The hall is dark, only a spotlight illuminates the stage. Then he enters the spotlight with energetic steps: Martin Rütter, Germany's best-known dog professional. In the Hallenstadion Zurich, he presents his show "He just wants to play!" and takes his audience on a fast-paced journey through the nation's dog kennels.
Martin Rütter has been dedicated to a special mission for 25 years. He works on behalf of dogs and educates their owners. With a keen eye and a cool head, he navigates through the often bizarre everyday life between humans and dogs. He relentlessly holds up a mirror to his viewers and doesn't mince his words.
"Why do dogs actually bark when the letter carrier comes?" Rütter asks the audience with a twinkle in his eye. "Maybe they just want to pick up their parcel!" The audience laughs, but there is always a serious message behind his humor: better communication between two-legged and four-legged friends.
In his show, Rütter slips into different roles. As a pragmatist, he addresses the sensitive issue of castration. As an analyst, he examines why the dog pulls on the lead and strains the nerves of his human. He shows his romantic side when he talks about his first encounter with a puppy.
The topics range from puppy training to dealing with senior dogs. "Do you know how to teach an old dog new tricks?" he asks the audience. "You just have to pretend you've never seen him before!"
Rütter's humor hits the mark, but is never hurtful. His entertaining stories and hilarious anecdotes make the audience laugh. But behind every joke is a grain of truth and often a valuable tip for everyday life with your four-legged friend.
What sets his show apart is the combination of entertainment and specialist knowledge. He not only delivers laughs, but also practical tips for dealing with dogs. His advice is well-founded and mercilessly honest.
"Sometimes you have to show your dog who's boss," he explains. "But not by throwing yourself on all fours on the floor in front of him and barking in a race!"
The two-and-a-half-hour show flies by. Rütter keeps the audience on the edge of their seats with his energetic presence. There is a short break in between so that the audience can digest what they have heard and look forward to the second part.
At the end, he takes the spotlight once again and asks: "Do you know what the biggest difference is between dogs and humans? Dogs forgive unconditionally. Humans should learn that from them more often." With these words and a final "woof", he bids farewell to his enthusiastic audience.
Martin Rütter's "He just wants to play!" is more than just a comedy show. It is a declaration of love to dogs and a warning to their human companions. Have we really understood our four-legged friends? Those who leave the show will do so with a new perspective on the relationship with man's best friend.