This Controversial Trainer Has Been Attacked by People More Than Dogs

If you’re a dog person scrolling through social media, the algorithm has probably introduced you at some point to “The Dog Daddy.” Some people worship the ground he walks on as a lifesaver for dogs that otherwise would have been put down. Others hate him so much they literally punch him in the face when he walks down the street. See what you think of this uber-controversial dog trainer: Is he a “good boy” or a “bad boy”?

Hard-To-Train-Dogs

Some dog breeds have a reputation for being more challenging to train because they’re by nature just super independent. Others just might not be as quick to understand training tasks. Some dogs have been bred for specific tasks that require them to be aggressive toward people or other animals, such as guard dogs, police dogs, or military dogs. Some have been bred to fight other animals, like hunting animals or breeds favored for illegal dog fights. And some, regardless of breed, have been neglected or abused, causing them to be hypervigilant, reactive, and aggressive. Any of these cases can be more than an owner can handle without the assistance of a professional trainer. And for some people, the answer is Augusto DeOliveira, known online as “The Dog Daddy.”

Who is the Dog Daddy?

Wearing his signature sunglasses, 34-year-old Augusto DeOliveira, aka the “Dog Daddy,” is an internet sensation. He is based in Los Angeles, where he not only trains dogs, but other trainers. Since he went online he has amassed a huge following, with up to 4 million subscribers on major social media platforms. A native of Brazil, DeOlivera was raised around dogs on his grandparents’ farm and immigrated to the United States at age 19.

Dog Daddy’s Specialties

DeOliveira says on his YouTube channel that he doesn’t refuse to hep any dog, no matter how challenging. He specializes in working with aggressive and reactive dogs and travels to do seminars in other parts of the country to train dogs and their owners.

A Miracle Worker?

To his supporters, the Dog Daddy is nothing short of a miracle worker. Brief video clips online show him rapidly calming and controlling frightened and aggressive dogs by controlling them assertively on a short lead, giving them firm orders, and getting them to submit to his touch. In the shortened timeframe of social media, within minutes he has the dog walking calmly beside him and responding to voice commands, to the shock of his stunned owners and onlookers.

Dog Abuse?

Longer videos give a better idea of what it takes to get these kinds of results with more difficult dogs. In one series, Dog Daddy works with a 200 lb. highly reactive Tibetan Mastiff named Squatch. Video 4 in the series recaps a long and difficult process in which Dog Daddy has to separate himself from the dog with a branch and later a plywood barrier for safety. He handles the leash aggressively in this tough case, and the dog is angry and afraid.

The results by the fourth video show great progress, but not up to what we’ve come to expect from Dog Daddy. Squatch can walk with his owner without biting him or the trainer when passing by and can tolerate a brief touch from the trainer. DiOliveira emphasizes that the goal is just that he will be calm and not bite, not that he will be friendly to every stranger he meets. Nevertheless, the aggressive techniques he uses and the underwhelming results take some of the glitter off of Dog Daddy’s star power.

Why Is He Controversial?

Critics say it is traumatizing to take a frightened dog from its owner, jerk on its neck with a tight leash, and force it to submit to the trainer’s touch before it is ready to do so. Using these kinds of methods can make fear and aggression worse. Millions of people watching his video will try the same methods on their dogs at home. This can cause injuries for both owners and dogs, make training issues worse, and lead to some owners abusing their dogs. Critics have succeeded in getting some of the Dog Daddy’s events canceled. DeOliveiro has even been punched in the face by angry strangers who recognized him on the street.

What’s the Alternative?

Instead of using aggressive and possibly harmful techniques, most trainers recommend positive reinforcement. This involves rewarding desirable behaviors and ignoring or redirecting negative behaviors. These approaches are intended to change the dog’s behavior without inducing fear or harsh punishments. It’s considered a more respectful approach that builds trust between dog and owner.

Your Best Bet

Most dogs do fine with positive reinforcement techniques, especially when you’re training them from puppyhood. It shouldn’t be controversial to use these most widely recommended methods, and they will be successful if you are consistent and patient. If an aggressive dog isn’t responding to these techniques, in most cases a professional trainer can work things out with them without resorting to aggressive training methods.

As a Last Resort

The Dog Daddy and his supporters do make a solid point, however. Some dogs have been through multiple trainers without success. In some cases, the next alternative will be to have the animal put down or surrendered to a shelter. And spots are hard to come by in no-kill shelters and rescues. So a professional trainer using more traditional, assertive techniques like the Dog Daddy could be worth a try. But only as an alternative to killing the animal. Just make sure you’re not seeking out this kind of approach for quick results instead of putting in the time to teach your dog consistently and persistently what you want it to do. After all, the real dog daddy (or mommy) is you.