Dog Works Radio® | Dog Training, Puppy Training, Dog Behavior & Service Dogs

Most families hesitate to start dog training for three reasons: cost, time, and that spouse who says, "We don't need it." In this episode, Michelle Forto of Alaska Dog Works breaks down each objection and shows why they don't hold up. You'll learn how training saves money, gives you time back, and creates harmony at home. If you've ever put off training your dog, this conversation will change the...

On this episode of One Minute Dog Training Tips, Nicole Forto discusses getting your dog ready for the cold weather ahead.  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...

In this bonus Q&A, Robert Forto shares his firsthand experiences visiting Rebel Rescue in South Korea. From the resilience of dogs rescued from farm conditions, such as Scooby , to the cultural divide between dogs as family pets versus guardians, this episode explores how rescue culture is evolving as Korea prepares to ban dog meat farms in 2027. Listeners will learn what U.S. trainers can gain fr...

In this bonus Q&A episode of Dog Works Radio , Michele and Nicole Forto digs deeper into the message behind  Stop Looking for Shortcuts: Your Dog Deserves Better . She shares what really happens when families hit the "messy middle" of adolescence, why shortcuts set both owners and dogs up for failure, and how lasting transformation comes from consistency, patience, and coaching. If you've ever fel...

In this episode of Dog Works Radio, Dr. Robert Forto sits down with South Korean dog trainer Sarah Jung of Rebel Rescue to explore the evolving dog culture in Korea. From her journey learning positive training methods in the U.S. to her work rehabilitating dogs rescued from farms, like Scooby, a pup with a remarkable story, Sarah shares candid insights into the challenges and hope of giving these...

In this episode of Dog Works Radio , Michele Forto takes listeners beyond obedience classes and quick fixes to uncover the true journey of raising a lifelong canine companion. Through real family stories and honest insights, she reveals how lasting transformation happens when training becomes a relationship, not a transaction, between dogs, their people, and ongoing support. If you've ever dreamed...

In this bonus Q&A episode of Dog Works Radio , Michele and Nicole Forto dives deeper into the myth of "quick-fix" dog training and why six-week classes set families up for frustration. Through candid insights and real client stories, she explains how membership-based coaching creates lasting transformation for both dogs and their owners. If you've ever wondered why training seems to "wear off," th...

Does "six-week dog training" sound too good to be true? In this episode of Dog Works Radio, Michele Forto debunks the myth of quick-fix dog training and explains why lasting behavior change takes more than just obedience classes. Learn what most dog training programs leave out, and what strategies truly produce reliable results. What You'll Learn: • Common pitfalls of short-term obedience courses...

What role does a clean, fresh diet play in your dog's health, performance, and recovery? In this Dog Works Radio episode, we sit down with canine nutritionist Jennifer Carter to unpack how diet supports everything from injury healing to adventure readiness. If your dog is active, aging, or recovering, this conversation is packed with insights you can apply immediately. Key Topics Explored: • Why f...

Join Nicole Forto as she delves into the essential first step in transforming your dog's behavior. Discover why understanding triggers and associations is crucial for lasting change. Key Points: The dual nature of dog behavior: inherent traits vs. learned responses. Importance of in-depth evaluations to identify behavior triggers. The concept of counter conditioning and its role in behavior change...

The Bark! Bite-sized episodes offer behind-the-scenes insights, practical tips and tricks, and approachable science. On this episode, Michele and Nicole Forto conduct a Q&A about dog owners and the chaos they may cause in their relationships with their dogs.  Listen to uncover the lady's take and see how this might help you on your dog training journery. Like what you are hearing? Be sure to check...

In this bonus episode, Michele Forto introduces our The Pack membership program. It is truly allowing you to take your dog trainining to the next level for the cost of less than one Starbucks coffee a month.  Learn more at The Pack at Dog Works Radio Have an idea for The Bark? Please submit it here:  Dog Works Radio Episode Idea   Products We Use for  Dog Works Radio My equipment:   • SHURE SM7B M...

When the Anderson family brought home their Labrador, Scout, they never imagined dog training would transform more than his behavior, it would transform them as a family. In this episode of  Dog Works Radio , we share how consistency, communication, and our Peak Performance Membership Program turned daily chaos into calm, lasting connection. If you've tried quick fixes without success, this story...

You may adore your dog, but are you unknowingly irritating them every day? In this episode of Dog Works Radio , Michele Forto breaks down the 8 most common ways owners annoy their dog, like hugging too tight, rushing walks, and relying on words instead of cues. Learn how small changes can strengthen your bond, reduce stress, and create a happier, more cooperative canine companion. Hosts: Robert an...

Heading off to college, but worried about your dog? This episode of Dog Works Radio dives into pet separation anxiety during college transitions : why it happens, how dogs respond emotionally, and what steps both students and pet parents can take to ease that stress. You'll get stories, studies, and practical strategies you can use right now. • Why dogs struggle when their people leave for school...

How to create a positive first impresssion with a crate on One Minute Dog Training Tips with Nicole Forto  Here's how to decide. Products I Use for One Minute Dog Training Tips My equipment:   • SHURE SM7B Mic • Rodecaster Pro II audio production studio • Bose QuiteComfort Ultra Headphones • Elgato Wave Mic Arm Pro   Recommended resources:   • Captivate.fm podcast hosting, distribution, analytics,...

Join host Michele Forto as she discusses why PTSD service dogs are not just for veterans on this episode of Dog Works Radio Products I 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...

Join host Michele Forto as she discusses the signs of therapy dog burnout on this episode  of Dog Works Radio Products I 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 •...

Join us for an insightful episode with lead trainer Michele Forto of Alaska Dog Works and co-host of Dog Works Radio, where we uncover why responsible, evidence-based training isn't just about obedience, it keeps dogs and families safe. We also dig into the red flags of scammy training programs and share Michele's expert tips on finding reputable, humane trainers who prioritize science-backed meth...

If a dog trainer promises overnight results, run. This is the topic today on One Minute Dog Training Tips with Nicole Forto  Here's how to decide. Products I Use for One Minute Dog Training Tips My equipment:   • SHURE SM7B Mic • Rodecaster Pro II audio production studio • Bose QuiteComfort Ultra Headphones • Elgato Wave Mic Arm Pro   Recommended resources:   • Captivate.fm podcast hosting, distri...

Join hosts Robert and Michele Forto as they explore the transformative experience of living with a trained service dog. Discover how these skilled companions perform life-changing tasks for individuals with PTSD, mobility challenges, medical alerts, and autism support. Learn about the balance of freedom and responsibility, the importance of consistent training, and the profound bond between handle...

Hello and welcome to Dog Works Radio. I am your host, Michele Forto. I am also the lead trainer of Alaska Dog Works, where we help you and your dog build the best relationship possible. Speaking of relationships, did you know that I have been training therapy dog teams for more than 15 years? That's right, our DAWGs program was built on the foundation of dog teams serving in a ministry.  Products...

Discover the joys and challenges of owning a dog, and the importance of training them for real-life scenarios. Key Topics The significance of public behavior training for safety, legal compliance, and social harmony. Fundamental training principles: Basic obedience commands, consistency, and positive reinforcement. Step-by-step guide to teaching public behavior, including leash training and contro...

Join Nicole from Dog Works Radio as she explores the surprising benefits of therapy dogs in professional and volunteer settings. Discover how these gentle companions bring calm, connection, and comfort to high-stress environments like hospitals, schools, and counseling offices. Therapy dogs help lower anxiety and encourage communication. They create a welcoming atmosphere for kids, seniors, and th...

Join us as we explore the intricate process of training autism assistance dogs at Alaska Dog Works. From temperament selection to advanced task training, discover how we prepare dogs to support autistic individuals in real-world scenarios. Key Topics: Choosing the right breeds for autism assistance work. Foundation Training: Building obedience and public access skills. Specialized Tasks: Teaching...