Dog Works Radio Shows

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 collapse under pressure • Why down lowers energy and create calm • How to teach drop it without confrontation • Why behaviors don't automatically generalize to new environments • How to make core cues reliable in the real world Other Episodes You Will Love The Real Zombie Virus: Rabies, Cujo, and the Science of Mind Control   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

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 the difference between a training issue and a medical emergency. Sometimes the scariest stories aren't fiction. They are biology. Other Episodes You Will Love How to Get the Best Results from Dog Training Sessions 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 st

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 Winter Training Tips for Your Dog 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 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 b

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 independence and reduces separation stress • Why structure creates confidence When done correctly, the crate becomes more than containment. It becomes security, clarity, and calm. If you want a dog that travels better, settles faster, and handles real life with confidence, this episode is for you.

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 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 • Riverside.FM • Hindenburg Pro recording and editing 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 Radio and is hosted by Nicole Forto. If you enjoy the show, I'd love for you to leave a rating or review on your favorite podcast app! And please let your friends and other podcasters know they can listen for free on Spotify and Apple Podcasts

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: • Why positive reinforcement is the most effective training method • How to find the right reward for your dog • Why consistency matters more than intensity • How to structure short, effective sessions • How to generalize commands in real-world environments • When to consult a professional trainer If you're serious about building a lifelong relationship with your dog, this episode is your foundation.

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 becomes automatic. The solution isn't correction or force. It's changing the rules of the walk. You'll learn what loose leash walking really means, why perfect heel is not the goal, and how movement itself becomes the most powerful reward. We also cover the role of consistency, management, engagement, and why short walks often train better than long ones. This episode is ideal for dog owners who want calmer, more enjoyable walks without

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 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 • Riverside.FM • Hindenburg Pro recording and editing 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 Radio and is hosted by Nicole Forto. If you enjoy the show, I'd love for you to leave a rating or review on your favorite podcast app! And please let your friends and other podcasters know they can listen for free on Spotify and Apple Podcasts

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 Recall Revolution, seven rules that turn "come" from a gamble into a dependable habit. What You'll Learn in This Episode Why recall is the ultimate real-world test of your dog's training foundation How unclear criteria and weak reinforcement sabotage recall Why is management essential for building a reliable recall safely How short, frequent practice sessions outperform long training drills

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 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 • Riverside.FM • Hindenburg Pro recording and editing 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 Radio and is hosted by Nicole Forto. If you enjoy the show, I'd love for you to leave a rating or review on your favorite podcast app! And please let your friends and other podcasters know they can listen for free on Spotify and Apple Podcasts

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 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 • Riverside.FM • Hindenburg Pro recording and editing 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 Radio and is hosted by Nicole Forto. If you enjoy the show, I'd love for you to leave a rating or review on your favorite podcast app! And please let your friends and other podcasters know they can listen for free on Spotify and Apple Podcasts

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. The discussion highlights the three C's of effective training: clear criteria, meaningful consequences, and consistency, and how these principles can be integrated into play-based training to foster a stronger bond between dogs and their owners. The hosts explain that play is not chaotic but rather a structured way to engage dogs, making them more likely to choose their owners over distractions. They provide practi

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 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 • Riverside.FM • Hindenburg Pro recording and editing 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 Radio and is hosted by Nicole Forto. If you enjoy the show, I'd love for you to leave a rating or review on your favorite podcast app! And please let your friends and other podcasters know they can listen for free on Spotify and Apple Podcasts

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 Dog Training Program DAWGS Therapy Dog Program The Pack Membership Dog Works Radio Homepage 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 • Keap CRM • Riverside.FM • Hindenbu

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 together the Three Cs, reinforcement, and management into a practical system you can actually maintain in real life. Lead Dog Service Dog Training Program DAWGS Therapy Dog Program The Pack Membership Dog Works Radio Homepage Products We Use for Dog Works Radio My equipment:   • SHURE SM7B Mic • Rodecaster Pro II audio production studio • Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones

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 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 • Riverside.FM • Hindenburg Pro recording and editing 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 Radio and is hosted by Nicole Forto. If you enjoy the show, I'd love for you to leave a rating or review on your favorite podcast app! And please let your friends and other podcasters know they can listen for free on Spotify and Apple Podcasts

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. Training alone is not enough for effective dog training. Dogs learn from repetition; management buys time. Controlling the environment helps dogs make better choices. Management tools include baby gates, crates, and tethers. Management is temporary; habits are permanent. Good management reduces mistakes and reinforces training. Dogs learn in the moment, not in hindsight.

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 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 • Riverside.FM • Hindenburg Pro recording and editing 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 Radio and is hosted by Nicole Forto. If you enjoy the show, I'd love for you to leave a rating or review on your favorite podcast app! And please let your friends and other podcasters know they can listen for free on Spotify and Apple Podcasts

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, emphasizing that effective training is about building value in behaviors rather than relying solely on treats. The conversation concludes with a preview of the next episode, which will cover environmental management techniques to prevent unwanted behaviors. Lead Dog Service Dog Training Program DAWGS Therapy Dog Program The Pack Membership Dog Works Radio Homepage Products We Use fo

On this episode of One Minute Dog Training Tips, Nicole Forto discusses: Crate Training: Panic or Testing? 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 • Keap CRM • Riverside.FM • Hindenburg Pro recording and editing 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 Radio and is hosted by Nicole Forto. If you enjoy the show, I'd love for you to leave a rating or review on your favorite podcast app! And please let your friends and other podcasters know they can listen for free on Spotify and Apple Podcasts