Dog Works Radio® | Dog Training, Puppy Training, Dog Behavior & Service Dogs
Dog Works Radio is a dog training podcast for dog owners who want real-world results, better behavior, and a stronger relationship with their dogs. In every episode, professional dog trainers Dr. Robert and Michele Forto break down the dog training advice, behavior challenges, and canine myths that confuse most owners and show you what actually works in everyday life with dogs. Whether you are raising a new puppy, struggling with leash pulling, dealing with barking or reactivity, training a service dog, or simply trying to better understand your dog's behavior, this podcast gives you practical dog training strategies you can...
Why is my dog reactive off leash? | Dog Works Radio
Join host Michele Forto as she discusses why is my dog reactive off leash? on this episode of One Minute Dog Training Tips on Dog Works Radio
Other Episodes You Will Love
· How to Get the Best Results out of Dog Training
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This episode was recorded on the Shure SM7B and a Rodecaster Pro II
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Black and Tan Coonhound | The Daily Dog
Join host Michele Forto as she profiles the Black and Tan Coonhound on this episode of The Daily Dog on Dog Works Radio
Other Episodes You Will Love
· How to Get the Best Results out of Dog Training
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This episode was recorded on the Shure SM7B and a Rodecaster Pro II
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Service Dog Training in Alaska: What It Really Takes
Service dog training is about much more than putting a vest on a dog and teaching basic obedience. A reliable service dog must have the right temperament, learn specific disability-related tasks, demonstrate strong public-access behavior, and continue performing consistently in the real world.
In this episode of Dog Works Radio, Michele Forto explains what service dog training really looks like in Alaska. She discusses how service dogs differ from therapy dogs and emotional support animals, how dogs are evaluated for service work, why training commonly takes 18 to 24 months, and what owner-trained teams should expect.
You'll...
Your Dog Is the Doctor: How Dogs Improve Your Health with Dr. Dan Guirguis
Other Episodes You Will Love
· How to Get the Best Results out of Dog Training
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This episode was recorded on the Shure SM7B and a Rodecaster Pro II
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Take our Understanding Drive Behaviors quiz to see exactly what drive your dog is in and how to begin to train...
Hearing Support Dogs in Alaska: Why We Start with the Handler and the Right Puppy From Day One
Join host Michele Forto on this case study about, Hearing Support Dogs in Alaska: Why We Start with the Handler and the Right Puppy From Day One, on this episode of The Daily Dog on Dog Works Radio
Other Episodes You Will Love
· How to Get the Best Results out of Dog Training
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This episode was recorded on the Shure SM7B and a Rodecaster Pro II
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Will dog training change my dog?
Join host Nicole Forto on this case study about training and your dog's personality on this episode of One Minute Dog Training Tips on Dog Works Radio
Other Episodes You Will Love
· How to Get the Best Results out of Dog Training
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This episode was recorded on the Shure SM7B and a Rodecaster Pro II
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English Foxhound | The Daily Dog
Join host Michele Forto as she profiles the English Foxhound on this episode of The Daily Dog on Dog Works Radio
Other Episodes You Will Love
· How to Get the Best Results out of Dog Training
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This episode was recorded on the Shure SM7B and a Rodecaster Pro II
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The Taylor Swift Effect: Is a Samoyed the Right Dog for You?
Taylor Swift may be famous for being a cat person, but photos of Travis Kelce traveling with a fluffy white Samoyed puppy have people talking. Could celebrity influence suddenly make the Samoyed one of the next must-have dog breeds?
In this episode of Dog Works Radio, Michele Forto looks beyond the celebrity buzz to discuss what families need to know before bringing home a Samoyed. These beautiful northern working dogs are intelligent, social, active, and independent, with coats that require serious maintenance.
Michele also explains why sudden breed popularity can create problems when people choose...
When a Free Service Dog Costs You Three Years
Join host Michele Forto on this case study about When a "Free" Service Dog Costs You Three Years on this episode of The Daily Dog on Dog Works Radio
Other Episodes You Will Love
· How to Get the Best Results out of Dog Training
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This episode was recorded on the Shure SM7B and a Rodecaster Pro II
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Back to School Safety and Dog Training
Join host Michele Forto of Alaska Dog Works as she talks about back-to-school safety and dog training on this episode of Dog Works Radio.
Other Episodes You Will Love
· How to Get the Best Results out of Dog Training
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This episode was recorded on the Shure SM7B and a Rodecaster Pro II
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The After School Rush and Dog Training
Join host Michele Forto of Alaska Dog Works as she talks about after-school activities with kids and dogs on this episode of Dog Works Radio.
Other Episodes You Will Love
· How to Get the Best Results out of Dog Training
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This episode was recorded on the Shure SM7B and a Rodecaster Pro II
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The Kids Are Going Back to School. Is Your Dog Ready?
Join host Michele Forto of Alaska Dog Works as she talks about making sure your dog is ready when your kids head back to school on this episode of Dog Works Radio.
Other Episodes You Will Love
· How to Get the Best Results out of Dog Training
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This episode was recorded on the Shure SM7B and a Rodecaster Pro II
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The Power of Structure and GSD Mixes | The Daily Dog
Join host Michele Forto as she presents a case study on the power of structure and GSD mixes on this episode of The Daily Dog on Dog Works Radio
Other Episodes You Will Love
· How to Get the Best Results out of Dog Training
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This episode was recorded on the Shure SM7B and a Rodecaster Pro II
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The American Hairless Terrier | The Daily Dog
Join host Michele Forto as she profiles the American Hairless Terrier on this episode of The Daily Dog on Dog Works Radio
Other Episodes You Will Love
· How to Get the Best Results out of Dog Training
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This episode was recorded on the Shure SM7B and a Rodecaster Pro II
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Why Your Dog Listens at Home but Ignores You Outside
Your dog sits perfectly in the kitchen, comes when called across the living room, and seems to know exactly what you are asking. Then you walk outside, and suddenly it feels like all that training disappeared.
In this episode of Dog Works Radio, Michele Forto explains why your dog probably has not forgotten their training and is not deliberately ignoring you. Instead, dogs often struggle to generalize behaviors from one environment to another. Add new smells, other dogs, wildlife, traffic, people, and dozens of other distractions, and a simple command can suddenly become much harder.
...
Starting Service Dog Training in Alaska
Join Michele Forto as she presents a case study: Starting Service Dog Training in Alaska, 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
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Take our Understanding Drive Behaviors quiz to see exa...
The Beauceron | The Daily Dog
Join host Michele Forto as she profiles the Beauceron on this episode of The Daily Dog on Dog Works Radio
Other Episodes You Will Love
· How to Get the Best Results out of Dog Training
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This episode was recorded on the Shure SM7B and a Rodecaster Pro II
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Why Does My Dog Follow Me Everywhere? What Your Dog Is Really Telling You
Have you ever wondered why your dog follows you everywhere, from the kitchen to the bedroom and sometimes even the bathroom? You are definitely not alone. The so-called "Velcro dog" is something many dog owners know very well, but there is more behind this behavior than simple affection.
In this episode of Dog Works Radio, we discuss why dogs follow their people, how reinforcement and daily routines can encourage the behavior, and why breed tendencies, boredom, insecurity, and attachment can all play a role. We also discuss the difference between a dog that simply enjoys being near...
The Bulldog | The Daily Dog
Join host Michele Forto as she profiles the Bulldog on this episode of The Daily Dog on Dog Works Radio
Other Episodes You Will Love
· How to Get the Best Results out of Dog Training
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This episode was recorded on the Shure SM7B and a Rodecaster Pro II
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Military Family Dog Training
Join Michele Forto as she presents a case study: Military Family Dog Training on Dog Works Radio
Other Episodes You Will Love
· How to Get the Best Results out of Dog Training
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This episode was recorded on the Shure SM7B and a Rodecaster Pro II
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FREE! Grab our 7-Day Real-World Dog Training Plan
Take our Un...
How Dog Trainers Can Effectively Use AI
Other Episodes You Will Love
· How to Get the Best Results out of Dog Training
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This episode was recorded on the Shure SM7B and a Rodecaster Pro II
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Love this episode? Say thanks in true dog training podcasting style by leaving a review.
FREE! Grab our 7-Day Real-World Dog Training Plan
Take our Understanding Drive Behaviors quiz to see exactly what drive your dog is in and how to begin to train...
The Superpowers Your Dog Already Has (And How Understanding Them Makes You a Better Trainer)
Have you ever wondered if your dog has superpowers? In this episode of Dog Works Radio, Michele Forto explores the incredible natural abilities that make dogs one of the most remarkable animals on the planet. From their extraordinary sense of smell and incredible hearing to their ability to read human emotions and even detect changes in our health, dogs experience the world in ways we can barely imagine.
You'll also discover how understanding these instincts can make you a better dog owner and trainer. Learn why scent work is one of the best forms of mental exercise...
Wirehaired Vizsla | The Daily Dog
Join host Michele Forto as she profiles the Wirehaired Vizsla on this episode of The Daily Dog on Dog Works Radio
Other Episodes You Will Love
· How to Get the Best Results out of Dog Training
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This episode was recorded on the Shure SM7B and a Rodecaster Pro II
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FREE! Grab our 7-Day Real-World Dog Training Plan<...
Why Herding Training is Tough in Alaska: And What You Can Do Instead
Join host Michele Forto as she presents a case study: Why Herding Training Is Tough in Alaska: And What You Can Do Instead
Other Episodes You Will Love
· Zombie Dogs
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This episode was recorded on the Shure SM7B and a Rodecaster Pro II
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Take our Understanding Drive...
Dogs Who Change Our Lives: Lara McGallon on Animal Rescue, Faith, and the Stories That Inspire Hope
Dogs have always had an incredible ability to change our lives, often in ways we never expect. In this episode of Dog Works Radio, Dr. Robert Forto sits down with author, speaker, and animal advocate Lara McGallon to discuss her lifelong passion for helping dogs and the people who love them.
Lara shares the inspiration behind her bestselling books, including Dogs Who Change Our Life and The Heavenly Dog Father Prayer Book, while explaining how her writing combines real-life stories, faith, and the remarkable bond between humans and dogs. She also discusses her extensive work supporting rescue...
Argus, the First Great Dog Story
Discover the timeless story of Argus, the faithful hunting dog from Homer's The Odyssey whose brief appearance has become one of the most unforgettable moments in literary history. In this episode, host Michele Forto explores the legend behind Argus, why a rare Portuguese Podengo was chosen to portray him in Christopher Nolan's film adaptation, and what modern dog owners can learn about loyalty, trust, and the lasting bond between people and their dogs.
Whether you're a fan of classic literature, ancient dog breeds, or simply love great stories about dogs, this episode offers a fascinating look at...
Bergamasco Sheepdog | The Daily Dog
Join host Michele Forto as she profiles the Bergamasco Sheepdog on the Daily Dog on Dog Works Radio.
Other Episodes You Will Love
· How to Get the Best Results out of Dog Training
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This episode was recorded on the Shure SM7B and a Rodecaster Pro II
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Take o...
Jack Russell Reactivity on Leash: Real Client Story: Building Impulse Control in a Prey-Driven Dog
Join host Michele Forto as she discusses a client story, case study about, a Jack Russell Reactivity on Leash: Real Client Story: Building Impulse Control in a Prey-Driven Dog
Other Episodes You Will Love
· Zombie Dogs
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This episode was recorded on the Shure SM7B and a Rodecaster Pro II
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FREE! Grab our 7-Day Real-World Dog Training Plan<...
Stop Repeating Yourself: How Dogs Really Learn | Dog Training Unfiltered
Do you find yourself saying "sit" three or four times before your dog finally listens? You're not alone, but repeating commands may be teaching your dog exactly the wrong lesson.
In this episode of Dog Training Unfiltered, Michele Forto explains why dogs learn through consequences instead of conversation, why repeating cues weakens your training, and how better timing can dramatically improve your results. She shares practical strategies for using marker training, building reinforcement history, and setting your dog up for success in every training session. Whether you're raising a puppy or working with an older dog, this...
The Poodle | The Daily Dog
Other Episodes You Will Love
· How to Get the Best Results out of Dog Training
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This episode was recorded on the Shure SM7B and a Rodecaster Pro II
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Love this episode? Say thanks in true dog training podcasting style by leaving a review.
FREE! Grab our 7-Day Real-World Dog Training Plan
Take our Understanding Drive Behaviors quiz to see exactly what drive your dog is in and how to begin to train...
Multi-Dog Aggression: Rebuilding the Pack
Join host Michele Forto as she discusses multi-dog agression: rebuilding the pack, 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
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Love this episode? Say thanks in true dog training podcasting style by leaving a review.
FREE! Grab our 7-Day Real-World Dog Training Plan
Take our Understanding Drive Behaviors quiz to see exactly what drive...
Is Socialization Really That Important? What Most Dog Owners Get Wrong
What does it really mean to socialize your dog?
Many dog owners believe socialization means letting puppies meet every dog, greet every stranger, and spend hours at the dog park. Unfortunately, those well-intentioned efforts often create the very behavior problems owners hope to avoid.
In this episode of Dog Training Unfiltered, Michele Forto explains what proper socialization actually looks like and why confidence, not popularity, should be your goal.
You'll learn why calm observation is often more valuable than constant interaction, how the critical puppy socialization period works, why dog parks are rarely...
Leadership Through Systems, Trust and Long-Term Success
What happens after the training ends?
In the final episode of The Journey: Leadership Through Partnership, Robert and Michele Forto explore the true measure of success. It isn't passing a certification or completing a program. It's what happens months and years later when trust, consistency, and shared experience become part of everyday life.
Danny and Gunner's story began as a veteran working with a service dog. It evolved into something much bigger. Their partnership helped shape Alaska Dog Works' veteran service dog program and ultimately influenced the leadership philosophy behind Peak Experience.
Service Dogs, Leadership, and Performance Under Pressure
In Part 4 of The Danny and Gunner Story, Robert and Michele Forto explore the moment every leader, team, and service dog partnership eventually faces: the test of pressure.
Training is one thing. Real-world performance is another. As Danny and Gunner move beyond controlled environments and into unpredictable situations, their partnership is challenged in new ways. Through public access training, growing confidence, and increasing responsibility, they learn that success is not measured when conditions are ideal, but when circumstances become difficult.
This episode examines the relationship between preparation and performance, the role of trust in leadership...
Reactive Rescue Dogs: The Joey Story
Join host Michele Forto as she discusses reactive rescue dogs 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
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FREE! Grab our 7-Day Real-World Dog Training Plan
Take our Understanding Drive Behaviors quiz to see exactly what drive your dog is...
Do Board and Train Programs Actually Work? The Truth Every Dog Owner Should Know
Thinking about sending your dog to a board and train program? Before you make that investment, it's important to understand what these programs can and cannot accomplish.
In this episode of Dog Training Unfiltered, Michele Forto explains why board and train programs can be highly effective when they're built on a foundation of owner education, follow-up support, and realistic expectations. She discusses why no trainer can "fix" a dog without the owner's continued involvement, what separates great programs from average ones, and the questions every dog owner should ask before enrolling their dog.
Whether you're...
Yorkshire Terrier | The Daily Dog
On this episode of The Daily Dog, Michele Forto profiles the Yorkshire Terrier 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
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Love this episode? Say thanks in true dog training podcasting style by leaving a review.
FREE! Grab our 7-Day Real-World Dog Training Plan
Take our Understanding Drive Behaviors quiz to see exactly what d...
Therapy Dogs in Mental Health Practice, What Therapists Need to Know
Join host Michele Forto as she discusses Therapy Dogs in Mental Health Practice, What Therapists Need to Know 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
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Love this episode? Say thanks in true dog training podcasting style by leaving a review.
FREE! Grab our 7-Day Real-World Dog Training Plan
Take our Understanding Drive Behavi...
Can You Teach an Old Dog New Tricks? Senior Dog Training Myths Explained
Many dog owners believe they missed their chance to train their dog because they waited too long. Whether your dog is six, eight, ten, or even older, the truth is that dogs continue learning throughout their lives. In this episode of Dog Training Unfiltered, Michele Forto breaks down one of the biggest myths in dog training and explains why age is rarely the reason training fails.
You'll learn why older dogs often have advantages over puppies, how long-established habits can be changed, why mental enrichment becomes even more important as dogs age, and what you can do t...
Rottweiller | The Daily Dog
On this episode of The Daily Dog, Michele Forto profiles the Rottweiller 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.
FREE! Grab our 7-Day Real-World Dog Training Plan
Take our Understanding Drive Behaviors quiz to see exactly what drive...
