Dog Trainer Kang Hyung-wook Challenges Pet Owners on 'Time of Dogs and Wolves 2'

Renowned dog trainer Kang Hyung-wook delivers a stern message to pet owners on 'Time of Dogs and Wolves 2'. Previously, Kang faced allegations of employee mistreatment and violations of the Information and Communications Network Act in 2024, but was cleared of all charges by the police in February last year.

The fifth episode of Channel A's reality show 'Time of Dogs and Wolves 2', aired on the 4th, showcased the daily life of the Daegu Dogtopia family. This 398-pyeong paradise is home to four large dogs: a Standard Poodle, Dalmatian, Labrador Retriever, and Doberman. However, the seemingly idyllic setting was quietly crumbling under a hierarchy.

The owner repeatedly called the poodle, who nipped at them without hesitation, "selfish" and even remarked, "It feels like it's never been my dog." The poodle was treated as if it had already drifted away from the owner's heart. Over 4 years and 2 months, the owner claimed to have been bitten over 50 times by the poodles, labeling them as wolves.

In contrast, the Dalmatian's aggression and threatening behavior were judged by different standards. The Dalmatian, who followed the owner's commands and stayed by their side, was seen as a loyal dog, and its actions were justified. Meanwhile, the poodle was repeatedly attacked by the Dalmatian, leaving red marks from injuries all over its body.

Kang Hyung-wook did not overlook this issue. He pointed out that the owner desired not a coexisting pet but a being that conformed to their hierarchy. The Dalmatian's behavior was tolerated because it adhered to the owner's standards, while the poodle's reactions were stigmatized. Kang identified the real problem as the owner, labeling them the true wolf.

The owner insisted, "There are bad dogs in the world," dismissing the poodles as irredeemable. However, once the intervention began, the situation took a different turn. When left alone with the poodles, the owner called their names in a calm tone instead of shouting commands, and the poodles approached without hesitation. They stayed quietly by the owner's side with just an outstretched hand.

The poodles longed for interaction with the owner more than anything. Having endured competition and defense, they responded immediately to the change in the owner's tone. Despite fearing the owner, they seemed to cautiously close the distance, as if waiting for a moment when they wouldn't be scolded. In this Neverland of hierarchy without rules, the poodles were not wolves but the most anxious dogs.

As the owner's attitude changed, so did the dogs. The poodles began to release unnecessary tension, and their nipping at the owner ceased. The Dalmatian also calmed down under immediate control. The Doberman, once given its own space indoors, showed signs of overcoming its coprophagia, hinting at the possibility of change.

Reporter Se-yoon Jung, TenAsia yoon@tenasia.co.kr