Dog training experts and best-selling authors Dr. Robert and Michele Forto (A Musher's Dream) take the listener into the scruffy, curious, and sometimes heroic world of dogs.
What does it mean to "own" a dog? Can dogs teach us compassion? How do dogs learn? What are your breed's origins, and what were they bred to do?
Dog Works Radio is an award-winning podcast that offers a delightful and surprising look at the relationship we have with our canine companions.
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On this episode of Dog Works Radio, professional dog trainers from Alaska Dog Works share practical dog training tips, discuss common dog behavior problems, and explain how positive dog training and dog training consistency create better behavior at home. This episode of Dog Works Radio introduces new dog owners to the complexities of dog training, emphasizing the importance of understanding the three C's: Criteria, Consequences, and Consistency. The hosts discuss how these principles can help clarify training methods and improve the relationship between dogs and their owners. The episode aims to provide a solid foundation for effective dog training, encouraging owners to reframe their expectations and approach training with confidence. Lead Dog Service Dog Training Program DAWGS Therapy Dog Program The Pack Membership Dog Works Radio Homepage Products We Use for Dog Works Radio My equipment: • SHURE SM7B Mic • Rodecaster Pro II audio production studio • Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones • Elgato Wave Mic Arm Pro Recommended resources: • Captivate.fm podcast hosting, distribution, analytics, and monetization • Keap CRM • Riverside.FM • Hindenburg Pro recording and editing Note: these may contain affiliate links, so I get a small percentage of any product you buy when using my link. Dog Works Radio is a podcast education show brought to you by Dog Works Radio and is hosted by Michele Forto. If you enjoy the show, I'd love for you to leave a rating or review on your favorite podcast app! And please let your friends and other podcasters know they can listen for free on Spotify and Apple Podcasts
New Year's Resolutions in Dog Training: 4 Commitments That Build Better Dogs (00:06:40)
New Year's resolutions aren't just for people. In this episode of Dog Works Radio, we talk about four powerful dog training resolutions that can change the way you train, communicate, and build a relationship with your dog. From listening to your dog and reacting fairly, to adjusting your dog training approach and staying consistent when things get tough, these simple commitments lead to better dog behavior and stronger bonds. Whether you're new to dog training or looking to reset your dog obedience training goals, this dog training podcast episode offers practical dog training tips you can start using today. Suggested internal links to add in the episode blog post: Lead Dog Service Dog Training Program DAWGS Therapy Dog Program The Pack Membership Dog Works Radio Homepage Products We Use for Dog Works Radio My equipment: • SHURE SM7B Mic • Rodecaster Pro II audio production studio • Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones • Elgato Wave Mic Arm Pro Recommended resources: • Captivate.fm podcast hosting, distribution, analytics, and monetization • Keap CRM • Riverside.FM • Hindenburg Pro recording and editing Note: these may contain affiliate links, so I get a small percentage of any product you buy when using my link. Dog Works Radio is a podcast education show brought to you by Dog Works Radio and is hosted by Michele Forto. If you enjoy the show, I'd love for you to leave a rating or review on your favorite podcast app! And please let your friends and other podcasters know they can listen for free on Spotify and Apple Podcasts
National Train Your Dog Month: How Consistent Training Builds Better Behavior (00:10:10)
January is National Train Your Dog Month, and it's the perfect time to reset your dog's training habits. In this episode of Dog Works Radio, we explain why training is not optional, how consistency shapes behavior, and why short, focused sessions lead to real results. You'll learn why most behavior problems come from confusion, not bad dogs, how predictability reduces anxiety, and what happens when training becomes part of everyday life. We also share practical ways to pick one training goal, stick with it, and build momentum that lasts all year. Whether you're dealing with leash pulling, jumping, reactivity, or just want a calmer, more confident dog, this episode gives you a clear starting point. If you need help building a training plan that fits your dog and your lifestyle, Alaska Dog Works is here to help. Visit AlaskaDogWorks.com to schedule a strategy call today. Suggested internal links to add in the episode blog post: Lead Dog Service Dog Training Program DAWGS Therapy Dog Program The Pack Membership Dog Works Radio Homepage Products We Use for Dog Works Radio My equipment: • SHURE SM7B Mic • Rodecaster Pro II audio production studio • Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones • Elgato Wave Mic Arm Pro Recommended resources: • Captivate.fm podcast hosting, distribution, analytics, and monetization • Keap CRM • Riverside.FM • Hindenburg Pro recording and editing Note: these may contain affiliate links, so I get a small percentage of any product you buy when using my link. Dog Works Radio is a podcast education show brought to you by Dog Works Radio and is hosted by Michele Forto. If you enjoy the show, I'd love for you to leave a rating or review on your favorite podcast app! And please let your friends and other podcasters know they can listen for free on Spotify and Apple Podcasts
You Got a Christmas Puppy. Now What Comes Next? (00:07:52)
Bringing home a Christmas puppy feels magical at first. Then the sleep loss, chewing, accidents, and overwhelm hit fast. In this episode of Dog Works Radio, Michele Forto explains exactly what to do after bringing home a holiday puppy, from vet care and routines to training, socialization, and managing expectations. This episode helps new puppy owners avoid common mistakes and start their relationship on the right path.
A Better Plan: What To Do Instead of Getting a Christmas Puppy (00:06:30)
In the final episode of the Dog Works Radio Christmas puppy series, Michele Forto shifts the conversation from warnings to solutions. Instead of focusing on why holiday puppies often lead to stress, this episode lays out a calmer, more intentional path for bringing a dog into your home. Michele explains why timing matters more than sentiment, how you can gift the idea of a dog without harming a real one, and why fostering during the holidays can be an eye-opening, meaningful step for families. If you're considering a dog but want to do it responsibly, this episode gives you the blueprint for a better beginning. And if you bring home a puppy anyway, Alaska Dog Works is ready to guide you with a free strategy call.
Christmas With Your Dog (00:03:37)
On this episode of One Minute Dog Training Tips, Nicole Forto discusses: Christmas with your dog. Products We Use for Dog Works Radio My equipment: • SHURE SM7B Mic • Rodecaster Pro II audio production studio • Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones • Elgato Wave Mic Arm Pro Recommended resources: • Captivate.fm podcast hosting, distribution, analytics, and monetization • Keap CRM • Riverside.FM • Hindenburg Pro recording and editing Note: these may contain affiliate links, so I get a small percentage of any product you buy when using my link. Dog Works Radio is a podcast education show brought to you by Dog Works Radio and is hosted by Nicole Forto. If you enjoy the show, I'd love for you to leave a rating or review on your favorite podcast app! And please let your friends and other podcasters know they can listen for free on Spotify and Apple Podcasts
From Cute to Chaos: Why Christmas Puppies Suddenly Change (00:07:06)
This episode of Dog Works Radio breaks down the moment every Christmas puppy owner eventually hits: the shift from adorable holiday calm to barking, chewing, biting, and chaos. Michele Forto explains why this happens, how normal it really is, and why so many families feel blindsided in January. You'll learn what behaviors signal normal development, why the holiday "puppy bubble" creates false expectations, and how structured training can turn things around fast. If you brought home a Christmas puppy and things feel overwhelming, this episode gives you clarity, guidance, and your next steps.
Paw Prints on Leadership: What a Service Dog Taught Us About Leading Well (00:35:31)
In this episode of Dog Works Radio, Robert sits down with longtime friend and client Dr. Lisa DeVore, calling in from South Korea, to talk about her new book Paw Prints on Leadership: What My Service Dog Bailey Taught Me About Leadership. Lisa shares how Bailey, a once-stray dog who became her trained psychiatric service dog, helped her navigate life, work, military contracting, and the stress of living abroad. Together, Robert and Lisa revisit Bailey's early days in training, the challenges of public access, how a dog can change someone's presence and confidence, and how those lessons mapped directly onto her doctoral work in strategic leadership. They talk about approachability, responsibility, accountability, empowerment, adaptability, and what it means to lead and follow at the right moments. Lisa also walks through the long process of writing her book through her DSL program and why she finished it the morning after Bailey passed away. There's also a giveaway: the first five listeners who identify the food Bailey steals in the story will win a copy of the book sent directly from Amazon. 00:00 Intro 03:00 The origins of Bailey 07:40 Beginning the doctoral journey 11:20 Turning grief into a project 14:00 What Bailey taught about leadership 18:45 Duo extraordinaire 21:10 Responsibility and accountability 24:00 Empowerment and trust 26:30 Flight toward presence 29:45 Rapid-fire questions 32:40 How to find Lisa's book 33:15 Giveaway details
Chutes and Ladders in Dog Training (00:06:46)
On this episode of One Minute Dog Training Tips, Nicole Forto discusses: Chutes and Ladders in Dog Training? Products We Use for Dog Works Radio My equipment: • SHURE SM7B Mic • Rodecaster Pro II audio production studio • Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones • Elgato Wave Mic Arm Pro Recommended resources: • Captivate.fm podcast hosting, distribution, analytics, and monetization • Keap CRM • Riverside.FM • Hindenburg Pro recording and editing Note: these may contain affiliate links, so I get a small percentage of any product you buy when using my link. Dog Works Radio is a podcast education show brought to you by Dog Works Radio and is hosted by Nicole Forto. If you enjoy the show, I'd love for you to leave a rating or review on your favorite podcast app! And please let your friends and other podcasters know they can listen for free on Spotify and Apple Podcasts
The Hidden Costs and Long-Term Commitment of a Christmas Puppy (00:07:02)
This episode of Dog Works Radio delves into the hidden costs and long-term responsibilities of puppy ownership, especially during the holiday season. It emphasizes that bringing a puppy home is not just a festive moment but a multi-year commitment that involves financial, emotional, and lifestyle adjustments. The hosts discuss the various expenses associated with puppy care, the time commitment required for training and supervision, and the emotional responsibilities that come with raising a dog. They stress the importance of being prepared for the realities of dog ownership to ensure a fulfilling relationship between families and their pets. Takeaways A puppy is a multi-year financial and lifestyle commitment. The initial cost of a puppy is just the beginning. Training is essential for a well-balanced adult dog. Puppies require constant supervision and structured interaction. Emotional commitment is as essential as financial commitment. Puppies go through various developmental stages that need guidance. A dog should be considered a member of the household. Choosing the right time for a puppy is crucial for success. Families should prepare for the long-term responsibilities of dog ownership. Support and training can help prevent overwhelming situations for new owners.
Is Dominance Theory Real in Dog Training? (00:04:52)
On this episode of One Minute Dog Training Tips, Nicole Forto discusses: Is Dominance Theory Real in Dog Training? Products We Use for Dog Works Radio My equipment: • SHURE SM7B Mic • Rodecaster Pro II audio production studio • Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones • Elgato Wave Mic Arm Pro Recommended resources: • Captivate.fm podcast hosting, distribution, analytics, and monetization • Keap CRM • Riverside.FM • Hindenburg Pro recording and editing Note: these may contain affiliate links, so I get a small percentage of any product you buy when using my link. Dog Works Radio is a podcast education show brought to you by Dog Works Radio and is hosted by Nicole Forto. If you enjoy the show, I'd love for you to leave a rating or review on your favorite podcast app! And please let your friends and other podcasters know they can listen for free on Spotify and Apple Podcasts
Why Christmas Puppies Fail: What Families Should Know Before Bringing One Home (00:05:53)
This episode breaks down the emotional appeal of giving a puppy as a Christmas gift and why so many holiday puppies end up in shelters by spring. Michele Forto explains the three main reasons families choose holiday timing, the common challenges that begin in January, and the most overlooked responsibilities new owners face. If you're considering a Christmas puppy, or already committed, this episode offers honest guidance and a clear path forward with professional training support. In This Episode: The early days of dog training before social media How the pandemic changed the industry overnight What 3,000+ dogs have taught Michele about human behavior Why structure actually gives your dog more freedom Four timeless lessons every dog owner should know Why Listen If you've ever felt overwhelmed by conflicting advice online or wondered what separates real trainers from internet experts, this episode will reset your perspective. Michele breaks down what true, experience-based training looks like, and why it still matters more than ever. 🎧 Listen now: Dog Works Radio
From Dog Walker to Musher: The Story of Filmmaker Andrew Comoletti (00:32:55)
In this cross-posted episode of The Mushing Podcast and Dog Works Radio, Robert Forto talks with Andrew Comoletti, a Boston-based dog walker, musher, and filmmaker whose Border Collies launched him into the world of dog-powered sports. Andrew shares how he turned dog walking into a full-time career, how he races with both his own dogs and client dogs, and why he films mushing events across the US and Canada. Robert and Andrew talk about dog behavior, non-traditional mushing breeds, building a camera rig for racing, and what it takes to produce high-quality videos from 20 terabytes of footage. Andrew also gives insight into the community, the races he attends, and his philosophy on putting dog welfare first.
How Long Will it Take to Train My Dog? (00:03:51)
On this episode of One Minute Dog Training Tips, Nicole Forto discusses: How Long Will It Take To Train My Dog? Products We Use for Dog Works Radio My equipment: • SHURE SM7B Mic • Rodecaster Pro II audio production studio • Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones • Elgato Wave Mic Arm Pro Recommended resources: • Captivate.fm podcast hosting, distribution, analytics, and monetization • Keap CRM • Riverside.FM • Hindenburg Pro recording and editing Note: these may contain affiliate links, so I get a small percentage of any product you buy when using my link. Dog Works Radio is a podcast education show brought to you by Dog Works Radio and is hosted by Nicole Forto. If you enjoy the show, I'd love for you to leave a rating or review on your favorite podcast app! And please let your friends and other podcasters know they can listen for free on Spotify and Apple Podcasts
Canine Nutrition and The Dog Who Asked for More with Emily Breslin (00:30:15)
Dogs are often labeled reactive, stubborn, or "too much," but today's guest believes they're usually just a miscommunication away from thriving. In this episode of Dog Works Radio, Dr. Robert Forto sits down with Emily Breslin, retired vet tech turned dog trainer, certified canine nutritionist, enrichment expert, and host of The Dog Who Asked for More podcast. Emily shares her incredible journey from a life-changing medical crisis to becoming a respected voice for dogs with intense emotions and unique needs. She and Robert dig into: 🔹 What makes a dog a "big feeling dog" 🔹 Common mistakes in canine nutrition and how to read a dog food label 🔹 Why raw feeding and fresh food are gaining traction 🔹 How enrichment changes behavior 🔹 The power of podcasting to help overwhelmed dog owners 🔹 Her takeaways from supporting reactive dogs and their humans Whether you live with a high-drive working breed, a reactive rescue, or you want to understand your dog better, this conversation delivers practical insight and a lot of heart. Listen now and subscribe so you never miss an episode.
Thanksgiving Food Do's and Don'ts for Your Dog (00:06:24)
On this episode of One Minute Dog Training Tips, Nicole Forto discusses: Thanksgiving Food Do's and Don'ts for Your Dog Products We Use for Dog Works Radio My equipment: • SHURE SM7B Mic • Rodecaster Pro II audio production studio • Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones • Elgato Wave Mic Arm Pro Recommended resources: • Captivate.fm podcast hosting, distribution, analytics, and monetization • Keap CRM • Riverside.FM • Hindenburg Pro recording and editing Note: these may contain affiliate links, so I get a small percentage of any product you buy when using my link. Dog Works Radio is a podcast education show brought to you by Dog Works Radio and is hosted by Nicole Forto. If you enjoy the show, I'd love for you to leave a rating or review on your favorite podcast app! And please let your friends and other podcasters know they can listen for free on Spotify and Apple Podcasts
Thanksgiving Manners for Your Dog (00:05:58)
On this episode of One Minute Dog Training Tips, Nicole Forto discusses: Thanksgiving Manners for Your Dog Products We Use for Dog Works Radio My equipment: • SHURE SM7B Mic • Rodecaster Pro II audio production studio • Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones • Elgato Wave Mic Arm Pro Recommended resources: • Captivate.fm podcast hosting, distribution, analytics, and monetization • Keap CRM • Riverside.FM • Hindenburg Pro recording and editing Note: these may contain affiliate links, so I get a small percentage of any product you buy when using my link. Dog Works Radio is a podcast education show brought to you by Dog Works Radio and is hosted by Nicole Forto. If you enjoy the show, I'd love for you to leave a rating or review on your favorite podcast app! And please let your friends and other podcasters know they can listen for free on Spotify and Apple Podcasts
Pet Insurance, Hurricanes and a Heartfelt Story that Led to a Podcast with Sam Spoto (00:29:40)
In this episode of Dog Works Radio, Robert Forto interviews Sam Spoto, an ER veterinary professional who now works in the pet insurance world. Sam shares how years in emergency medicine shaped the way she thinks about insurance, unexpected vet bills, and the tough decisions dog owners are forced to make when money and medical care collide. Listeners will learn when pet insurance makes sense, why timing is crucial, and how to avoid surprises hidden in the fine print of a policy. What we talk about Sam's background in ER veterinary medicine and how she moved into the insurance side What she saw families struggle with most in the emergency room The real purpose of pet insurance (and what it's not meant to do) Why enrolling your dog while they're young and healthy matters How pre-existing conditions are defined and why they're such a sticking point How much families are typically asked to put down before treatment in an emergency Practical questions to ask before you pick a policy How to talk to your vet and your insurance company so you actually understand your coverage What Sam wishes every new puppy owner knew about insurance Sam's own podcast, "Tell Me About Your Dog," and how she's helping people choose the right dog and be better prepared.
Separation Anxiety Tips for Dogs of All Ages (00:07:32)
On this episode of One Minute Dog Training Tips, Nicole Forto discusses: Separation Anxiety Tips for Dogs of All Ages Products We Use for Dog Works Radio My equipment: • SHURE SM7B Mic • Rodecaster Pro II audio production studio • Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones • Elgato Wave Mic Arm Pro Recommended resources: • Captivate.fm podcast hosting, distribution, analytics, and monetization • Keap CRM • Riverside.FM • Hindenburg Pro recording and editing Note: these may contain affiliate links, so I get a small percentage of any product you buy when using my link. Dog Works Radio is a podcast education show brought to you by Dog Works Radio and is hosted by Nicole Forto. If you enjoy the show, I'd love for you to leave a rating or review on your favorite podcast app! And please let your friends and other podcasters know they can listen for free on Spotify and Apple Podcasts
We Were Dog Trainers Before It Was Cool: What 30 Years in the Industry Has Taught Us (00:08:17)
Everyone's a dog trainer these days, or at least, that's what social media makes it look like. But long before the hashtags, flashy reels, and influencer trainers, Alaska Dog Works was already out in the snow and mud, helping families build lasting relationships with their dogs. In this episode, Michele Forto reflects on more than three decades in the dog training world and what that kind of experience really teaches you. From pre-internet clients to pandemic-era challenges, she shares how consistency, structure, and leadership have always been the foundation of effective training, regardless of what's trending online. In This Episode: The early days of dog training before social media How the pandemic changed the industry overnight What 3,000+ dogs have taught Michele about human behavior Why structure actually gives your dog more freedom Four timeless lessons every dog owner should know Why Listen If you've ever felt overwhelmed by conflicting advice online or wondered what separates real trainers from internet experts, this episode will reset your perspective. Michele breaks down what true, experience-based training looks like, and why it still matters more than ever. 🎧 Listen now: Dog Works Radio
The 3 Keys to a Well-Trained Dog: Win the Mind, Motivate the Heart, Encourage the Right Behavior (00:11:23)
What if your dog came when called every single time—not because you had a treat, but because they wanted to? In this episode of Dog Works Radio, Michele Forto reveals the three foundational keys to a truly well-trained dog that every handler can use: Win your dog's mind: build focus and trust Motivate your dog: make obedience exciting Encourage the right behavior: reward what you want to see again You'll also hear real-life success stories from Alaska Dog Works programs like the Lead Dog Service Dog Training and Peak Performance Membership, where families, therapy dog handlers, and service dog trainers learn how to go beyond obedience into partnership. Tune in and learn how to turn training sessions into confident teamwork. Visit AlaskaDogWorks.com to schedule a strategy call today. Suggested internal links to add in the episode blog post: Lead Dog Service Dog Training Program DAWGS Therapy Dog Program The Pack Membership Dog Works Radio Homepage Products We Use for Dog Works Radio My equipment: • SHURE SM7B Mic • Rodecaster Pro II audio production studio • Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones • Elgato Wave Mic Arm Pro Recommended resources: • Captivate.fm podcast hosting, distribution, analytics, and monetization • Keap CRM • Riverside.FM • Hindenburg Pro recording and editing Note: these may contain affiliate links, so I get a small percentage of any product you buy when using my link. Dog Works Radio is a podcast education show brought to you by Dog Works Radio and is hosted by Michele Forto. If you enjoy the show, I'd love for you to leave a rating or review on your favorite podcast app! And please let your friends and other podcasters know they can listen for free on Spotify and Apple Podcasts
Arctic Puppy Foundation Program (00:03:46)
On this episode of One Minute Dog Training Tips, Nicole Forto discusses: the Arctic Puppy Foundation Program at Alaska Dog Works Products We Use for Dog Works Radio My equipment: • SHURE SM7B Mic • Rodecaster Pro II audio production studio • Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones • Elgato Wave Mic Arm Pro Recommended resources: • Captivate.fm podcast hosting, distribution, analytics, and monetization • Keap CRM • Riverside.FM • Hindenburg Pro recording and editing Note: these may contain affiliate links, so I get a small percentage of any product you buy when using my link. Dog Works Radio is a podcast education show brought to you by Dog Works Radio and is hosted by Nicole Forto. If you enjoy the show, I'd love for you to leave a rating or review on your favorite podcast app! And please let your friends and other podcasters know they can listen for free on Spotify and Apple Podcasts
Mental Stimulation Games for Dogs (00:04:22)
On this episode of One Minute Dog Training Tips, Nicole Forto discusses: Mental Stimulation Games for Dogs Products We Use for Dog Works Radio My equipment: • SHURE SM7B Mic • Rodecaster Pro II audio production studio • Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones • Elgato Wave Mic Arm Pro Recommended resources: • Captivate.fm podcast hosting, distribution, analytics, and monetization • Keap CRM • Riverside.FM • Hindenburg Pro recording and editing Note: these may contain affiliate links, so I get a small percentage of any product you buy when using my link. Dog Works Radio is a podcast education show brought to you by Dog Works Radio and is hosted by Nicole Forto. If you enjoy the show, I'd love for you to leave a rating or review on your favorite podcast app! And please let your friends and other podcasters know they can listen for free on Spotify and Apple Podcasts
Teaching Kids About Pet Loss Through Storytelling with Dorothy Wills-Raftery (00:30:31)
In this heartfelt episode of Dog Works Radio, host Robert Forto reconnects with long-time friend and author Dorothy Wills-Raftery, known to many as the FiveSibes Mom. Together they discuss her touching new children's book Wolfie, What Is the Rainbow Bridge? a gentle story written with her grandson to help children understand the loss of a beloved pet. Dorothy shares the real-life inspiration behind Wolfie, the emotional bond between her grandson and their Siberian Huskies, and how writing and illustration became a form of healing. The conversation also explores her ongoing work in canine epilepsy awareness, pet loss support, and her award-winning books like What's Wrong with Gibson and Buddy the Christmas Husky. Learn more about Dorothy's work: Blog: FiveSibes.blogspot.com Facebook: FiveSibes: Siberian Husky Canine News & Reviews Instagram: @FiveSibesMom APLB Pet Loss Resources: aplb.org Products We Use for Dog Works Radio My equipment: • SHURE SM7B Mic • Rodecaster Pro II audio production studio • Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones • Elgato Wave Mic Arm Pro Recommended resources: • Captivate.fm podcast hosting, distribution, analytics, and monetization • Keap CRM • Riverside.FM • Hindenburg Pro recording and editing Note: these may contain affiliate links, so I get a small percentage of any product you buy when using my link. Dog Works Radio is a podcast education show brought to you by Dog Works Radio and is hosted by Michele Forto. If you enjoy the show, I'd love for you to leave a rating or review on your favorite podcast app! And please let your friends and other podcasters know they can listen for free on Spotify and Apple Podcasts
The Bark: Beyond Task Training (00:16:48)
In this bonus episode, of The Bark. Nicole and Michele Forto dive deeper into task training for service dogs.
