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Who are you, Nicole Forto?

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Business Name: Alaska Dog Works
Location: Willow, AK available to train within the Anchorage Bowl and between Willow and Anchorage
Phone: 907-308-0033
Email: nicolebforto@gmail.com
Website: alaskadogworks.com

Years in business: 

Alaska Dog Works has operated for roughly 10 years and before this I was established with Denver Dog Works for about 5 years. I have been around dogs my entire life and have actively been assisting to train/training dogs since I was 9 years old.

Personal training philosophy:

My personal training philosophy is to Always have fun while training, don’t make it a chore or a hassle. Training your dog should be a point of calm and bliss, for me picking up a leash and doing a quick routine puts my mental state at ease and the energy within me and within the dog flow together smoothly.

Prefer to listen? Check out the Dog Works Radio podcast below and subscribe for free on Apple Podcasts 

How long have you been in business and what types of services do you provide?

I have worked with/ around dogs since I was 9 years old, I have experience with children and adults of all ranges and abilities. As I have grown as a dog trainer I have focused my services on puppy and basic obedience to create a solid foundation to go on through Canine Good Citizen testing and move on to more advanced programs and dog sports.

How did you get started?

I started dog training as a kid because my parents owned/own a dog training business, I was always there to assist other kids to learn to confidently work with their dogs and give them the tools they needed. I have stuck with it and always gravitated back to dog training because it is where I feel the happiest and the most successful within life.

Are you involved in any dog sports or activities?

Currently, I am not, but I have participated in mushing, bikejoring, cannicross, and I have a small minimal experience in agility work. I am hoping to get more into nose work in the future because I find it an excellent job for my personal breed of choice.

How do you get business, and what is your relationship like with veterinarians in your community?

Currently, I promote business through word of mouth and through Alaska Dog Works via Facebook. I have a close relationship with vets at the VCA hospital near UAA here in Anchorage. They were with me every step of the way as my 13-year-old German Shepherd went into the last months of his life and still continue to have a relationship if I run into someone needing recommendations this is where I send them, everyone is friendly knowledgeable and understanding of any and all behavioral spectrums for dogs.

Do you belong to a trainer network group or otherwise consult with/refer to other trainers in your area?

I have a very close-knit relationship with lead trainers at Alaska dog works as well as trainers within Alaska that offer other programs/ideas that I am not as knowledgeable on because at the end of the day the goal is for you and your dog to have a comfortable trusting relationship with your trainer. I am not afraid to admit when I am unsure of something and am more than willing to refer you and work with you to find a trainer who can bring more knowledge to you and your dog’s needs.

What do you believe are the three most important things to teach a dog?

I believe the 3 most important things to teach your dog are respect, boundaries, and trust. Dog training is much more than just sit and down. When teaching the basics you are building the foundation of respect, you are showing and demonstrating the boundaries you have laid out in your home/everyday life, and with those two follows the building of trust between you and your dog-they need to trust you to direct them and to give them the tools to succeed and you must trust your dog to follow your lead and direction for success.

What type of cases do you find the most challenging and why?

I would say the most challenging part of dog training is to teach the owners that consistency is key. Because teaching the owners the techniques is easy but the follow-through is the hard part because your dog could do everything I as the trainer say and then at home, it’s allowed to do whatever it wants, and then the owner never sees results.

What advice would you give to other trainers about working with dogs and their owners?

To always demonstrate patience with training, no one learns a skill perfectly overnight and a dog and owner are no different, so remember that just because today was a struggle doesn’t mean tomorrow won’t be better.


Can you offer a specific tip or trick for working with dogs or owners that other trainers might find helpful?

I have worked in the mental health field for about four years and taking what I have learned here to be patient and understanding of behaviors has pushed me even farther in dog training because people just like dogs have good and bad days understanding that a bad behavior stems from something either in their past or from their own personality is key to finding the best ways to work with your dog rather than against. So my tip would be that every dog is an individual and should be looked at and approached as such, so training is never the same for each dog some may need more time to learn, some may need a happier ‘baby talk’ method, and some require a firm assertive demeanor or they walk all over you.

What was your scariest moment with a dog or client?

As minimal as it may seem and I have definitely experienced scarier things, a moment that has stuck with me forever is when I was much younger maybe 12 I was assisting training for a puppy and teaching/working on the dog allowing itself to be cradled and it’s feet to be touched, this puppy leaped out of my arms as the second he hit the floor he let out the most awful cry—a vet trip later the poor puppy had broken its leg but was going to be okay. I just remember being so scared that I caused this puppy pain and the owners to be scared for their puppy. To this day if I am practicing cradle work with a puppy I always start on the floor rather than having them up in the air.

What would you say are the top three things you have personally learned as a trainer?

The top 3 things I have learned as a trainer go hand in hand with my top 3 things to teach your dog. Dogs teach us so much about patience and trust, they show us how to have confidence within our own abilities and to trust the guidance of others when given. So when it boils down to it, it’s not even a top 3 things it’s solely that one of the most important things you can take away from dog training is that your relationship with your dog is just like a relationship within your life with other people. It takes work, patience, forgiveness, and trust to build each other up and overcome obstacles that are thrown your way.

What was the last training-related seminar you attended?

Though it was not a seminar by definition I just completed the class and test to become a Canine Good Citizen Evaluator which means I am now qualified and registered with the AKC (American Kennel Club) to test your dogs abilities of basic obedience and to demonstrate appropriate behaviors around people and other dogs. I am also on the road to being a certified dog trainer through the Certification Council of Professional Dog trainers.

Are there any specific books, authors, DVDs that have influenced you as a trainer?

I would say one, in particular, is Tamar Geller she is the author of The Loved Dog and her training starts with a basis of building a foundation of communication with your dog. I train and approach dogs a lot from this mindset because dogs are individuals and they each require a different approach and means of direction.

Anything else you would like to add?

My goal for dog training is to assist families and their dogs have a better functioning relationship together through discipline, consistency, and understanding behaviors/personalities.

How can folks find you online or follow you if they are interested in learning more about you?

Find me online through the Alaska Dog Works Facebook page or on Instagram @n.akdogtrainer to follow my journey and see tips along the way

When does a female dog have her first estrous (heat) cycle?

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Dogs will have their first estrous (reproductive or heat) cycle when they reach puberty. Each cycle consists of several stages; the stage called estrus refers to when the female can become pregnant. Often a dog that is in the estrus stage is said to be in heat or in season.

“A dog that is in the estrus stage is said to be in heat or in season.”

On average, puberty (or sexual maturity) is reached at about six months of age, but this can vary by breed. Smaller breeds tend to have their first estrous cycle at an earlier age, while large and giant breeds may not come into heat for the first time until they reach eighteen months to two years of age.

How often does a female dog come into heat?great_dane_chihuahua_heat_cycle-01

Most dogs come into heat twice per year, or about every six months, although the interval can vary between breeds and from dog to dog. Small breed dogs may cycle three times per year, while giant breed dogs may only cycle once every 12 months. When young dogs first begin to cycle, it is normal for their cycles to be somewhat irregular. It can take up to two years for a female dog to develop regular cycles. There is no time of year that corresponds to a breeding season for (domesticated) dogs except for Basenjis and Tibetan Mastiffs which typically tend to cycle in the spring.

What are the signs of estrus?

The earliest sign of estrus is swelling or engorgement of the vulva, but this swelling is not always obvious. In many cases, a bloody vaginal discharge is the first sign that a pet owner will notice when their dog comes into heat. In some cases, the discharge will not be apparent until several days after estrus has begun. The amount of discharge varies from dog to dog.

“In many cases a bloody vaginal discharge is the first sign that a pet owner will notice when their dog comes into heat.”

The vaginal discharge will change in color and appearance as the cycle progresses. At first, the discharge is very bloody, but as the days pass, it thins to become watery and pinkish-red in color. A female dog that is in heat will often urinate more frequently than normal or may develop marking behavior, in which she urinates small amounts on various objects either in the home or when out on a walk. During this phase of her cycle, the urine contains pheromones and hormones, both of which signal her reproductive state to other dogs. This is the reason that dogs in heat will attract other dogs, particularly males.

When does a female dog have her first estrous (heat) cycle? Click To Tweet

Male dogs can detect a female in heat from a great distance and may begin marking your property with their urine in an attempt to claim their territory.

How long does estrus last?

Estrus is the stage when the dog can become pregnant. Although this can vary with each individual, on average a dog will be in heat for 1 ½  to 2 weeks but this can be shorter or longer.

dog_mating_position_2017-01

At what stage of the estrus cycle is the dog able to get pregnant?

The female dog usually ovulates at about the time that the vaginal discharge becomes watery; this marks her most fertile stage and is the time when she will be most receptive to breeding. However, sperm can survive for a week in the reproductive tract and still be capable of fertilizing the eggs, so it is possible for her to get pregnant at any point while she is in estrus. Contrary to popular belief, it is not necessary for the female to tie with the male dog in order to get pregnant (for further information see the handout “Estrus and Mating in Dogs”).

How long does pregnancy last in a dog and when can pregnancy be detected?

Pregnancy lasts approximately nine weeks (63 days) in the dog.

How can I prevent my dog from becoming pregnant?

The best way to prevent your dog from becoming pregnant is to have her surgically sterilized (an ovariohysterectomy or spay operation) before she has her first estrous cycle. Since it can be difficult to predict when this first cycle will occur, most veterinarians recommend performing an ovariohysterectomy before the dog is six to seven months of age.

Is there anything I can do if my dog has been mismated, or accidentally mates with another dog?

If this happens, you need to contact your veterinarian as soon as possible. There are mismating injections that can be used within the first one to two days after mating, but there are risks associated with their use. Your veterinarian will discuss your options and any risks associated with them.

Should I let my dog have an estrus cycle or a litter of puppies before spaying her?

There are no valid reasons for letting a dog have a litter of puppies before being spayed. Newer research has shown that some larger dog breeds (Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, and German Shepherds) may benefit medically from delaying their spay surgery until after their first heat cycle; however, the overall consensus at this time is that spaying will increase the lifespan of a dog. Dogs can become pregnant on their very first estrous cycle, increasing the chance that an accidental breeding may occur. Dogs are indiscriminate, so a brother may breed with its sister, a father may breed with his daughter, and a son may breed with his mother.

A common myth is that female dogs will become more friendly and sociable if they are allowed to have a litter of puppies. This is not true and only serves to contribute further to the serious problem of dog overpopulation.

​When Do Dogs Go Into Heat?

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A female dog reaches sexual maturity at around six months old. The stage of the cycle when she’s receptive to mating is called estrus, or heat. During this stage, there’s an increase in estrogen levels, then a sharp decrease and then her ovaries release eggs. Although six months old is the average age of a dog’s first heat, this can vary widely. Some dogs can go into heat as young as four months, while larger breeds may be as old as two years before their first heat. Responsible breeders never breed a dog on her first or even her second heat. It is considered best practice to wait until her third heat, at about 18-24 months. Your vet will perform any necessary genetic testing and will also be able to tell you when your dog is ready.

How can you tell if your dog is in heat?

There are distinct signs of estrus, both physical and behavioral. She may urinate more than usual. There will also be a blood-tinged discharge and swollen vulva. She may seem nervous or distracted. She’ll be receptive to male dogs and may initiate sexual contact, including raising her rear towards male dogs and deflecting her tail to one side, which is called ‘flagging.’ During the middle stages of the cycle, a female dog will actively court males and this may continue until the cycle is over.

How often will my dog go into heat?

Female dogs cycle into heat on average every six months. But this can vary, especially in the beginning, so it’s a good idea to keep track. It can take some dogs 18-24 months to develop regular cycles. Small dogs will tend to go into heat more frequently, as much as three or four times a year. Very large breeds, like Great Danes and St. Bernards among others, may only go into heat every twelve months.

The estrus cycle usually lasts an average of three weeks, although this can vary from 2-4 weeks. It begins with swelling of the vulva and vaginal discharge and ends when all bleeding has stopped. A female may allow a male to mount her at any time during the cycle, although most not only accept mounting later in the cycle but actively seek it.

Your dog will continue to go into heat throughout her life, although the length of time between estrus will increase as she gets older. With experience, pet owners become more adept at recognizing the onset and taking good care of their dogs during this natural life cycle.

Are Board and Train Programs Right for My Dog?

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In the interest of transparency, we are including this article because we offer a board and train model as part of our very successful Peak Performance Program here at Alaska Dog Works. We provide these articles for educational and informational purposes. As always, dog training is a big decision and should not be taken lightly. Please do your research and choose a trainer that is right for you and your dog.

Board and train programs are designed for people who do not have the time or desire to attend multiple training classes with their pup, or for those who need serious help with their dog’s issues. Rather than working with a trainer to gradually instill proper etiquette and obedience, the owner allows their dog to temporarily live with the trainer while undergoing intensive training.

Board and train programs can be a wonderful option IF you choose the right trainer and remain consistent with your dog’s commands when they return home.

What Do Board And Train Programs Involve?

In their most basic form, board and train programs are exactly what they sound like. You board your dog with a professional trainer for several weeks or months, and they provide training services during that time. This can be an ideal situation for busy professionals and those having specific behavioral issues with their dogs.

Depending on the trainer and what kind of set-up they have, your pup may stay in the home or in a kennel area. As with any facility you entrust with your dog’s care, be sure to take a tour and consult several references before choosing a program and leaving your pup.

Based on your specifications and your dog’s needs, the trainer will create a custom lesson plan. This may include anything from basic obedience and etiquette to advanced skills like gun dog training.

What Happens During The Boarding/Training Period?

Board and train programs for dogs are intensive and may include several training sessions in one day. Having access to your dog 24/7 allows the trainer to work with your pup in multiple situations. Depending on the program, your pooch may work with one specific trainer during the entire boarding period. However, larger facilities may utilize several trainers throughout your pup’s stay.

At the end of the boarding/training period, your trainer will sit down with you to review what was done and how you can continue the reinforcement at home. They’ll teach you the cues they put in place and how to stay consistent back in the real world.

What Are The Pros And Cons Of Board And Train Programs?

As with anything, board and train programs for dogs have their ups and downs. Here we will explore them in detail so you can decide if this type of training is right for you and your pooch.

Pros:

Your dog receives intensive training from a skilled professional.

If you choose the right trainer and facility, board and train programs can deliver exactly what they promise – an obedient, professionally trained pooch!

You do not have to go through the time and stress of multiple training classes.

The most common reason dog owners choose to board and train their dogs is to avoid the time commitment of training classes and in-home sessions. In addition to the time, training can be quite stressful. These programs allow dog owners to sit back and relax while someone else does the majority of the work.

Residential training is ideal for dogs with specific behavioral problems or those training for canine sports. 

While many choose board and train for general obedience, these programs are especially beneficial for dogs already displaying behavior problems. These issues often require the intense one-on-one training boarding programs offer. Owners interested in enrolling their dogs in canine sports or using them for hunting should also consider this option.

Cons:

You will not be learning alongside your dog which may make it difficult to stay consistent once they return home. 

You may want to send your dog to a professional in order to avoid spending time learning the tricks of the trade yourself. Unfortunately, if you do not at least learn the basics of dog handling, you will have trouble reinforcing the training of even the best-behaved pup.

In addition, no matter how good the trainer, inevitable holes in your dog’s training are bound to pop up. If you do not participate in the process, you will not be prepared to handle these hiccups.

The trainer can only achieve so much in the given setting and time period.

Dogs that attend residential training typically only receive a basic level of training unless you request something more intensive. There will be more work to do when they return home, such as proofing.

Dog trainers use the term “proofing” to refer to the practice of reinforcing learned behaviors in a variety of situations with different levels of distraction. It is typically the final step in training. Unless you give your trainer permission to take your pooch off property, their training will be limited to the boarding facility. To truly prove a behavior, your dog should practice in multiple settings.

Depending on your dog’s training problems and the outcome you are looking for, you will be away from your pup for several weeks to several months.

I don’t know about you, but the idea of being away from my dogs for several months or even weeks sends chills down my spine! Then again, I’m the girl who postponed her honeymoon in order to nurse her dog through knee surgery.

Even if you aren’t quite as crazy as me, you probably do not love the idea of separating from your pup for such a long stretch of time. If you have a new puppy, this could affect your bonding time; and if you have an adult dog, sending them off to a board and train program could be extremely traumatic.

It is certainly not a decision to be taken lightly!

You have no control over your dog’s treatment while out of your care.

Some dog trainers talk a good game but do not necessarily follow through on their promises once your dog is in their care. An incompetent trainer can do more than just fail to train your dog, they can actually cause a lot of damage and make future training more difficult.

More frightening still is the rare chance your dog may suffer mistreatment at the hands of the staff. Lots of trainers seem kind and professional when you meet them, but what happens behind the scenes? Sadly, there is a possibility your dog may suffer abuse or neglect if you choose the wrong trainer.

This is why it is so important to research the facility where your dog will be staying as well as every employee who will have direct contact with your dog. Insist on a full tour and ask for a list of previous clients you can contact to ask about their experiences. If the staff is not comfortable with these precautions, they may have something to hide.

Residential Board and Train programs are expensive.

Quality dog training is an investment in your pup. You should not base your decision on cost, but board and train programs are considerably more expensive than classes or in-home training. According to dog training and behavior expert Pippa Mattinson:

“Most residential training kennels charge the going rate for boarding, and then an added fee on top for training. Costs can vary widely but rest assured, this is not going to be a cheap arrangement. You could be looking at $1000 per week upwards.”

What should you expect when your dog returns home?

Your trainer will advise you on how to motivate and reward your dog. They’ll also let you know what to expect from your dog in certain situations. A responsible trainer will be honest about the work you will have to do to maintain your dog’s training.

If your trainer uses positive reinforcement methods, your dog should be eager to participate in additional training and proofing sessions. They will respond excitedly to their new commands and work enthusiastically with you at home and in public.

On the other hand, dogs that suffer through painful or intimidating training methods are likely to be timid and submissive. Mattinson says previous bad behaviors often resurface in these poor pups:

“He may be very obedient at first but will soon figure out that you are not about to beat him into submission,” she says. “Because he hasn’t learned to make good choices, he will probably will quite soon revert to his old bad habits.”

How to find a safe, responsible residential trainer

If you decide to send your dog to a board and train program, make sure you choose a trainer who uses positive reinforcement techniques.

We offer a FREE Discovery Call. Are you ready to get started? Let’s jump on the phone and get to work. 

 

May 1st is National Purebred Dog Day!

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According to National Purebred Dog Day.Com, May 1st celebrates the heritage, diversity, and predictability of the purebred dog. Each breed is a living legacy of the culture that created it for a reason, each breed indelibly etched in that culture’s history just as surely as its music, art, and language. This day celebrates that purebred dogs not only provide companionship but work as guide dogs, service dogs, conservation dogs, livestock guardians, search and rescue dogs, earth dogs, police dogs, and beyond.

This day was created by Suzi Szeremy, a Puli fancier in 2013. She hoped to bring notice to responsible dog ownership, along with bringing a new voice for purebred dog owners.

Notably, in March of 2015, Colorado was the first state in the country to recognize May 1st as National Purebred Dog Day. Since then, Connecticut and Georgia have joined Colorado in recognizing the day. In 2017, there was a congressional resolution in support of designating National Purebred Dog Day.

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