Every year, patterns emerge in the questions dog owners ask and the challenges they face. In 2025, those patterns were impossible to ignore.
At Alaska Dog Works, the topics that gained the most attention weren’t about quick fixes or flashy techniques. They were about responsibility, preparation, and understanding what it really takes to live and work with dogs successfully.
The five most-listened-to conversations from our media work this year reflect that shift.
Puppies, Holidays, and Reality Checks
One of the strongest themes this year was preparation, especially around puppies.
The conversation about holiday puppies resonated because it addressed what often gets left out of the excitement. Raising a puppy requires planning, structure, and follow-through long after the decorations come down. Many owners recognized themselves in that discussion and reached out looking for help before small issues became big ones.
Nutrition as a Training Variable
Food came up again and again in client conversations throughout 2025.
Owners began connecting the dots between diet, energy levels, and behavior. Discussions around nutrition helped people rethink what they were feeding their dogs and why it matters. When a dog struggles with focus, impulse control, or recovery, nutrition is often part of the bigger picture.
Planning for the Unexpected
Emergencies have a way of exposing gaps in preparation.
Discussions around pet insurance and disaster scenarios highlighted how quickly situations can change. Dog owners were reminded that responsible care includes planning for worst-case scenarios, not just day-to-day routines. That awareness led many clients to take proactive steps rather than hoping nothing would go wrong.
Experience Still Counts
Another recurring theme was perspective.
Training dogs didn’t start with social media, and it doesn’t end there either. Conversations that reflected on decades of hands-on work struck a chord with owners who were tired of contradictory advice and trends that don’t hold up over time. Experience brings context, patience, and realism, qualities that can’t be rushed.
Foundations Over Fads
At the heart of every successful training program are clear expectations and consistency.
Discussions about foundational principles reminded owners that reliable dogs aren’t created through hacks. They’re built through repetition, fairness, and follow-through. Those ideas continue to shape how we train dogs at Alaska Dog Works every day.
What This Means Going Forward
The attention these conversations received in 2025 tells us something important.
Dog owners want guidance they can trust. They want to understand the “why” behind training, not just the “how.” And they’re willing to put in the work when expectations are clear.
As we move forward, Alaska Dog Works will continue focusing on education, structure, and long-term results. Whether through training programs, consultations, or shared conversations, our commitment stays the same: helping dogs and their owners succeed together in the real world.
If these themes resonate with you, you’re not alone. They’re the same ones we see on the training floor every single day.
Where to Listen to Dog Works Radio
Dr. Robert Forto
is Alaska Dog Works’ training director.
Michele Forto
is the lead trainer for Alaska Dog Works.
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