Regardeless, let's throw some lemon in her face and see how she likes it. When she misbehaves, let's put something up to her that makes a loud noise and bothers her. I understand animals need to be trained and what not, but to spray lemon it the dogs face seems harsh.

I can't even believe the show would air that part of the episode. You would think they would want to cut it out and hide that footage.

Hopefully she'll be eliminated and poor little Leroy will be spared from more abuse. However, can you imagine how she must treat him when she is at her own house with him?

Posted by: BBR | August 4, 2008 10:58 AM

That is truly upsetting. It's ignorance like this that spreads. I can't believe she was allowed on that show. Like many others have stated, it's behavior like this that is remembered, and people will think that she's doing the right thing since she calls herself a dog trainer.

Border Collies are one of my favorite breeds. Like many have said, they are extremely sensitive to psychological stress. That poor dog should be removed from her care so he isn't permanently scarred. She shouldn't be allowed to "train" another dog again.

Posted by: Kayla | August 4, 2008 11:30 AM

I was outraged at the behavior of this trainer towrads her dog Leroy! She is a harsh and inhumane individual!!
I was also sickened by the fact that she was not automatically disqualified from the competition and show...not to mention the fact she should have charges pressed against her for animal cruelty. Tillman and his owner had a wonderful relationship! I was mortified that they were eliminated instead of the torturing Teresa! Leroy should be taken away from her immediately!!!!I will never watch this show again! The show and network should be ashamed!!!!

Posted by: Anna | August 4, 2008 12:27 PM

I can't believe that people are still so dismissive and callous about animal welfare that these atrocious acts would be considered 'training'. I hate to see how 'Teresa' treats her dogs when no cameras are filming her.

She is not a legiotimate 'trainer' but an animal abuser, just like puppy mills & pet shops. And for any network to air that trash just to provoke for ratings need to be sent a strong message from Peta, HSUS and all animal advocates. I never heard of it but shows like America's
Funniest
Videos & Outrareous Videos frequently show 'hilarious' videos involving mistreatment of dogs, cats, & other animals. Outrageous had a shelter cat feautured for adoption on a news show. The cat was stressed, they had him with a collar & leash, with cameras & people around. He was scared out his wits and attacked the reporter wildly scratching & jumping on this news guy. They showed it over & over & for what? It's sad & depressing that the poor cat was homeless & in a shelter to start with. Then his actions didn't help in someone adopting him. Yet this show sensationalized the agonized frightened animal for months. DAre people that hard up for entertainment that they enjoy seeing a distressed shelter animal going beserk. What is wrong with some human beings. And these supposedly sophisticated smart TV executives in charge of programming screen this stuff and allow it on the air. I have no hope for big changes in attitudes about animals in my lifetime. They mean nothing to the entertainment industry except the bottom line-- exploitation for profit.

Posted by: Gina | August 4, 2008 01:37 PM

In response to Sam's commment:
I believe those who have spoken out about the spraying of lemon juice in the owners eyes is to simply give the owner a taste of her own medicine...see how she would like it, and how she would personally react to the pain of it all. Maybe then she would think twice before doing it to her own pet. All around, it was a very cruel and heartless act on her part and I certainly hope she does NOT do this or inflict further abuse upon her pet behind closed doors. And this applies to all trainers. Its vicious!

Posted by: anonymous | August 4, 2008 02:37 PM

Listen, I totally agree that dog guardians are 100 percent to blame for their actions, and I think that this kind of "training" qualifies as cruelty. How can people be so stupid?

HOWEVER, I do not think we should let the show's producers off the hook!! Of course people who treat animals badly have to be punished for their behavior.

But this show, for example, tells people that they won't win unless their dog acts a certain way. The dog has to "perform" these random, stupid tricks and flawlesssly in the judge's eyes.

This gives a terrible message to tv viewers, who may be first time dog owners. It tells them that this is how pros treat their companions, and that it's okay to treat them like this.

Other shows like America's Funniest Home videos and other shows reward people for unspeakable animal abuse. These shows need to be thrashed off the air, and I hope PETA will help with that.

Thank you.

Posted by: Maya, CVT | August 4, 2008 03:10 PM

GO PETA FOR GETTING AFTER THEM ABOUT THAT!!

Posted by: erika | August 4, 2008 08:27 PM

i think that they should all be ashamd of themselves and put off the show, animals are living things just like human, me,and you. i would not squeeze lemon in the owner's eyes, or shove a vaccuum in her face, i would just take the poor dog from her, and cancel the stupid show,we'll all do something abbout it and we'll do it soon!

Posted by: nadia | August 4, 2008 11:17 PM

Sickening, truly sickening.
That deranged woman seriously needs to reconsider her 'training techniques'. Because everbody knows lemon juice in the eye will actually make you, y'know, growl instead of running away in agony.

Posted by: L | August 5, 2008 07:13 AM

It's not wrong to want to squeeze lemon juice in 'Teresa'a' eyes. It's a natural reaction to a subhuman who abuses defenseless animals that can't fight back. I would volunteer to squeeze a whole lemon in here eyes with camerals rolling. It's called payback, an eye for an eye. Believe me, that bit** knows how much it would hurt, yet did it to an innocent puppy anyway, why, because she could.

Posted by: Gina | August 5, 2008 03:31 PM

AMEN, Gina! And I would help!

Peace for all animals!
Most of my heroes wear masks!

Posted by: Judith FFFA | August 5, 2008 04:39 PM

I watched that show once. I love my dogs and I enjoy watching well trained dogs. If they are trained compassionately. What I read here is so unacceptable to me. I can't imagine them thinking that is ok to air.

Posted by: Joe Pike | August 5, 2008 06:12 PM

I haven't even seen the show and reading all of these disgusts me. Just because the poor pup can't cry or say no apparently means that he was "enjoying the shoot" like what a dumbass trainer. My Husky that I have now was abused for 3 years before I got her, it took a while for her to even trust me but now she follows me around the house like a lost puppy. My friend told me to use one of those electrical collars cuz she wouldn't heal at first when I was trainging her and I said If I'm not about to try it, neither is she. Its called a decent trainer who shows you how to handle your dog right infront of you. Making you do the commands so that the dog learns to trust you. Not lemon in her eyes or any other cruel thing you can think up of. I find the happier you are while training your dog the better the response you get back. And when you yell at a dog, do you really think it understands you..uh no! Its like me going to france or germany and having them yell at me!(I don't speak french or german obvy) and just because you yell louder doesn't mean they start to understand you..c'mon people get real. That lady should not own that dog, and that show should be off the air.

Posted by: Michie Herr | August 5, 2008 06:19 PM

Gina...luv' your response!!! :O)
Take that to the producers!

Posted by: anonymous | August 5, 2008 08:01 PM

I Watched the show! And when i saw her do those things i got angry. I am a groomer and a dog educator to owners and i would never have done those things to my dog's or any other dog. And to think that she dog sits and trainer i am very scared to let her train my dog's,i love Border collies and they are so voice sensitive, There are 100 ways to train and border collies are the Albert Einstein of the dog world.So this make me tremble and i hope she will get cast off.

Posted by: lexi | August 5, 2008 09:33 PM

i feel that nothing leroys owner did was wrong. Lemon juice in the mouth is bitter like alot of products sold in pet stores, the vaccum cleaner, who hasent played with thier dog with one i know i have its a game my dog loves. The snarl bands are harmless they hurt the dog in no way. The training techniques she used were harmless by all means and did not affect the dogs attitude at all. I good trainer can use these techniques and get results with no harm to their dogs then or later. I suggest peta focus on more important issues like real abused animals or is there no money in that. And by the way i own a border-aussie mix that would love to be doing the things on that show.

Posted by: heidi nash | August 7, 2008 01:28 AM

I have had several different breeds of dogs in my life and adopted a border collie five years ago. They are incredibly intelligent animals. Teresa, dogs have nerve endings just like people and feel pain, both physically and emotionally. What part of dog "training 101" didn't you get? This beautiful animal deserves a loving and KIND home, you are not that. Shame on all who allowed this to happen.

Posted by: Dawn | August 7, 2008 11:46 AM

Heidi Nash, YOU HAVE GOT TO BE KIDDING!

Posted by: Dawn | August 7, 2008 01:40 PM

When she squirted the acid in Leroy's eyes and wrapped the tight band around it's snout it made me cry. What a terrible thing to do to such a lovely dog like Leroy.

Posted by: Bruce | August 7, 2008 07:03 PM

I just saw that episode today and for all who didn't see it or the series I'll tell you that not only did she do those things PETA mentioned to her dog Leroy she yells at him ON EVERY EPISODE I HAVE WATCHED!

Posted by: konstantina | August 7, 2008 10:44 PM

Those judges certainly made a mistake, by letting Teresa and Leroy stay on. Where they sleeping that time? They try to act so tough, especially Victoria and Wendy and make nasty rude remarks to the dog owners. They make me sick, and I feel cheat. Hey judges practice what you preach about inhumane. Get those three judges off the set totally! Big disappointment for this show, the producer should soon realize this.

Posted by: Lisa | August 11, 2008 08:17 PM

Thank you for standing up and saying the treatment of some of these dogs is reprehensible. The dogs are put into stressful situations and their too-competitive parents/owners are completely misguided and wrong. You could tell that even during the photo shoot the photographer was appalled at the treament of the dog being forced to snarl. She should have spoken up then. CBS needs to prove they are about the welfare of a dog not ratings. I will not be watching this show anymore. Who knows how these dogs are treated off-camera or if someone would try to emulate the trainers on this show and damage their dog's psyche in the process. These dogs are being asked to lose their dignity to perform unnatural behavior. SHAME ON CBS!

Posted by: Camille Blake | August 12, 2008 04:59 PM

i don't think that bella starlet's owner should be puting ANY clothes on her dog!! bella starlet already has her fur coat! idon't think that it's the shows fault, although i don't agree that "angry" was a very good choice as a category. i couldn't bare to watch teresa spray leroy in the face with the lemon juice which i actually thought was water until i read that it was lemon juice! and when she put those snarl bands on him i had to change the channel! i am SO GLAD that leroy didn't let her get away with it and he BIT HER!! YAY LEROY! i just can't wait until bella starlet's owner gets kicked off along with leroy's owner, teresa!!! oh, and i hope that preston's owner and presley's owner start dating! that would be really nice!

Posted by: ashley | August 12, 2008 05:46 PM

I am very shocked by what I have been reading- not by what supposedly has happened to Leroy but by the ignorant comments in response to what people think they see! All I will say is that the producers knew exactly how they could get controversy (can you say editing) and it didn't matter who they took down. If you want to crucify someone the real bad guys are the creators of this show- every episode they make bad choices in how to get "reality tv", from demanding that dogs perform for hours on end in 100 degree heat to feeding them fatty human foods that make them sick! I can't imagine what a person who isn't a trainer and doesn't know their dog well could have done to try to promote an "angry" response. It looked like Teresa was just trying to do the least aversive thing to get her dog to snarl and obviously he wasn't annoyed in the least! Squirting water at a dog is commonly used in training because it DOES NOT hurt them it just redirects their attention, and not EVERY dog hates vacuums. You are generalizing all animals and as you should know not every animal is the same. Teresa was given bad advice by someone who has repetitively and effectively used snarl bands (which are approved by the Humane Association under the correct circumstances) and yet she is getting flack for having them on her dog for 10 seconds! I am an avid supporter of animal welfare and think your attentions to this show are completely misplaced. You should be focusing on cases of true abuse and improper animal use.

Posted by: Sara | August 13, 2008 09:04 PM

I am a PETA member, and I am very disappointed that basic background information wasn't researched before the organizaiton attacked Teresa. First, this show is trying to create controversy and build viewers, and we are shown very little of what really happens in training. Second, Teresa was not spraying anything into Leroy's eyes--it was at his mouth. She also tried putting lemon and peanutbutter on his gums and other ideas to get the snarl (which she didn't want to teach Leroy to do). Nothing worked. Second, snarl bands are approved by the humane society--they are similar to gentle leaders. Third, Teresa trained my puppy, and I know both her and Leroy. I researched several trainers before choosing Teresa--my baby was very shy and skittish and I had recently lost my heart dog. I was very picky about who was going to teach my dog basic obedience. Teresa is totally positive in all training, and she is opposed to any type of cruelty to animals. She also made the training fun. My puppy loved her classes--dragged me to the door, loved Teresa (did anything for her)--and the same held true for all the dogs in the class. Nina is now a well-behaved and happy dog; and Teresa played a huge role in making that happen. Also, I've seen Teresa and Leroy together. Leroy adores her, and she adores Leroy. It is a beautiful and positive relationship. Please condemn people who are truly cruel to animals, not people who love animals and are portrayed on TV as something they are not. Feel free to contact me,

Lynda Van Kuren

Posted by: Lynda | August 22, 2008 11:43 AM

I was so excited to watch this program, but after seeing this episode where this poor baby doggy was abused, I cannot continue to watch. Even when the judges labeled these actions as inhumane, they continued to allow this animal abusing jerk to remain on the show. I will take the advice of a previous posting and contact the companies that advertise and support their show and tell them how displeased I am with them supporting the actions of animal abuse.

Posted by: Regina Cain | August 23, 2008 01:36 AM

Ok, folkes,its time to set some things straight. I am a dog breeder and love animals,but lets understand somethings. A Snarl band is just a tiny clear elastic band. They are used in movies. And they are in no way considered inhumane. It's about as uncomfortable for a dog as having their teeth brushed. Why dont we leave Teresa alone and focus on real inhumane acts

Posted by: john | August 26, 2008 11:01 AM

I haven't watched this series a whole lot, however, after watching a couple of shows I was really interested in seeing an application for it and while looking for when the next audition will be I found this disturbing information ( at least so I thought ) So being curious what actually happened I watched that whole show... NO WHERE did I find severe animal abuse or neglect. I saw a person that had no idea how to get her dog to express "Angry". Lemon juice with a water bottle is not painful...whould I use it? no don't have to but it's a very simple unharmful way to train any animal. it's just a better way then using a damn shock collar! and the whole vacumn cleaner... she never put the hose on the dogs nose cuz the dog never let her. the dog bite her and yes she got mad yes her fault but again no animal abuse. and the snarl band yes uncomfortable but not harmful and the trainers let her know that was not the idea of the game and did let her know that was wrong. this show in no way is hurting any animals and the only reason i would love to go to it is to see how well my dog would fair and i think she would have so much fun during it. i agree with regina in the last post... focus on the real inhumane acts then something that was done out of plain misunderstanding... i work in a pet store where sadly enough i talk to people everyday that plainly don't understand their animal and feel that shocking them is the easiest solution. when i give them a choice of signing up for dog training for if the less then the price of the collar they give me the reason of they don't have time to go to a class 1 day a week for an hour.... here is a girl that her dog does love and trust her and never have i seen the dog go in fear from her and everyone wants to drive her to the ground honestly plain sad

Posted by: Anna | August 27, 2008 09:35 PM

The TV show, America's Greatest Dog had dogs perform a ridiculous and inhumane challenge to go down a zip line. If humans want to do this- fine. But dogs should not be forced to do something so 'undog' like. This show has done some crazy things, but tonight's show was the worse.

Posted by: Debbie | August 27, 2008 10:51 PM

I think someone should squirt lemon in her face spin her aorund and let her walk into oncoming traffic.

Posted by: Kimberly Whalen | August 31, 2008 12:54 PM

This only proves just how far CBS would go for viewings and entertainment.
Any of you remember Kid Nation where they forced 40 kids to go into a ghost town and force them to live on their own (not really since it IS a show). Like, the 15 year old I have no problem with (because he has reached a certain level of maturity and responsibility) but sending an 8 year old to the camp?!
Ridiculous!

Posted by: Bob | September 3, 2008 08:54 PM

This show should be cancelled. Who thinks of subjecting dogs not once, but twice, to an elephant? Who in their right mind wants their dog to jump from deadly heights? How would the dog know its ok now (with a harness), but not next week from a 2 story window? The judges are inconsistent in their comments and may not know as much as they think. This is not a good show!

Posted by: Debbie Rogers | September 10, 2008 10:43 PM

Of all of the dogs, I found Leroy the most likeable. I did not agree with the judges that barking was a real issue (for crying out loud, he's a dog), but now that I see how he was yelled at throughout the season, I kind of cringe to think of what he had to endure in all of the years of training so that the world can see all of the cutesy tricks he does. Whether the water, lemon juice, snarl band, vacuum, etc., was right or wrong - I don't care - but I do know that all of that screaming directly at him can't be good for poor Leroy. And while I did not like what Hanula did to Leroy in the hopes of gaining more exposure and winning a quarter of a million dollars (how many of us can say that an opportunity for fame, money and financial stability would not change us?), I do not think that Leroy should have been penalized by not being shown at all in the finale. Either way, Leroy is my homeboy.

Posted by: Leroy is My Homeboy | September 12, 2008 02:20 PM

i can appreciate all of the comments that i have read here and i'm still trying to digest some of them. please understand that i'm not a member of PETA and not typically a fan but i do try to understand you. i am an animal lover. i do believe that animals should be treated with respect, but SOME of the things that people do are not as cruel as you may think and many trainers or veterinarians actually recommend them in some cases (particularly a squirt bottle of water...i would never think of using lemon or other sour or possibly stinging substances). i certainly do not agree with teresa's use of the snarl band, but i do no believe that leroy was hurt by it (it would be the equivalent of a tight scruncii on your wrist). she obviously wasn't training her dog but finding an easy way out. i must also say that i know no one who is perfect and i have yet to find a person that hasn't been frustrated and yelled at their pet on occasion. again, not that it is right, but people yell at their children and each other so what makes anyone think that the household pet won't get the same treatment sometimes. thanks for allowing me to comment here and i would appreciated any return comments that may help educate me further.

Posted by: francene | September 26, 2008 05:51 AM