Dog Works Radio

Join host Michele Forto as she discusses some of the best dog stories of 2022 on the Dog Works Radio podcast.

Host Dan Kirkup interviews Rhonda Heerschap, Canadian Challenge 10-dog 2022 4th Place Finisher from Nolalu, Ontario.

So, it's Christmas morning, and you walk up to your Christmas tree with your nice warm coffee; you see the Christmas gift you have been begging for all year long: a puppy. This puppy is so cute and has a little red bow on its collar that just looking at it melts your heart. You rush over and pick up your new puppy, and this puppy loves to cuddle, has puppy breath, and is sweet as can be! This is the world's best puppy, and it can only get better from here! On today's show, host and lead trainer of Alaska Dog Works, Michele Forto, shares her expert tips and tricks on how to get off on the right foot with your new puppy.

Dog Works Radio is hosted by Robert and Michele Forto and takes listeners into the scruffy, curious, and sometimes heroic world of dogs. Let's dive into the delightful and surprising look at our relationship with our K9 Buddies. On this episode, the lead trainer of Alaska Dog Works provides some expert tips and tricks to make your puppy's first Christmas a memorable one. When it comes to the cutest ways to spend the holiday season, it's hard to beat celebrating your puppy's first Christmas. If you're one of the thousands of pet parents who adopted a pet this year, get ready for a fun, festive, and utterly adorable holiday. Just keep in mind that your puppy will be intrigued by all the new stuff around at Christmastime, everything from your puppy's first Christmas ornament to the tree it hangs on and the presents beneath it—which can make pet-proofing your home extra challenging. But all you need to make the most of your dog's first Christmas is a little preparation, some safety know-how, and your new best friend by your side.

Dog Works Radio is hosted by Robert and Michele Forto and takes listeners into the scruffy, curious, and sometimes heroic world of dogs. Let's dive into the delightful and surprising look at our relationship with our K9 Buddies. On today's episode, Robert Forto takes a deep dive into the fascinating world of search and rescue training and dogs with his guest, Suzanne Elshult, from Seattle, Washington. They talk about training, historical searches, cadaver dogs, her new book, and much more.

Host Dan Kirkup interviews Jillian Lawton, Canadian Challenge 8-dog 2022 2nd Place Finisher from Rocky Mountain House, Alberta.

Dog Works Radio is hosted by Robert and Michele Forto and takes listeners into the scruffy, curious, and sometimes heroic world of dogs. Let's dive into the delightful and surprising look at our relationship with our K9 Buddies. On this episode, the lead trainer of Alaska Dog Works. Michele Forto, discusses five ways to make the holidays less stressful for your dog. The winter holiday season is upon us — are you and your dog ready? The holidays can be overwhelming for our canine companions, but they don't have to be! There are tips that you can utilize to support your dog during the holiday season and make the holidays more enjoyable for you and your dog!

Paws Up! Bite-sized bonus episodes offer tips, tricks, breed profiles, and approachable science. On this episode, lead trainer of Alaska Dog Works, Michele Forto discusses How to Train Your Dog to Stay Away from the Christmas Tree. Christmas is the best time of the year! Giving gifts to family and friends, cooking scrumptious family meals, and lighting the lights on a winking, twinkling Christmas tree are things many of us look forward to every year. And with so many novel sights and smells--not to mention the occasional present under the tree--the holiday season can be a lot of fun for Fido too! Many families have developed traditions that include their pet in the festivities, such having as their own stocking or festive get-up. But some parts of the holidays are best observed rather than experienced hands-on. One of these is the indoor Christmas tree.

Dog Works Radio is hosted by Robert and Michele Forto and takes listeners into the scruffy, curious, and sometimes heroic world of dogs. Let's dive into the delightful and surprising look at our relationship with our K9 Buddies. On this episode, lead trainer of Alaska Dog Works, Michele Forto discusses how to prepare your dog for the holidays. The end of the year is incredibly busy with so many festivities, from Thanksgiving and Hanukkah to Christmas and Kwanzaa. Those extra visitors, sounds, sights, and smells can be overwhelming for your dog, as well as all that excitement and activity. Plus, it's easy to get wrapped up in holiday preparation and neglect your dog's regular routines.

Host Dan Kirkup interviews Jesse Terry, Canadian Challenge 10-dog 2022 Champion from On The Land Kennel in Sioux Lookout, Ontario.

Dog Works Radio is hosted by Robert and Michele Forto and takes listeners into the scruffy, curious, and sometimes heroic world of dogs. Let's dive into the delightful and surprising look at our relationship with our K9 Buddies. On this episode, lead trainer of Alaska Dog Works, Michele Forto gives you four secrets dog trainers don't want you to know. Today we are going to share a few secrets. Dog trainers are crucial for helping owners and dogs succeed at obedience training and working through behavior issues. Unfortunately, they can also be pricey, and paying for private lessons are not a viable long-term solution for many families. The good news is – there are a couple of secrets that can help you save a lot of money while still getting the most out of your training time.

Paws Up! Bite-sized bonus episodes offer tips, tricks, breed profiles, and approachable science. On this episode, lead trainer of Alaska Dog Works, Michele Forto discusses the usual suspects at Thanksgiving and how to save your dog from them. Thanksgiving is a time for gratitude, personal reflection, and binge eating. While it sounds great in theory, the event is only as enjoyable as those you share it with. And often, that involves a collection of characters you wouldn't choose to regularly share a meal with. But before you start planning/daydreaming about the gallons of wine or in my case fine bourbon it'll take to get through the evening, recognize that you are not the only one suffering. As much as you may loathe coming face to face with the various personalities that inevitably derail turkey day — it's worse for your pet. For them, Thanksgiving is scarier than fireworks, the vacuum cleaner, and nail clippers combined. So just as our pets save us from loneliness, boredom, and a life without meaning, we too must protect them from our irritating friends and family, if only for one day.

Dog Works Radio is hosted by Robert and Michele Forto and takes listeners into the scruffy, curious, and sometimes heroic world of dogs. Let's dive into the delightful and surprising look at our relationship with our K9 Buddies. On this episode, lead trainer of Alaska Dog Works, Michele Forto gives you five tips for keeping your dog out of trouble on Thanksgiving. Thanksgiving is coming up quickly and it is not too late to ensure that your pup and your family have a wonderful meal in peace. Consider Thanksgiving from your dog's point of view: There's a never-ending buffet of human food and plenty of humans in need of some emotional support — at the very least, the opportunity to pet a dog. The holiday should be their favorite! Unfortunately, as many dog owners know, all that food and all those humans can often spell disaster for your dog. The goal is to set your pup up for success by making it easy for them to do the right thing and not get into trouble.

Paws Up! Bite-sized bonus episodes offer tips, tricks, breed profiles, and approachable science. Every dog owner has had at least one occasion where they've come home to find something's been chewed. For some, it's their slippers. For others, it's the sideboard. For some, it's even been the whole couch. That's why we checked with TastyBone® for some insight. They have worked hard to provide the best chews available to avoid these unfortunate destructive incidents. But which dog breeds chew more than any other? Here are a few we've come across...

Host Dan Kirkup interviews Laura Neese, Canadian Challenge 12-dog 2015 finisher and four-time 1000-mile finisher from MI Dog Tours in Michigan.

Dog Works Radio is hosted by Robert and Michele Forto and takes listeners into the scruffy, curious, and sometimes heroic world of dogs. Let's dive into the delightful and surprising look at our relationship with our K9 Buddies. On this episode we talk about why your dog might be chewing your furniture and provide tips and tricks to avoid the behavior.

Paws Up! Bite-sized bonus episodes offer tips, tricks, breed profiles, and approachable science. On this episode, Michele discusses the American Kennel Club's Fit Dog Club and how you can get involved with your K9 Buddy.

Dog Works Radio is hosted by Robert and Michele Forto and takes listeners into the scruffy, curious, and sometimes heroic world of dogs. Let's dive into the delightful and surprising look at our relationship with our K9 Buddies. On today's show, we give you tips and tricks on preparing and completing a Turkey Trot with your K9 Buddy.

Host Dan Kirkup interviews Mary England, Canadian Challenge 10-dog 2022 competitor from On The Land Kennel in Ontario.

On this episode, we speak to Dr. Renee Alsarraf about her new book, Sit, Stay Heal: What Dogs Can Teach Us about Living Well. Dr. Renee is a veterinary oncologist and treats dogs with cancer. To Read More: Sit, Stay Heal Support Our Work: Donate Today

Paws Up! Bite-sized bonus episodes offer tips, tricks, breed profiles, and approachable science. On this episode, Michele discusses How Often Should You Walk Your Dog? Like people, dogs need daily movement to feel their best. Dogs need exercise to maintain muscle tone and an appropriate weight for their age and breed. But walking your dog isn't about physical activity alone. Walks provide mental stimulation, helping your dog build confidence and avoid potential behavioral issues like anxiety and aggression.

Dog Works Radio is hosted by Robert and Michele Forto and takes listeners into the scruffy, curious, and sometimes heroic world of dogs. Let's dive into the delightful and surprising look at our relationship with our K9 Buddies. As you know, owning a dog is a lifetime commitment, and sometimes things happen, and dog owners need a trusting family member or friend to step in and help out. Dogs rely on their owners for everything from food and veterinary care to grooming and exercise. When you see a friend or family member falling short in caring for their dog in one or more of these areas, it's only natural to have concerns. If someone is dealing with depression, they might neglect their dog's needs and their own. Even basic routines can start to feel overwhelming.

Host Dan Kirkup interviews Anna Bolvin, Canadian Challenge 10-dog 2022 (5th Place) FInisher from YesICan Kennel in Saskatchewan.

Dog Works Radio is hosted by Robert and Michele Forto and takes listeners into the scruffy, curious, and sometimes heroic world of dogs. Let's dive into the delightful and surprising look at our relationship with our K9 Buddies. On today's episode, Michele Forto discusses 13 questions you wish you could ask your dog, like why do you eat grass and why is your nose wet?

Paws Up! Bite-sized bonus episodes offer tips, tricks, breed profiles, and approachable science. On this episode, Michele discusses the importance of consistency in dog training. For example, everyone in the family must be on board with the training!

Dog Works Radio is hosted by Robert and Michele Forto and takes listeners into the scruffy, curious, and sometimes heroic world of dogs. Let's dive into the delightful and surprising look at our relationship with our K9 Buddies. On today's episode, Michele discusses how to teach your dog the most important dog training commands.

Paws Up! Bite-sized bonus episodes offer tips, tricks, breed profiles, and approachable science. You are the happy parent of a cute dog, and you wish to make them a little more motivated. Whether it is to learn new commands, new habits, or just to keep their schedule active, a motivated dog is a very pleasant companion. One of the most important concepts that every dog parent wishes to learn and master is how to motivate their dog to want to follow commands.

Host Dan Kirkup interviews Max Berthou-Ouest, Canadian Challenge 10-dog (3rd Place) musher from YesICan Kennel in Saskatchewan.

Dog Works Radio is hosted by Robert and Michele Forto and takes listeners into the scruffy, curious, and sometimes heroic world of dogs. Let's dive into the delightful and surprising look at our relationship with our K9 Buddies. Did you know puppy scammers post fake litters online or pretend to be someone they're not (usually an existing breeder) to take advantage of puppy sales (sans the puppies.) This means that if you aren't careful, you could find the perfect puppy, send the 'breeder' your money, and never receive a puppy or any follow-up communication in return. Of course, Christmas is a big time for adding a new puppy to the family. While we do not recommend this, we will give you some tips and tricks to avoid a puppy scam online. Thanks to our friends from the American Kennel Club and the Dog Writers Association of America for helping us out on this episode.

Paws Up! Bite-sized bonus episodes offer tips, tricks, breed profiles, and approachable science. This week Michele is talking about how to get your K9 Buddy into acting in commercials, movies, student films and more.

Dog Works Radio is hosted by Robert and Michele Forto and takes listeners into the scruffy, curious, and sometimes heroic world of dogs. Let's dive into the delightful and surprising look at our relationship with our K9 Buddies. On today's episode of Dog Works Radio, we dive deep into the Top 30 Dogs in Sci-Fi. Tune in today to hear this episode packed with great information, regardless of whether you are a new puppy owner or a seasoned pro with your pup!

Host Dan Kirkup interviews Remy Leduc, Canadian Challenge 8-dog Champion 2022 and Yukon Quest 2019 Finisher from Chenil Akkada Kennel in New Brunswick.

When hiring a dog trainer, you get what you pay for. Maybe your dog only needs a puppy class at the big box store but problem behaviors require a professional.

Paws Up! Bite-sized bonus episodes offer tips, tricks, breed profiles, and approachable science. This week Michele is talking about puppy biting and provides tips and tricks about keeping your pup's biting in check.

Dog Works Radio is hosted by Robert and Michele Forto and takes listeners into the scruffy, curious, and sometimes heroic world of dogs. Let's dive into the delightful and surprising look at our relationship with our K9 Buddies. On today's episode of Dog Works Radio, we are discussing the ten questions your vet wishes you would ask. Tune in today to hear this episode packed with great information, regardless of whether you are a new puppy owner or a seasoned pro with your pup!

Join Dan Kirkup as he interviews 10-dog musher Katherine Langlais from New Brunswick on this episode of Canadian Challenge Tales on Dog Works Radio.

Join host Michele Forto as she continues our service dog series, this time, we are talking about guide dogs. Support our work: Donate today

Join hosts Michele Forto as she discusses how some college students are experiencing pet separation anxiety on this episode of Dog Works Radio. Support our work: Donate today

Join host Dan Kirkup continues his interview with dog musher Garrick Schmidt on this episode of Canadian Challenge Tales on Dog Works Radio. Support our work: Donate today

Join hosts Michele Forto as she explains the seven AKC dog breed groups on this episode of Dog Works Radio. Support our work: Donate today

Join hosts Robert Forto and Toni Reitter as they discuss the recent interview with 4-time Iditarod champion Lance Mackey released by Iditarod a couple of weeks ago. Support our work: Donate today

Join host Dan Kirkup as she interviews Garrick Schmidt on this episode of Canadian Challenge Tales on Dog Works Radio. Support our work: Donate today

Join host Michele Forto as she discusses Saint Roch, the patron Saint of Dogs Support our work: Donate today

Join host Michele Forto as she discusses the most famous dogs in science on the podcast. Support our work: http://patreon.com/firstpawmedia

Join hosts Robert Forto and Toni Reitter as they discuss the recent Iditarod membership meeting, the Stage Stop race, Yukon Quest, and Canadian Challenge on this episode of Mushing Radio on Dog Works Radio. Support our work: Donate today

Join Robert Forto as he welcomes the host of the new podcast, Canadian Challenge Tales, Dan Kirup on First Paw Media Support our work: Donate Today

Join host Michele Forto as she discusses whether it is too late to get your dog interested in sports. You might be surprised that your old dog can compete too. Support our work: Donate today

Join Michele Forto as she discusses why mixed breed dogs cannot compete in dog shows (conformation). Read More: Why Can't Mixed Breeds Compete in Dog Shows? Support Our Work: Donate Today

Join hosts Robert Forto and Toni Reitter as they discuss a comprehensive list of dog mushing races worldwide for the 2022-23 season. Support our work: Donate Today

Join host Michele Forto as she talks about canine blood donation on this episode of the podcast on Dog Works Radio. To Learn More: Read Canine Blood Donation To Support Our Work: Donate Today