"My Life as Dog" was a surprise hit in the United States, a rare occurrence for a subtitled foreign language film. American critics praised Glanzelius for his performance in the film, such Hall Hinson of "The Washington Post" describing him as "a pint-size Jack Nicholson, with devilish eyebrows that he knows how to use," and Vincent Canby of "The New York Times" who applauded him for his "firm and wise performance." The movie's success in the U.S. led Glanzelius to visit the country for the first time in 1987, as a nine-city, two-week tour accompanied with his parents. Cities he traveled into included Washington and Los Angeles. When he visited New York City, Sue Simmons got to interview Glanzelius.