This control device for a vehicle drive device comprises a hydraulic engagement element that is provided between a drive source and drive wheels, and that is in an open state when the ignition is turned on or when the vehicle power is turned on and is shifted to an engaged state when the range is changed from the parking range to the drive range, wherein, after the ignition is turned on, or after the vehicle power is turned on, and before the range is changed from the parking range to the drive range for the first time, an oil is supplied to a piston hydraulic chamber in the hydraulic engagement element in a manner such that air inside the piston hydraulic chamber of the hydraulic engagement element is released but the torque capacity does not exceed 0.