Dog Works Radio
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.
7h ago
On this episode of One Minute Dog Training Tips, Nicole Forto discusses: Christmas with 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
3d ago
This episode of Dog Works Radio breaks down the moment every Christmas puppy owner eventually hits: the shift from adorable holiday calm to barking, chewing, biting, and chaos. Michele Forto explains why this happens, how normal it really is, and why so many families feel blindsided in January. You'll learn what behaviors signal normal development, why the holiday "puppy bubble" creates false expectations, and how structured training can turn things around fast. If you brought home a Christmas puppy and things feel overwhelming, this episode gives you clarity, guidance, and your next steps.
4d ago
In this episode of Dog Works Radio, Robert sits down with longtime friend and client Dr. Lisa DeVore, calling in from South Korea, to talk about her new book Paw Prints on Leadership: What My Service Dog Bailey Taught Me About Leadership . Lisa shares how Bailey, a once-stray dog who became her trained psychiatric service dog, helped her navigate life, work, military contracting, and the stress of living abroad. Together, Robert and Lisa revisit Bailey's early days in training, the challenges of public access, how a dog can change someone's presence and confidence, and how those lessons mapped directly onto her doctoral work in strategic leadership. They talk about approachability, responsibility, accountability, empowerment, adaptability, and what it means to lead and follow at the right moments. Lisa also walks through the long process of writing her book through her DSL program and why she finished it the morning after Bailey passed away. There's also a giveaway: the first five listeners who identify the food Bailey steals in the story will win a copy of the book sent directly from Amazon. 00:00 Intro 03:00 The origins of Bailey 07:40 Beginning the doctoral journey 11:20 Turning grief into a project 14:00 What Bailey taught about leadership 18:45 Duo extraordinaire 21:10 Responsibility and accountability 24:00 Empowerment and trust 26:30 Flight toward presence 29:45 Rapid-fire questions 32:40 How to find Lisa's book 33:15 Giveaway details
Dec 12
On this episode of One Minute Dog Training Tips, Nicole Forto discusses: Chutes and Ladders 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
Dec 9
This episode of Dog Works Radio delves into the hidden costs and long-term responsibilities of puppy ownership, especially during the holiday season. It emphasizes that bringing a puppy home is not just a festive moment but a multi-year commitment that involves financial, emotional, and lifestyle adjustments. The hosts discuss the various expenses associated with puppy care, the time commitment required for training and supervision, and the emotional responsibilities that come with raising a dog. They stress the importance of being prepared for the realities of dog ownership to ensure a fulfilling relationship between families and their pets. Takeaways A puppy is a multi-year financial and lifestyle commitment. The initial cost of a puppy is just the beginning. Training is essential for a well-balanced adult dog. Puppies require constant supervision and structured interaction. Emotional commitment is as essential as financial commitment. Puppies go through various developmental stages that need guidance. A dog should be considered a member of the household. Choosing the right time for a puppy is crucial for success. Families should prepare for the long-term responsibilities of dog ownership. Support and training can help prevent overwhelming situations for new owners.
Dec 5
On this episode of One Minute Dog Training Tips, Nicole Forto discusses: Is Dominance Theory Real 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
Dec 2
This episode breaks down the emotional appeal of giving a puppy as a Christmas gift and why so many holiday puppies end up in shelters by spring. Michele Forto explains the three main reasons families choose holiday timing, the common challenges that begin in January, and the most overlooked responsibilities new owners face. If you're considering a Christmas puppy, or already committed, this episode offers honest guidance and a clear path forward with professional training support. In This Episode: The early days of dog training before social media How the pandemic changed the industry overnight What 3,000+ dogs have taught Michele about human behavior Why structure actually gives your dog more freedom Four timeless lessons every dog owner should know Why Listen If you've ever felt overwhelmed by conflicting advice online or wondered what separates real trainers from internet experts, this episode will reset your perspective. Michele breaks down what true, experience-based training looks like, and why it still matters more than ever. 🎧 Listen now: Dog Works Radio
Nov 30
In this cross-posted episode of The Mushing Podcast and Dog Works Radio, Robert Forto talks with Andrew Comoletti, a Boston-based dog walker, musher, and filmmaker whose Border Collies launched him into the world of dog-powered sports. Andrew shares how he turned dog walking into a full-time career, how he races with both his own dogs and client dogs, and why he films mushing events across the US and Canada. Robert and Andrew talk about dog behavior, non-traditional mushing breeds, building a camera rig for racing, and what it takes to produce high-quality videos from 20 terabytes of footage. Andrew also gives insight into the community, the races he attends, and his philosophy on putting dog welfare first.