Dog Works Radio® | Dog Training, Puppy Training, Dog Behavior & Service Dogs - Details, episodes & analysis

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

Dog Works Radio

Kids & Family

Sports

Frequency: 1 episode/3d. Total Eps: 1133

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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http://www.alaskadogworks.com
406 shares
https://dogworksradio.com
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Http://ak.dog/7tips
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http://www.twitter.com/dogworksradio
433 shares
http://www.twitter.com/robertforto
206 shares
http://www.twitter.com/micheleforto

http://www.facebook.com/dogworksradio
327 shares
https://facebook.com/dogworksradio
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http://www.facebook.com/robertforto
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Your Dog Is Talking. Are You Listening? Understanding Dog Body Language

Friday, November 6, 2026 • Duration 16:37

Your dog has probably been telling you they're uncomfortable, frustrated, or overwhelmed long before they bark, growl, or snap. The question is, have you been paying attention?

On this episode of Dog Works Radio, Nicole Forto explores one of the most overlooked parts of dog ownership: understanding canine body language.

A wagging tail doesn't always mean a happy dog. A quiet dog isn't necessarily a comfortable dog. And that guilty-looking expression you see when your dog gets caught doing something wrong? It might mean something entirely different than you think.

Nicole explains how dogs communicate through subtle changes in posture, movement, facial expressions, and behavior. She also discusses why owners need to pay closer attention to their own body language and how inconsistent communication can create confusion during training.

You'll learn how to recognize early warning signs of stress, understand the difference between a relaxed dog and one that's freezing, and build a stronger relationship by respecting your dog's communication.

Your dog doesn't need to speak your language to communicate. They've already been talking. It's time to learn how to listen.

Learn more about real-world dog training at AlaskaDogWorks.com.

Other Episodes You Will Love

· How to Get the Best Results out of Dog Training

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 what drive your dog is in and how to start training 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.

Take your dog training to the next level with our Peak Performance membership.

Follow Dog Works Radio for more dog training tips: Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn

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Sam's Story: What It Really Takes to Train a Service Dog

Thursday, November 5, 2026 • Duration 12:50

What does it really take to prepare a service dog for a life of travel, independence, and supporting someone with medical and mobility needs?

On this episode of Dog Works Radio, Nicole Forto introduces us to Sam, a Labrador Retriever with a unique training journey. Unlike many service dogs, Sam is spending his entire two-year training program living with professional trainers at Alaska Dog Works in Willow, Alaska.

His future handler travels extensively and works remotely, which means Sam must learn much more than basic obedience. From navigating busy public spaces and transportation to settling quietly in restaurants and airports, his training focuses on confidence, adaptability, and remaining calm in unpredictable environments.

Nicole shares what Sam's first year has looked like, including how recorded voice commands and scent items helped him become familiar with his future handler before they met. You'll also hear why playtime, rest, and learning the art of doing nothing are essential parts of developing a reliable working dog.

Learn more about the Lead Dog Service Dog Program at AlaskaDogWorks.com.

Subscribe to Dog Works Radio for practical training advice, real-world stories, and insights from the professional trainers at Alaska Dog Works.

Other Episodes You Will Love

· How to Get the Best Results out of Dog Training

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.

Grab our

Turkey Day Prep: Getting Your Dog Ready for the Big Meal | Dog Works Radio

Tuesday, November 3, 2026 • Duration 11:43

Thanksgiving is Thursday, November 26, not this weekend.

Michele Forto of Alaska Dog Works walks through a simple plan to keep your dog safe and calm while the kitchen fills with turkey. Choose one place (crate, closed room, or mat) and tell every adult. Practice leave it with kibble (not turkey), off the counter, and a real settle while you move around the kitchen.

Then the hard rule: good behavior does not get paid in skin, gravy, bones, or drippings. Onions, garlic, grapes, raisins, chocolate, xylitol, alcohol, and corn cobs are never treats. Short daily sessions now beat a long practice the night before. Your dog is part of the family; he just needs his own place, a job he understands, and food that won't send him to the vet on Friday.

Other Episodes You Will Love

· How to Get the Best Results out of Dog Training

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.

Flying Puppies in Cargo: Airline Rules, Hotels, Rental Cars & Airport Timing (Maine to Alaska)

Tuesday, November 3, 2026 • Duration 09:17

Michele Forto breaks down the actual logistics of bringing two very different 8-week-old puppies home from New England to Alaska: Skoll (Seppala Siberian) and Durin (German Shepherd).

You'll hear the non-negotiables (health certificates within 10 days, crate size rules, Alaska Airlines climate-controlled cargo at $200 each), what Enterprise actually requires for pets in crates, why online hotel "pet-friendly" listings aren't contracts, the real timeline at Boston Logan guest services, and the three habits that turned a multi-day pickup into a repeatable routine.

Includes the checklist covering health certificates, crate requirements, hotel confirmation questions, and airport timing.

Sponsored by Alaska Dog Works. Use code DOGWORKS for 20% off training at AlaskaDogWorks.com.

Other Episodes You Will Love

· How to Get the Best Results out of Dog Training

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.

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.

Can You Take Your Dog to the Polling Place? Election Day Rules for Dog Owners

Monday, November 2, 2026 • Duration 08:11

Election Day is here. Michele Forto of Alaska Dog Works keeps it non-political and practical: most polling places do not allow family dogs inside. The only exception is trained service dogs protected by the ADA.

She explains why the "I Voted" sticker photos usually show dogs outside or actual service dogs, why even a "friendly" polling place is a high-stress environment for most dogs, and why leaving your dog tied up or in the car (especially in Alaska in November) isn't the kind choice.

The episode then pivots to the three core skills, place, leash manners around strangers, and confidence in chaos, that help dogs handle polling places, Thanksgiving, hardware stores, and guests. A practical checklist for November 3 is included.

Sponsored by Alaska Dog Works. Winter board-and-train camps are filling; check AlaskaDogWorks.com for Black Friday details.

Other Episodes You Will Love

· How to Get the Best Results out of Dog Training

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.

Is my dog anxious or frustrated? | Dog Works Radio

Friday, October 30, 2026 • Duration 15:58

Your dog barks at everything, pulls toward other dogs, and loses it when something exciting happens. Is it anxiety, or has your dog never been taught how to handle frustration and stimulation? Nicole Forto breaks down the difference on The Daily Dog.

Key show-notes points:

Behavior is information: two dogs can look the same for very different reasons (fear, frustration, overwhelm).
Knowing a cue at home does not mean the dog can perform it over threshold.
Start under threshold, teach alternatives, and stop confusing exposure with progress.
Realistic expectations and management are part of good training

Other Episodes You Will Love

· How to Get the Best Results out of Dog Training

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.

The First Week With a New Puppy: What Nobody Tells You

Thursday, October 29, 2026 • Duration 24:48

Bringing home a new puppy is exciting, but what happens when the cute photos give way to sleepless nights, potty accidents, constant supervision, and a puppy who seems determined to bite everything in sight?

In this episode of Dog Works Radio: The Daily Dog, host Nicole Forto welcomes Michele Forto for an honest conversation about the first week with a brand-new puppy. Both professional dog trainers recently brought home eight- and nine-week-old puppies, and they're sharing what life has really been like behind the scenes.

Nicole introduces Durin, her new German Shepherd puppy, while Michele shares Skoll's adventures as a Seppala Siberian Husky puppy. From challenging crate-training sessions and unexpected potty accidents to early obedience lessons and puppy biting, they explain why even experienced trainers face frustrations during those first few days.

You'll hear practical advice about establishing a consistent puppy training routine, managing crying in the crate, teaching bite inhibition, introducing basic commands, and helping your puppy adjust to a new home. Nicole and Michele also discuss the importance of handling exercises, supervision, and realistic expectations during those early weeks.

Whether you're preparing to bring home your first puppy or you're already wondering what you've gotten yourself into, this episode offers a realistic look at puppy ownership and the training foundation that begins the moment your new companion walks through the door.

Ready to start your puppy's training journey? Visit AlaskaDogWorks.com to learn more about professional puppy training programs, virtual training, and personalized support for your family.

Listen to Dog Works Radio on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your favorite podcasts.

Other Episodes You Will Love

· How to Get the Best Results out of Dog Training

What Makes a Professional Dog Trainer? Joe Dickinson of Western States K9 College

Tuesday, October 27, 2026 • Duration 39:34

In this episode of Dog Works Radio, host Robert Forto sits down with Joe Dickinson, founder and dog trainer at Western States K9 College in Ogden, Utah.

Joe specializes in custom in-home behavior modification for pet dogs and also runs a federally approved certification program that teaches aspiring trainers both the methodology and the business side of the industry. Unlike subscription-based certifications, students complete a structured program with human-graded work, one-on-one mentoring, live classes, and ongoing alumni support.

Key topics covered:

- Why Joe got into dog training (starting with a Border Collie at age 12 and harsh old-school herding methods)
- The biggest issues pet owners face right now: leash reactivity and dogs being forced into socially awkward human situations
- How she approaches reactivity — understanding the history, then teaching dogs (and owners) that "we don't have to say hi to everyone"
- The powerful "make eight new friends and bring them to dinner" analogy
- Board-and-train vs. private lessons: foundation first, then client accountability
- A difficult Airedale case involving bite history, household stress, muzzle training, and eventual success with a new baby in the home
- What actually qualifies someone to call themselves a professional dog trainer
- Why measurable outcomes and clear client expectations matter more than titles
- The industry's lack of regulation and the importance of continuing education
- Why trainers should support each other instead of competing in silos
- Joe's two podcasts: Training Through the Eyes of the Dog (for pet owners) and The Dog Trainer's Blueprint (for trainers)

This conversation is especially useful for pet owners dealing with reactivity and for anyone thinking about becoming (or already working as) a professional dog trainer.

Connect with Joe Dickinson:

- Website: [westernstatesk9college.com](https://www.westernstatesk9college.com)
- Instagram: @WSK9College
- Facebook: Western States Canine College / Western States K9 College - Podcasts: Training Through the Eyes of the Dog & The Dog Trainer's Blueprint

Why Training Beyond the Backyard Matters

Tuesday, October 20, 2026 • Duration 11:19

Many owners spend hours teaching sit, stay, and come in a quiet room, then watch the whole thing fall apart the moment the sidewalk, the bike, or the farmers market appears. On Dog Works Radio, Robert and Michele Forto explain why the real test of training is not the backyard; it is the environment where you actually live with the dog.

The AKC Urban Canine Good Citizen (CGCU) title is one practical framework for that gap. It asks the dog to ignore food on the sidewalk, cross a street calmly, stay under control around traffic and bicycles, and remain polite in public buildings. Those are not flashy tricks. They are the skills that make a dog safer and easier to include in everyday life, whether you live in downtown Anchorage or just want to walk the trailhead without a meltdown.

Key points

Foundational commands matter. They count only if they hold up when distractions are real.
The Urban CGC builds on the standard Canine Good Citizen and takes those behaviors into sidewalks, traffic, crowds, and public buildings.
To earn the official CGCU title, a dog must already hold a CGC certificate and pass the urban exercises. The title is not a service-dog or therapy-dog certification.
Alaska dogs face the same challenges: busy parking lots, trailheads, farmers' markets, airports, veterinary clinics, and pet-friendly stores.
A dog that is perfect in the training building but ignores you outside hasn't finished the learning process. Proofing closes the gap.
Confidence is built by gradual, guided exposure, not by avoiding the hard environments.

This episode's question

Can your dog ignore food on the sidewalk, stay calm when a bicycle passes, and cross a street without pulling—or does the training still live only in the backyard?

Other Episodes You Will Love

· How to Get the Best Results out of Dog Training

Support the Show

This episode was recorded on the and a

Give your dog a job before the doorbell rings

Friday, October 16, 2026 • Duration 14:09

Your dog doesn't need to greet everyone who knocks. On The Daily Dog, Nicole Forto walks through threshold manners—the door, the doorbell, and the routine that keeps the dog out of the chaos before Halloween visitors arrive.

Yelling "no" while the dog loses its mind at the front door is not a training plan. Nicole shows how to give the dog a clear job (a settle spot away from the doorway), practice it when the house is quiet, then raise the difficulty so the routine still holds when the doorbell actually rings.

Key points

A threshold is any transition point: front door, gate, doorway. The dog needs clear expectations there, not hope.
Charging the door, barking at the delivery person, or rushing an open doorway are patterns that paid off. Change the pattern.
Give the dog a job. Every time the doorbell rings or someone knocks, the next step is the same: go to the settle spot and stay there while you handle the door.
Build the skill with no distractions first. Then add the sound of a knock or doorbell from a phone. Then practice while you walk toward the door and open it.
A settle in a quiet living room is not the same skill as a settle when a costumed stranger is on the porch. Context matters.
Do not use Halloween night as the training experiment, especially if the dog has a history of fear or aggression around strangers. Training and management work together.
Introduce decorations and costume pieces calmly, in small doses. Reward observation and calm. Do not force interaction.
The same skills make ordinary days better: deliveries, visitors, open doors.

This episode's question

Does your dog actually know what to do when somebody comes to the door, or have you just been hoping they will figure it out?

Other Episodes You Will Love

· How to Get the Best Results out of Dog Training

Support the Show

This episode was recorded on the and a

Dog Works Radio® | Dog Training, Puppy Training, Dog Behavior & Service Dogs - Details, episodes & analysis

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Dog Works Radio® | Dog Training, Puppy Training, Dog Behavior & Service Dogs - Details, episodes & analysis

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