Dear fellow dog lovers, trainers, and animal advocates,

Today, I want to address a concerning issue that has arisen in the dog training world – the emergence of a trainer known as Dog Daddy, whose methods and practices run counter to the principles of compassionate dog training and are against any scientific foundations.

With the news of Dog Daddy's scheduled event in Italy on September 16th, 2023, it is crucial that we come together as a community to voice our concerns and prevent the propagation of harmful training techniques that inflict pain and suffering upon our beloved canine companions.

Dog Daddy has gained a substantial following on social media platforms by showcasing his so-called "natural gifts" for quick-fix solutions to dog behavior problems. Unfortunately, his methods involve using aversive tools like choke collars with spikes, tugs, muzzles, and coercive techniques that entirely dismiss the emotional state of dogs.

The videos we've witnessed showcase shocking scenes of dogs in distress, physically and emotionally manipulated to comply with Dog Daddy's demands. These techniques cause immediate harm and perpetuate a cycle of fear and anxiety, eroding the trust between dogs and their human companions. The repercussions of such practices can be long-lasting, leading to behavioral problems, anxiety, and aggression in dogs.

For those of us who deeply understand the science of dog behavior and training, we recognize that Dog Daddy's methods are a stark contradiction to the ethical principles that we hold dear. Science-based and compassionate training and understanding the individual needs of each dog form the foundation of our approach. We believe in building relationships with our dogs based on cooperation, respect, and mutual understanding rather than aggression and coercion.

As advocates for animals, we must be aware of the collective consciousness that shapes our society's values and norms. Our world is evolving towards empathy, understanding, and partnership with animals. Do we want to contribute to this advancement? Or do we want to return the world to the brutalities of centuries ago? The days of employing dominance-based methods should be behind us – they just reflect a time when our understanding of animal behavior was limited, and compassion was overshadowed by ignorance.

Do we want to be ignorant?

The future of dog training lies in promoting humane, effective, and compassionate methods that address behavior issues and foster strong, positive relationships between humans and dogs. Dog trainers and educators who work tirelessly to improve the lives of dogs and their families deserve recognition and support, and their efforts must not be overshadowed by trainers like Dog Daddy, who prioritize sensationalism over the well-being of animals.

To those who may be considering attending Dog Daddy's event in Italy:

Dear fellow Italians,

Our nation has been a beacon of culture, compassion, and progress throughout history. In this spirit, it is crucial that we uphold our values of empathy and compassion when it comes to treating animals, mainly our beloved canine companions.

Italy has a storied history of individuals who have dedicated their lives to the welfare of animals.

Livia, the Roman empress, is said to have personally intervened to save animals from cruel treatment.

In more recent times, pioneers like Maria Assunta Pallotta fought for animal rights and worked tirelessly to promote kindness and respect towards all living beings.

Let us also recall the timeless wisdom of Saint Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals. His teachings emphasized the importance of kindness and stewardship towards all creatures, and his example continues to inspire people worldwide to treat animals with respect and love.

Just to mention a few.

These individuals recognized the interconnectedness of all life and understood the importance of treating animals with the dignity they deserve.

Importantly, our Constitution, which forms the bedrock of our nation's principles, enshrines the concept of respecting animals' natural behaviors and the environment. Article 9 of the Italian Constitution speaks to our duty to protect the natural heritage and, by extension, the creatures that inhabit it. Our collective responsibility is to ensure animals' well-being and nurture an environment where they can flourish.

The allure of a quick solution to dog behavior issues can be tempting. However, I urge you to consider the potential consequences of participating in such an event. While it may promise immediate results, the methods employed are inhumane and can have far-reaching repercussions for your dog and your relationship with them.

Choosing to engage in coercive training methods inflicts pain and distress upon your furry companion and damages the trust and bond you share. Dogs are sensitive and intuitive beings who rely on us for guidance and care. Subjecting them to methods that use fear and pain to achieve compliance sends a harmful message that can lead to anxiety, aggression, and communication breakdown.

Moreover, the practices promoted by Dog Daddy perpetuate an outdated paradigm of dominance and control, which contradicts the modern understanding of dog behavior, canine science, and the importance of positive approaches.

Consider the impact on your dog's emotional well-being and our ethical responsibility to promote compassionate and science-based training methods. By participating in Dog Daddy's event, you may inadvertently contribute to the normalization of these harmful techniques, affecting not only your own dog but also influencing those around you. Your dog's behavior reflects your choices and actions, and the training methods you employ, especially if you are a professional, can impact their interactions with other dogs and people.

There are fantastic dog trainers out there, in Italy and worldwide. I encourage you to explore training methods prioritizing mutual understanding, cooperation, and respect. These approaches yield better long-term results and strengthen the bond between you and your dog, fostering a relationship built on trust, love, and effective communication. Let us choose a path that aligns with the values of empathy, compassion, and progress in dog training.

Together, we can create a brighter future for our canine companions, one where they thrive in an environment of understanding and kindness.

Finally, let's use our collective voice to express our concerns and ensure that his event in Italy is not just unwelcome; it is truly inappropriate, for it is offensive to our culture, heritage, compassion, and intelligence.

Our dogs deserve the best, and we deserve the best too! We are responsible for protecting their physical and emotional well-being. Together, we can create a world where dogs are understood, loved, and treated with the kindness they deserve.

Message to Dog Daddy

If you ever read this message, and while we may have differing views on training methods, I believe that open dialogue can lead to greater understanding.

I urge you to consider how your methods may impact the well-being of dogs and their human companions. Our shared goal is to create a world where dogs thrive in an environment of empathy, cooperation, and trust. If you are open to a respectful conversation about these matters, I am here to listen and engage in a constructive exchange of ideas.

If you're willing, please feel free to reach out to me. We can find common ground through meaningful conversation and move towards a brighter future for our canine companions.