Dog Works Radio Shows

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 You will learn why outdated training beliefs hold people back and how a modern, structured approach creates better results and stronger relationships.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

On this episode of One Minute Dog Training Tips, Nicole Forto of Alaska Dog Works discusses coaching humans first 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 | LinkedIn   ©20

Many dog owners hesitate when they hear the price of professional training. Yet those same people might spend thousands of dollars for a few hours of entertainment, such as premium concert tickets. In this episode of Dog Works Radio, Robert and Michele Forto explore the real difference between short-term experiences and long-term value. While concerts create memories for a single evening, professional dog training shapes the relationship you will share with your dog for the next ten to fifteen years. The conversation breaks down what professional training actually involves, why behavior problems often develop when training is skipped, and how structured guidance can transform the everyday relationship between dogs and their owners.  If you have ever wondered whether dog training is worth the investment, this episode offers a perspective that may change the way you think about the value of training. Other Episodes You Will Love ·      Zombie Dogs Support the Show This episode was recorded on the Shure SM7B an

Many dogs behave well at home but struggle the moment they step into a busy environment. A crowded patio, a coffee shop, or even a quiet park can quickly overwhelm a dog that hasn't learned how to regulate their energy outside the house. In this episode of Dog Works Radio, host Michele Forto explains how to train what trainers often call the calm café dog, a dog that can settle comfortably in public environments while you go about your day. This episode explores why calm behavior is not automatic, how the environment affects your dog's ability to relax, and why emotional regulation is a skill that must be intentionally taught. Michele walks through practical training steps you can use at home and gradually build toward real-world environments. You'll also learn how the, Three C's of Training: Criteria, Consequences, and Consistency, play a crucial role in helping your dog understand what calm behavior actually looks like. When applied correctly, these principles allow your dog to feel more confident, more sec

On this episode of One Minute Dog Training Tips, Nicole Forto shares a update on working with a rescue dog from South Korea on Dog Works Radio You'll learn: What documented forensic cases show How and why scavenging behavior begins The role of canine survival instincts Practical emergency planning steps for dog owners How training and independence affect resilience If you live alone, off-grid, or in rural Alaska, this is a conversation worth having. Preparation is not fear—it is responsible dog ownership. For help with obedience, separation anxiety, board-and-train programs, or service dog development, visit AlaskaDogWorks.com or call (206) 752-3647. 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

Last week on Dog Works Radio, we explored the strange topic of "zombie dogs" and how real diseases can influence canine behavior. This week, we tackle another uncomfortable but honest question: would your dog eat you if you died at home? In this episode, we break down what forensic science reveals about post-mortem scavenging in dogs, how survival instincts override emotional bonds, and why this conversation matters especially for dog owners in Alaska. From remote cabins to winter road closures, delayed response times can change the equation. You'll learn: What documented forensic cases show How and why scavenging behavior begins The role of canine survival instincts Practical emergency planning steps for dog owners How training and independence affect resilience If you live alone, off-grid, or in rural Alaska, this is a conversation worth having. Preparation is not fear—it is responsible dog ownership. For help with obedience, separation anxiety, board-and-train programs, or service dog developme

In this episode of One Minute Dog Training Tips, Nicole Forto of Alaska Dog Works Discusses Resource Guarding.  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 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   ©20

Got a puppy for Christmas? Two months later is when real training begins. Learn what to focus on now, how to prevent bad habits, and how to build a well-mannered dog before adolescence hits. 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 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 Do

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