Woodbridge Pup To Appear On 'America's Top Dog' Competition Show

WOODBRIDGE, VA — Murph, an underdog from Woodbridge, will compete in A&E's "America's Top Dog" for a chance to win more than $25,000. Woodbridge residents can cheer on Murph and his trainer, Chrissy Garzon, next Tuesday, July 13, at 8 p.m.

Murph and Garzon will take on a large obstacle course designed to test their speed, agility, trust, and teamwork. They will face off against other dogs in the show's "underdog" category.

When he was first rescued, competing on "America's Top Dog" seemed out of the question for Murph. He had issues with resource guarding and also escaped at every opportunity.

David Black/A&E 2021

"He was an absolute terror," Garzon said. "He escaped every crate that I put him in."

Garzon was spurred to train Murph after her then-boyfriend considered taking him to the shelter. Garzon's heart had other ideas.

"I took a chance," Garzon said as she choked back tears. "Taking that chance has been the biggest reward."

Garzon went through hours of long training with Murph, and found a passion that turned into a career. Now, Garzon works as a professional trainer with Off Leash K9 in Woodbridge.

Still, Garzon had no plans to turn Murph into a competitor. "Murph and I actually don't do any competitions, we do this for fun," she said. "It just proves that if you take the time working with any dog, they can be on 'America's Top Dog.' Just don't give up."

See also: Rescue Me: Hercules The Dog Goes From Zero To Hero

If Murph and Garzon outperform their opponents next Tuesday, they'll receive a $10,000 cash prize, $5,000 to donate to the charity of their choice, and a chance to compete for $25,000 in the show's final week of competition.

David Black/A&E 2021

"America's Top Dog" is in its second season and airs at 8 p.m. on Thursdays on A&E.

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