Dog Works Radio Shows

On this episode of The Daily Dog, Michele Forto profiles the Golden Retriever 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 your dog is in and how to begin to train for it. Join the On-Air Dog Training Coaching waitlist for a chance to be coached on the air by Dr. Robert or Michele Forto and get your dog training questions answered in real time. Sign up now for 20% off our Group Coaching Program and learn how to build the best relationship possible for your dog. Take your dog training to the next level by enrolling in our Peak Performance membership. Follow Dog Works Radio for more dog training tips: Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn   ©200

Does your dog ignore commands, pull on the leash, or seem like they just do not respect you? What if the problem is not respect at all? In this episode of Dog Works Radio, Michele Forto breaks down one of the most misunderstood ideas in dog training: the belief that dogs misbehave because they are trying to dominate, challenge, or disrespect their owners. This episode explores: Why dominance-based thinking still affects modern dog training What your dog is actually learning in difficult moments Why dogs behave differently in new environments How clarity and consistency improve obedience Why yelling louder rarely works The truth about reliable recall and dog behavior How real-world dog training builds trust If your dog listens perfectly at home but struggles outside, this episode will help you understand why. You will learn: How dogs make decisions Why reinforcement matters more than authority The role environment plays in dog obedience How to create more predictable behavior Why trust matters more than "re

Join Nicole and Robert Forto as they give an update on Scooby's training: from a dog meat farm in South Korea to a forever home in Alaska. 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 your dog is in and how to begin to train for it. Join the On-Air Dog Training Coaching waitlist for a chance to be coached on the air by Dr. Robert or Michele Forto and get your dog training questions answered in real time. Sign up now for 20% off our Group Coaching Program and learn how to build the best relationship possible for your dog. Take your dog training to the next level by enrolling in our Peak Performance membership. Follow Dog Works Radio for more dog training tips

What does it really take to train a PTSD service dog that works outside of a controlled environment? In this episode, Michele Forto shares the true story of Danny and Gunner, one of the first service dog teams trained through Alaska Dog Works. Learn why structure, consistency, handler involvement, and real-world reliability matter far more than quick obedience results. A powerful episode about service dog training, PTSD recovery, leadership, and partnership under pressure. 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 your dog is in and how to begin to train for it. Join the On-Air Dog Training Coaching waitlist for a chance to be coached on the air by Dr. Ro

On this episode of The Daily Dog Michele Forto profiles the French Bulldog 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 your dog is in and how to begin to train for it. Join the On-Air Dog Training Coaching waitlist for a chance to be coached on the air by Dr. Robert or Michele Forto and get your dog training questions answered in real time. Sign up now for 20% off our Group Coaching Program and learn how to build the best relationship possible for your dog. Take your dog training to the next level by enrolling in our Peak Performance membership. Follow Dog Works Radio for more dog training tips: Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn   ©2009-20

In this episode of Dog Works Radio, Robert Forto sits down with professional dog trainer and author Melissa McCue McGrath about her new book, Misadventures of the World's Okayest Dog Trainer and also the real world of dog training, beyond the basics. Melissa shares her journey from growing up with sled dogs in rural Maine to working in behavior cases and animal shelters. Along the way, we talk about the challenges dog trainers face, the misconceptions clients often have, and why communication with people matters just as much as working with dogs. The conversation discusses: The impact of popular culture on dog ownership trends The gap between real training knowledge and public perception What dog owners should look for in a trainer The realities of working in shelters and behavior cases Why the dog training industry remains largely unregulated Melissa also discusses her new book and the lessons behind the "misadventures" that shape every trainer's career. If you are a dog owner, aspiring trainer, or someone

Stop posting or clicking on random dog trainer links. Listen to this first. Before you choose a dog trainer from these comments… take 2 minutes and hear this. 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 your dog is in and how to begin to train for it. Join the On-Air Dog Training Coaching waitlist for a chance to be coached on the air by Dr. Robert or Michele Forto and get your dog training questions answered in real time. Sign up now for 20% off our Group Coaching Program and learn how to build the best relationship possible for your dog. Take your dog training to the next level by enrolling in our Peak Performance membership. Follow Dog Works Radio for mo

Every year the rankings come out, people celebrate, argue, and wonder why their favorite breed moved up or down the list. But popularity can be misleading. The most popular dog isn't always the best for your family. Today, we break down the most popular dog breeds of 2025, why the French Bulldog keeps winning, which breeds are rising fast, and what these rankings should mean if you are thinking about getting a dog. 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 your dog is in and how to begin to train for it. Join the On-Air Dog Training Coaching waitlist for a chance to be coached on the air by Dr. Robert or Michele Forto and get your dog training questions answered in real time. Sign up now for 20% off our

In this heartfelt episode of Dog Works Radio, host Robert Forto welcomes author Lisa Lacy to discuss her upcoming memoir Dogs Don't Gaslight. Lisa shares stories of the six dogs who shaped her life, from an Italian Greyhound chasing a bear in Alaska to the rescue dog who brought chaos and healing into her home. They explore midlife reinvention, truth versus perception, resilience, addiction recovery, and why dogs often understand us better than people do. If you love powerful dog stories, personal growth, and second chapters in life, this episode is for you. 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 your dog is in and how to begin to train for it. Join the On-Air Dog Training Coaching waitlist for a chan

Your dog is not trying to take control of your household. They are trying to understand what works. In this final episode of Dog Training 101: From Chaos to Companion, Michele Forto unpacks one of the most persistent and damaging ideas in dog training: dominance theory. While it offers a simple explanation for complex behavior, it often leads to frustration, confusion, and broken communication between dogs and their owners. This episode reframes behavior through the lens of clarity, reinforcement, consistency, environment, and emotional state. You will learn why outdated training beliefs hold people back and how a modern, structured approach creates better results and stronger relationships. 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 q

On this episode of the One Minute Dog Training Tips, Nicole Forto disusses, Treats vs. Life Rewwards 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 your dog is in and how to begin to train for it. Join the On-Air Dog Training Coaching waitlist for a chance to be coached on the air by Dr. Robert or Michele Forto and get your dog training questions answered in real time. Sign up now for 20% off our Group Coaching Program and learn how to build the best relationship possible for your dog. Take your dog training to the next level by enrolling in our Peak Performance membership. Follow Dog Works Radio for more dog training tips: Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn   ©2009-2026 by Dog Works Training

Tricks aren't just for entertainment. They are one of the most effective ways to build confidence, improve communication, and unlock better behavior in your dog. In this episode of Dog Works Radio, we break down how simple behaviors like hand targets, spins, and waves can create small wins that lead to big changes. When training feels stuck, the problem is often pressure. Tricks lower the stakes, encourage engagement, and help dogs learn how to succeed. You will learn why confidence matters more than compliance, how tricks improve focus and responsiveness, and how to use short training sessions to create lasting results. If your dog struggles with hesitation, distraction, or inconsistency, this episode offers a different way forward. 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 revie

On this episode of One Minute Dog Training Tips, Nicole Forto talks about tips and tricks when treats no longer work in your dog training routine.  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 your dog is in and how to begin to train for it. Join the On-Air Dog Training Coaching waitlist for a chance to be coached on the air by Dr. Robert or Michele Forto and get your dog training questions answered in real time. Sign up now for 20% off our Group Coaching Program and learn how to build the best relationship possible for your dog. Take your dog training to the next level by enrolling in our Peak Performance membership. Follow Dog Works Radio for more dog training tips: Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn   ©2009

When your dog is limping, dealing with a mass, or facing a serious diagnosis, how do you know what to do next? In this episode of Dog Works Radio, host Robert Forto speaks with Dr. Vanessa Serratore, a veterinary surgical specialist based in Alaska, about the real differences between general veterinarians and specialists. They discuss common conditions like CCL injuries, cancer, and complex surgical cases, and explain when advanced care becomes necessary. You'll learn how veterinary specialists support primary vets, what surgery and recovery actually look like, and how to make informed decisions about your dog's health. If you've ever wondered whether your dog's issue is behavioral or medical, or when to escalate care, this episode gives you a clear path forward. 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 podca

On this episode of One Minute Dog Training Tips, Nicole Forto talks about a spring reset with your dog training routine.  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 your dog is in and how to begin to train for it. Join the On-Air Dog Training Coaching waitlist for a chance to be coached on the air by Dr. Robert or Michele Forto and get your dog training questions answered in real time. Sign up now for 20% off our Group Coaching Program and learn how to build the best relationship possible for your dog. Take your dog training to the next level by enrolling in our Peak Performance membership. Follow Dog Works Radio for more dog training tips: Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn   ©2009-2026 by Dog Works Trainin

Your dog didn't forget their training, something changed. What looks like regression is usually a shift in context, reinforcement, or consistency. In this episode, we break down the real reasons dogs stop responding to cues and how small changes in environment, routine, or expectations can impact behavior. You'll learn why dogs struggle to generalize behaviors across different situations, how reinforcement history affects reliability, and why emotional state plays a bigger role than most owners realize. We also walk through practical steps to rebuild your dog's training by lowering difficulty, restoring clarity, and reinforcing success. If your dog is suddenly pulling harder, ignoring commands, or acting like they've never been trained, this episode will help you understand what's actually happening, and how to fix it the right way. 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 tra

On this episode of One Minute Dog Training Tips, Nicole Forto of Alaska Dog Works discusses how owners can work on a better recall 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 your dog is in and how to begin to train for it. Join the On-Air Dog Training Coaching waitlist for a chance to be coached on the air by Dr. Robert or Michele Forto and get your dog training questions answered in real time. Sign up now for 20% off our Group Coaching Program and learn how to build the best relationship possible for your dog. Take your dog training to the next level by enrolling in our Peak Performance membership. Follow Dog Works Radio for more dog training tips: Facebook | Instagram

Most dog owners believe socialization means meeting as many people and dogs as possible. But what if that approach is actually creating stress, reactivity, or shutdown behavior? In this episode of Dog Works Radio, Michele Forto breaks down what socialization really means and why it has far less to do with interaction and far more to do with calm, controlled exposure. A well-socialized dog is not one that greets everything, but one that can observe the world without becoming overwhelmed. You will learn why too much exposure can backfire, how to read your dog's signals before they reach their limit, and why distance and neutrality are powerful training tools. This episode reframes socialization in a way that helps you build confidence, stability, and clarity in your dog's behavior. 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 d

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 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 your dog is in and how to begin to train for it. Join the On-Air Dog Training Coaching waitlist for a chance to be coached on the air by Dr. Robert or Michele Forto and get your dog training questions answered in real time. Sign up now for 20% off our Group Coaching Program and learn how to build the best relationship possible for your dog. Take your dog training to the next level by enrolling in our Peak Performance membership. Follow Dog Works Radio for more dog training tips: Facebook | Instagram | Linked

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 in controlled training sessions can change the pattern, and why teaching a "place" behavior can transform chaos into calm. With consistency and the right approach, your dog can learn exactly what to do when the doorbell rings. 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 than