Dog Works Radio

On this episode of One Minute Dog Training Tips, Nicole Forto of Alaska Dog Works discusses socialization versus exposure in dog training on Dog Works Radio.

Other Episodes You Will Love

·      Zombie Dogs

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This episode was recorded on the Shure SM7B and a Rodecaster Pro II

Like this episode? Share it with your dog training friends!

Love this episode? Say thanks in true dog training podcasting style by leaving a review.

Take our Understanding Drive Behaviors quiz to see exactly what drive...

Does your dog erupt into barking chaos every time the doorbell rings? You're not alone. For many households, the sound of the doorbell instantly turns calm into confusion.

In this episode of Dog Works Radio, Michele Forto explains why dogs react so strongly to the doorbell and how owners can turn that moment of excitement into a predictable and calm routine. Instead of trying to suppress barking, effective training gives dogs a clear role and a structured response when someone arrives at the door.

You will learn why doorbell barking happens, how practicing the scenario...

On this episode of One Minute Dog Training Tips, Nicole Forto of Alaska Dog Works discusses coaching humans first in dog training on Dog Works Radio.

Other Episodes You Will Love

·      Zombie Dogs

Support the Show

This episode was recorded on the Shure SM7B and a Rodecaster Pro II

Like this episode? Share it with your dog training friends!

Love this episode? Say thanks in true dog training podcasting style by leaving a review.

Take our Understanding Drive Behaviors quiz to see exactly what drive...

Many dog owners hesitate when they hear the price of professional training. Yet those same people might spend thousands of dollars for a few hours of entertainment, such as premium concert tickets.

In this episode of Dog Works Radio, Robert and Michele Forto explore the real difference between short-term experiences and long-term value. While concerts create memories for a single evening, professional dog training shapes the relationship you will share with your dog for the next ten to fifteen years.

The conversation breaks down what professional training actually involves, why behavior problems often develop when...

Many dogs behave well at home but struggle the moment they step into a busy environment. A crowded patio, a coffee shop, or even a quiet park can quickly overwhelm a dog that hasn't learned how to regulate their energy outside the house.

In this episode of Dog Works Radio, host Michele Forto explains how to train what trainers often call the calm café dog, a dog that can settle comfortably in public environments while you go about your day.

This episode explores why calm behavior is not automatic, how the environment affects your dog's a...

On this episode of One Minute Dog Training Tips, Nicole Forto shares a update on working with a rescue dog from South Korea on Dog Works Radio

You'll learn:

What documented forensic cases show

How and why scavenging behavior begins

The role of canine survival instincts

Practical emergency planning steps for dog owners

How training and independence affect resilience

If you live alone, off-grid, or in rural Alaska, this is a conversation worth having. Preparation is not fear—it is responsible dog ownership.

Fo...

Last week on Dog Works Radio, we explored the strange topic of "zombie dogs" and how real diseases can influence canine behavior. This week, we tackle another uncomfortable but honest question: would your dog eat you if you died at home?

In this episode, we break down what forensic science reveals about post-mortem scavenging in dogs, how survival instincts override emotional bonds, and why this conversation matters especially for dog owners in Alaska. From remote cabins to winter road closures, delayed response times can change the equation.

You'll learn:

What documented forensic cases...

In this episode of One Minute Dog Training Tips, Nicole Forto of Alaska Dog Works Discusses Resource Guarding. 

Other Episodes You Will Love

This episode was recorded on the Shure SM7B and a Rodecaster Pro II

Support the Show

Like this episode? Share it with your dog training friends!

Love this episode? Say thanks in true dog training podcasting style by leaving a review.

Take our Understanding Drive Behaviors quiz to see exactly what drive your d...

Got a puppy for Christmas? Two months later is when real training begins. Learn what to focus on now, how to prevent bad habits, and how to build a well-mannered dog before adolescence hits.

Other Episodes You Will Love

This episode was recorded on the Shure SM7B and a Rodecaster Pro II

Support the Show

Like this episode? Share it with your dog training friends!

Love this episode? Say thanks in true dog training podcasting style by leaving...

Your dog knows "sit."
They just don't know why it matters.

If your cues fall apart the moment distractions show up, the issue isn't intelligence. It's clarity, context, and how the behavior was built.

In this episode of Dog Works Radio, Michele Forto breaks down the four core commands, sit, stay, down, and drop it, and explains why they are not about obedience at all. They're about impulse control, trust, calmness, and safety.

You'll learn:

• Why "sit" is really about impulse control
• How to build a stay that doesn't coll...

Is rabies the closest thing to a real zombie virus?

In this episode of Dog Works Radio, we explore the science behind rabies as a behavioral manipulation virus, inspired by Cujo and modern films like 28 Days Later. We discuss how rabies alters the brain, increases aggression and salivation to spread infection, and why it has terrified humans for thousands of years.

We also dive into toxoplasmosis and other parasites that literally change animal behavior to benefit transmission.

Most importantly, we explain what dog owners need to understand about sudden aggression, neurological changes, and...

On this episode of One Minute Dog Training Tips by Dog Works Radio, Nicole Forto discusses Proofing Your Dog for Real Life 

Other Episodes You Will Love

This episode was recorded on the Shure SM7B and a Rodecaster Pro II

Support the Show

Like this episode? Share it with your dog training friends!

Love this episode? Say thanks in true dog training podcasting style by leaving a review.

Take our Understanding Drive Behaviors quiz to see exactly what drive your d...

Does your dog panic, bark, or resist going into the crate?

Here's the truth: your dog doesn't hate the crate. They hate confusion.

In this episode of Dog Works Radio, Robert and Michele Forto break down why crate training fails for so many families and how to fix it using their proven Three C's framework: Criteria, Consequences, and Consistency.

You'll learn:

• Why crates are misunderstood
• How to introduce the crate without stress
• The biggest mistakes dog owners make
• How crate training supports house training
• How the crate builds ind...

On this episode of One Minute Dog Training Tips by Dog Works Radio, Nicole Forto discusses Winter Training Games for Your Dog

Products We Use for Dog Works Radio

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 educati...

Getting great results from dog training doesn't require magic. It requires clarity, consistency, and the right approach.

In this episode of Dog Works Radio, Michelle Forto shares practical, professional tips to help you train smarter and see faster progress. You'll learn why positive reinforcement works, how to choose the right reward for your dog, why short sessions outperform long ones, and how to build behaviors step by step.

Whether you're starting with a new puppy or refining obedience skills, this episode gives you a simple framework you can use immediately.

You'll learn:

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 consistency to create better behavior at home.

If every walk feels like a tug of war, your dog isn't being stubborn or disrespectful. They're doing what has worked.

On Dog Works Radio, we break down loose leash walking from the dog's perspective and explain why pulling is not a behavior problem but a reinforcement history. When dogs learn that tension equals forward motion, pulling...

On this episode of One Minute Dog Training Tips by Dog Works Radio, Nicole Forto discusses Loose Leash Walking: Myth versus Reality 

Products We Use for Dog Works Radio

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 educatio...

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.

Reliable recall is not about control or obedience. It's about trust, value, and clear communication. In this episode of Dog Works Radio, host Michele Forto kicks off Season 2 by breaking down why recall often fails in the real world and how to rebuild it the right way. Using positive reinforcement and practical management strategies, this episode introduces the...

On this episode of One Minute Dog Training Tips by Dog Works Radio, Nicole Forto discusses The First 90 Days with Your Puppy

Products We Use for Dog Works Radio

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 educat...

Seventeen years. No missed weeks. In this bonus episode, Michele Forto reflects on what staying power really looks like in dog training, leadership, and podcasting, and why consistency, trust, and clear standards matter more than hype.

Products We Use for Dog Works Radio

Note: these may contain affiliate links, so I get a small percentage of any product you...

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.

In this episode of Dog Works Radio, the hosts delve into the importance of engagement in dog training, emphasizing that a dog's distraction often stems from boredom rather than stubbornness. They introduce the concept of turning training into a game, which not only makes the process enjoyable for the dog but also enhances learning and reliability.

...

On this episode of One Minute Dog Training Tips by Dog Works Radio, Nicole Forto discusses why Sometimes You are Inconsistent in Dog Training 

Products We Use for Dog Works Radio

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 pod...

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.

Service dogs, reliability is not just a buzzword; it is a critical component that can significantly impact the lives of individuals with PTSD. In this podcast, we will discuss into the essential qualities that make a PTSD service dog truly reliable, drawing insights from a recent podcast episode featuring experts in canine training.

Lead Dog Service...

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.

In this episode of Dog Works Radio, we explain why short, focused training sessions create faster, calmer, and more reliable results than long, exhausting workouts. You'll learn how mini training sessions support clear criteria, meaningful reinforcement, and consistency, and how to use everyday moments like meals, walks, and routines to reinforce good behavior.

This episode ties...

On this episode of One Minute Dog Training Tips by Dog Works Radio, Nicole Forto discusses Should I Let My Dog Make Choices?

Products We Use for Dog Works Radio

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...

In this episode of Dog Works Radio, host Michele Forto discuss the critical role of management in dog training. She emphasizes that management is not just about fixing behaviors after they occur but about preventing unwanted habits from forming in the first place. The episode outlines practical management tools that can help dog owners create a conducive environment for training, ultimately leading to better behavior in dogs.   The host also explain how effective management supports the principles of training, making it easier for dogs to learn and for owners to reinforce good behavior.   Takeaways Management is about preventing bad habits. Tr...

On this episode of One Minute Dog Training Tips by Dog Works Radio, Nicole Forto discusses if a Board and Train is right for your dog.

Products We Use for Dog Works Radio

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...

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.

In this episode of Dog Works Radio, hosts Robert and Michelle Forto delve into the concept of positive reinforcement in dog training. They discuss the importance of understanding what motivates dogs, the various types of rewards beyond treats, and the critical role of timing in reinforcement.

The episode also highlights the distinction between reinforcement and bribery...

On this episode of One Minute Dog Training Tips, Nicole Forto discusses: Crate Training: Panic or Testing?

Products We Use for Dog Works Radio

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 D...

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...

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...

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...

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.

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 g...

On this episode of One Minute Dog Training Tips, Nicole Forto discusses: Christmas with your dog. 

Products We Use for Dog Works Radio

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 R...

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.

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...

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

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...

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...

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

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 broug...