Martin Rütter, a 54-year-old dog expert known for his engaging performances and expertise in canine behavior, recently found himself at the center of an unexpected controversy during one of his live shows. The incident unfolded when Rütter, who has gained popularity for his ability to connect with dogs and their owners, was publicly rebuked by a spectator while trying to engage a young audience member.
During the latest episode of his podcast "Tierisch menschlich," Rütter recounted the moment that caught him off guard. He had asked the audience if any children present did not own a dog, hoping to spark a conversation. A family in the back row responded, leading him to approach a 10-year-old girl. However, the interaction proved to be more challenging than he anticipated.
Rütter, who typically enjoys lively exchanges with children, found the girl unresponsive. When he asked her if she wanted a dog, she shook her head. "Why did you come here then?" he probed, to which she replied, "Grandma gave us the tickets." As he continued to inquire about her family's dog ownership, the girl declined to answer positively, even shrugging indifferently when asked about her enjoyment of the show.
In an attempt to lighten the mood, Rütter offered her tickets to see the popular magic duo, "The Ehrlich Brothers," but the girl expressed little enthusiasm for them as well. This lack of engagement prompted Rütter to dig deeper, asking if she had any hobbies or played an instrument, but he met with similar disinterest.
The situation escalated when a woman from the audience shouted at Rütter, demanding he leave the child alone. This unexpected outburst left Rütter feeling bewildered, as he believed his intentions were clear and not at all aimed at humiliating the child. "I’m not the type to put a 10-year-old on the spot; I don’t even do that with adults," he later reflected.
Choosing to avoid a public confrontation with the woman, Rütter returned to the stage but took a moment during the encore to acknowledge her actions. "Someone stood up for someone else, and I found it commendable that someone had the courage to intervene when they felt a child was being mistreated," he remarked, recognizing the importance of protecting children in such environments.
In addition to his live performances, Rütter has been active in raising awareness about animal welfare issues. Recently, he expressed his outrage during the RTL show "Die Unvermittelbaren" about a four-year-old Shar-Pei named Daphne, who was abandoned by her owners during a move. This shocking case struck a chord with Rütter, who is known for his compassion towards animals.
Daphne was discovered by the police in an emaciated state and subsequently taken to an animal shelter. Fortunately, she was later rescued by animal rights activist Stefanie "Stevie" Bandura, who operates a dog hospice. Bandura described Daphne as extremely thin with inflamed ears and eyes, highlighting the neglect she had suffered.
At the hospice, Daphne is currently the youngest resident among twenty other dogs. However, her behavior poses challenges; she does not get along well with other dogs and tends to be territorial. Bandura noted that while Daphne can be aggressive towards other dogs within the hospice, she displays no aggression during walks, where she behaves well around people and other animals.
Rütter did not hold back his criticism of the breeding practices associated with Shar-Peis. He referred to them as a "cruel form of breeding," emphasizing that the breed's distinctive features often lead to health issues. "Shar-Peis are not for everyone; they require owners who understand the level of care they need," he stated, underscoring the responsibility that comes with adopting such a breed.
As Rütter continues to advocate for better treatment of animals, he remains dedicated to educating the public about responsible pet ownership. His experiences, both on stage and in the field, highlight the importance of compassion, understanding, and the need for awareness in both human and animal interactions.
Looking ahead, Rütter is set to embark on his next live show, "Martin Rütter und Team - Das Fachseminar," scheduled for April 11 and 12, 2026, in Wolfsburg at the Congress Park. This event promises to be another opportunity for Rütter to connect with his audience, share his insights on animal behavior, and continue his mission of promoting responsible pet ownership.
As he prepares for this upcoming tour, Rütter's commitment to fostering a better understanding between humans and their canine companions remains at the forefront of his work. His ability to engage with both children and adults, despite occasional challenges, demonstrates his passion for his craft and his dedication to making a positive impact in the world of animal welfare.
