Martin Rütter, the beloved dog trainer and comedian, is gearing up for his highly anticipated tour, "Der will nur spielen," which kicks off next week in Austria. With a penchant for humor and a passion for dogs, Rütter's interactions with his audience promise to be both entertaining and enlightening. Ahead of his show in Innsbruck on March 25, 2025, he plans to hit the slopes for some skiing in Tyrol, demonstrating his adventurous spirit.
In an interview with Tierisch-Redakteurin Christine Kaltenecker, Rütter expressed his excitement: "Mir geht es gut, danke und klar freue ich mich schon, aber vorher geht es noch auf die Skipiste in Tirol, denn ich habe vor der ersten Show in Innsbruck am 25. März zwei Tage frei." His surfing the slopes gives him a chance to unwind before the tour kicks off, even though he admits that his adrenaline-fueled ski days are behind him. "Ich bin eh schon viel ruhiger als früher, denn noch vor ein paar Jahren war ich ein Geschwindigkeits-Junkie," he humorously recalled.
As he prepares for his shows, Rütter connects with his loyal fanbase through his engaging performances, sharing insights into dog training and the health of his beloved canine partner, Emma. Recently, Emma successfully recovered from cancer surgery, and Rütter beams with pride as he talks about her recovery. "Emma ist noch richtig rüstig unterwegs und hat die Krebsoperation gut überstanden," he shared, indicating that Emma is still by his side during many of his appearances.
Rütter advocates for a healthy lifestyle both for humans and dogs. He’s currently developing a vegan dog food product, an idea that he initially scoffed at but has come to embrace. "Das war eine ziemliche Lernkurve für mich, denn noch vor einigen Jahren habe ich bei einem Interview im Fernsehen die vegane Ernährung eines Hundes total ins Lächerliche gezogen. Mittlerweile entwickeln wir selbst gerade veganes Hundefutter, mit Emma als 'Vorkoster,' weil man tatsächlich auch den Hund nur mit pflanzlichen Proteinen glücklich machen kann," he explained. This remarkable shift in his perspective highlights not only personal growth but also a commitment to providing quality nutrition for pets.
Rütter’s tour is not just about laughter; it involves addressing serious issues within the dog training community, particularly with regard to new regulations affecting protection dog training in Austria. "Ich denke ja, glaube aber auch, dass wir hier nicht ganz so schnell sein werden. Es muss erst in die Köpfe sickern, dass die Aussage über einen Malinois, der nur dann glücklich ist, wenn er in einen Juteärmel beißen darf, fachlich völlig inkompetent ist," Rütter noted. He emphasizes that while awareness is critical, the changes must be rooted in a solid understanding of canine behavior.
During the course of our conversation, Rütter shared his thoughts on various dog sports, mentioning activities like agility and Hoopers. He advocates that competition should not overshadow a dog's wellbeing: "Ich habe grundsätzlich nichts gegen Agility, oder Hoopers, oder was es so alles gibt, solange der Wettbewerb den Ehrgeiz des Halters nicht so extrem befeuert, dass ein Gewinn plötzlich wichtiger wird, als der Hund." He believes that responsible ownership entails mastering everyday situations before diving into competitive sports.
His personal life philosophy reflects in his approach to training—understanding a dog's needs is paramount. "Die Gretchenfrage wie in jeder Partnerschaft muss doch auch beim Hund lauten: 'Was braucht mein Gegenüber, um glücklich zu sein?'" This perspective resonates deeply, indicating that choosing the right pet requires a serious commitment to understanding its nature and needs.
The tour, running from March 6 to April 5, 2025, will include stops in cities like Lingen, Oldenburg, and Kiel, leading up to significant shows in Austria, including Linz and Vienna. Fans can expect to see Rütter's entertaining performances while also gaining insights into responsible dog ownership and training practices. Tickets for the shows are priced between 50 to 55 Euros, making them accessible for many.
Additionally, Rütter remains active on television, hosting programs like "Die Welpen kommen" where he addresses dog training issues on a broader platform. Upcoming episodes will air during his tour, providing fans with additional content to look forward to, notably on March 23 and 30, 2025, on RTL.
As the tour progresses, Martin Rütter remains committed to connecting with his audience on a personal level, sharing not just laugh-out-loud moments but also valuable lessons that pet owners and dog lovers can appreciate and apply. Emphasizing education while having fun is Rütter's motto, ensuring both he and his audience can enjoy this journey together.