The voice of reason and I say that as a vegetarian and owner of three dogs. Yes, it was a stupid idea (the producer's no doubt) and toy dogs would have been funny, but I think some people are over reacting. Some of the adjectives being used are OTT e.g. horrendous.

I didn't think it was horrendous, I wouldn't even say it was cruel.
But it was totally unecessary to use real dogs as "props".

Especially ones that *might* have seen 101 Dalmatians and be scared of Cruella De Vill

I bet this makes Points of View on Sunday

In which case, the BBC will bring on a vet and a dog psychologist, to defend their use.
"We're right, you're wrong" as usual.

Joking apart, I don't think they will, it isn't trivial enough...But there again....

I thought all the showbiz luvvies knew the old adage: "Never work with animals or children" simply because they don't necessarily follow the script!

Anyway, I'm sure the dogs were fine once backstage. The producers should just be thankful that they didn't show their displeasure by partaking of a bodily function just as Judy was revving up.

I couldn't watch live this week, so read the "OMG, those dogs were terrified" comments and worried about what happened.

When I watched it, I just saw a couple of dogs being a bit stubborn, refusing to go onto the dance-floor, but not scared. Every dog owner has seen similar body language from their dog when they don't want to do something. I accept it was a bit daft, and the noise, bright lights and action of a live tv studio was asking for trouble, but not at all cruel.

I realise that people expressing concern may not have owned dogs, so can't tell the difference between a 'stubborn' dog and a 'scared' dog. Expressing a concern, and wondering if they were OK is reasonable. Claiming it is definitely animal cruelty is ridiculous, and utterly disproportionate.

Exactly!

I bet the dogs would have put up more of a fight if they were being dragged into a vet's surgery.

Agreed, and no need for a three page thread on what was a couple of dogs who seemed fine to me

I know many have lost their way in our new health and safety neutered world, but doing the same to animals is borderline cruelty. What next - no washing machines or hair dryers allowed in houses in case poor delicate Fido (the German Shepherd) is traumatised by the noise?

I've seen more TERROR from dogs being told to get down from the sofa.

I've realised why the dogs were so reluctant to take to the floor. They'd spotted the giant Bonio in Ola's hair, and the sausage Anton had in his trousers just couldn't compare.

The Dalmies were far better than Judy!

I was tempted to suggest that Frankie's broom was better than Judy but I would not stoop so low.

Yes, if Frankie's broom and Judy were in the dance-off, it would have made a "clean sweep" of the judges votes.

Youre right, it was'nt. On the other hand it isn't necessary to have a Halloween Show, a Movie Themed show etc etc but they do.

I have been around dogs, of many different breeds since I was a baby and I have also owned and bred dogs, since I have had a home of my own and the two lads I have at the moment are happily trying to squeeze me off the sofa as they stretch out to take up all four seats for themselves!

They are all individuals and different things spark off different reactions just as would happen to us. As they were trained working dogs I would have expected them to have coped with the situation, had they been familiarised properly....however they didnt. and they were quickly removed. They weren't traumatised, it wasn't horrendous and it wasn't cruel...it just didn't work out, this time, I'm sure their trainer settled them quickly and will take steps to make sure they are better prepared for their task the next time. As for making complaints to the BBC for animal cruelty, that is ridiculous...if youre really worried about animals being terrified complain about the use of fireworks for Halloween, Bonfire Night, New Years Eve which carry on long before and after the event both during the day and late at night. It sounds like the Battle of the Somme where I live and yes my lads are spooked.....that is real cruelty.

I have no intention of making a complaint about animal cruelty- I DO have a sense of perspective.

However I am bemused by your comment that I have put in bold.
It is totally irrelevant to what we are discussing

Whats not to understand?.........It isnt necessary to use animals I agree. It isn't necessary to have themed shows but they have them because producers think the public will enjoy them and they will gain more viewers. The dogs were used to enhance the 101 Dalmatians Cruella de Ville theme, the Halloween theme experience.....if it was a normal SCD no animals would have been used because there would have been no need!

As this is a "show," it would have been funnier if Anton had dragged on some stuffed toy dalmatians.
But maybe it was considered their "performance" might have reflected badly on that of Judy.

Those little battery ones that walk, sit down, bark, then do a somersault?
Definitely would have scored higher!

Goodness' sake. A pair of TRAINED pooches, their owner paid, DIDN'T go on the dancefloor because they were nervous.

In the scheme of things thinking this is 'cruel' is a bit nuts in my opinion.

Top hats and cane-ines would have been fine.

The milliner in the wardrobe department should be disciplined

Nah! Bruno has already done that.

I didn't like seeing the dogs - I felt sorry for them - the noise and lights must have been bad for them.

I can just imagine the judge's reactions to that

"You came out... you were entertaining.... it's a ten from Len!"