In a video on YouTube (above), a white terrier rears up. On either side of it, two men pull on leashes, the dog taut and trapped between them in the air. It staggers on its rear paws, teetering like a dancing bear while one of them jabs it in the chest.
It’s like an animal show from the Middle Ages.
But this is no scene from history. The man jabbing the dog in the video offers scenes like this to a social media audience he claims numbers in the millions.
His name is Augusto DeOliveira, a Brazilian-born, US showman who wears designer leisurewear and gives dog training a bad name. He calls himself “The Dog Daddy” and he’s heading to Australia this weekend to present seminars.
DeOliveira is controversial because he uses aversive conditioning, or, more accurately, punishments on dogs.
Experts have described what he does as “a human fighting with a dog until the dog gives in” (Shay Kelly, UK trainer).
Prominent US trainer, Ken Ramirez, referred to what he does as “abuse”.
Australia’s two peak dog training bodies this week warned that dogs could be “traumatised” by what he does, which includes: “Hanging a dog from a slip lead, delivering physical corrections [punishments] repeatedly using a prong collar, physically forcing a dog to lie down or sit, and provoking aggression."
Discussing DeOliveira, the Pet Professional Guild Australia (PPGA) and the Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT) said his procedures are “designed to cause pain and fear” in dogs. "His videos clearly show dogs displaying fearful behaviours and extremely high levels of stress.”
DeOliveira is scheduled to give classes in Sydney on 30 September and 1 October.
Ahead of his tour, he was named in the NSW Legislative Council on 14 September by Animal Justice Party MP, Hon. Emma Hurst.
DeOliveira cancelled recent London dates in the wake of strong statements of concern by the UK RSPCA and the British Veterinary Association, also cancelling dates in Rome.
Other professional associations have expressed concerns, including UK Animal Behaviour and Training Council and the US Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT).
“Stop Dog Daddy Australia” is a group of dog trainers that believe he should not teach in Australia because of his cruelty to dogs.
I founded “Stop Dog Daddy Australia” because I’m appalled by what I’ve seen. Violence towards dogs is plain wrong.
Punishments shut down aggressive and fearful dogs, making them more likely to lash out without warning.
I’m taking a stand on this issue because there’s no place in Australia for spectacles featuring deliberate harm to dogs.
We are one of a dozen groups worldwide resisting this backward trend in dog training, led by popular US dog trainer, Zak George.
Members will gather in Sydney where his classes are scheduled, offering the public advice on legitimate dog training on 30 September.
Dog Daddy exposes the dearth of dog training industry regulation in Australia, with anyone permitted to call themselves a professional, regardless of qualifications, skills or experience.
According to the RSPCA, Australia has around 6 million dogs. Dog ownership increased during COVID but shelters now report a surge in surrenders due to behaviour problems.
Problem behaviour in dogs is a complex issue but punishments don’t address underlying causes.
Since the 1950s, research into human psychology has led to a blossoming of understanding about animal behaviour and learning. In the 1980s, dog trainers joined an explosion of interest in rewards-based (“positive-reinforcement”) training.
This is now accepted globally as the most effective, humane way to train dogs – to teach them new behaviours (to walk on leash, to come when called) and to stop unwanted behaviours.
Dog trainers watch the DeOliveira oeuvre in horror with its “hanging” dog scenes as described above, and dogs crouching, tails between their legs and ears pinned back. One dog even defecates.
Brutality like this would never be tolerated with children yet these spurious dog classes are set to proceed.
Modern dog training isn’t flashy or fast. It doesn’t produce results in 10-minute clips. It’s slow and careful, requiring patience, knowledge and skill.
Done well, it enhances the human/animal bond.
Video with the scene mentioned: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oo0-rfOm7Cs
Australian petition opposing The Dog Daddy: https://www.change.org/p/stop-this-dog-abuse-sign-share-via-change-org-keep-dog-daddy-augusto-deoliveira-out-of-australia/u/31835947
Image (left) copyright Getty Images