Private Lessons

How to Choose a Dog Trainer

June 26, 2017 by Alaska Dog Works Leave a Comment

My name is Robert Forto and I am the owner and training director of Alaska Dog Works, and my team of trainers and I have built our reputation on the fact that we know our stuff and we are able to provide you and your dog with the most complete up-to-date training methodology. We are not like the other guys that can guarantee a quick fix in a matter of weeks or lessons but our tried, true and systematic approach to canine training and behavior sets us apart bar-none. We are the only school in the Alaska area that specializes in a canine camp and working dogs and I am an expert in canine aggression, but we will also come to you, nationwide, and work with your dogs when others have tried and failed.

This article is to help you chose a canine trainer. We are not all created equal. There are myriad training styles and methods and sometimes one method will work well for your dog but it might not for another. We guarantee our results because we live our life around working dogs. If it takes fifteen lessons for basic obedience then so be it, it takes fifteen lessons. I encourage you to do your homework and chose your trainer wisely. It is a relationship that should last a long time. After reading this article if you are still having trouble finding the right trainer or if you would like to see us in action give us a call anytime and we will point you in the right direction. Our methodology is about adaption. We have learned through the years that you need to have a flexible approach to canine training or behavior because other methods just do not work.

Dog trainers come in all shapes and sizes and choosing the one that you feel most comfortable with is a matter of individual training method preferences, integrity, honesty, standards, time, distance and money. You should also observe in your research of choosing a trainer that there are as many advertising tactics and philosophies as there are trainers and there-in can lay the dilemma of choosing one that is right for you and your dog.

Once you have clearly defined issues and goals for you and your dog, you can easily reach information overload the deeper you dive into finding that “right for the dog and you” trainer. Be LEARY of trainers who use guilt tactics or that try and convince you that their ways are the only way or it’s the highway. It is only a matter of common sense that not all dogs respond to similar methods equally and in some cases a dog may need a special approach to solve an issue. Some dogs will require more or less effort with a particular method or management style and again you will ultimately set the standard and make that decision in the learning/training journey.

Some things that might influence your decision to choose a particular trainer are listed below and it is up to you to assign the priority which you find most appealing, important or influential. GOOD LUCK!

1. What methods does the trainer use and why? Ask the questions. The trainer may try to dazzle you with scientific jargon such as positive reinforcement or traditional training or say they are an R+ trainer and have used clickers exclusively for twenty years. Just like those late night TV product miracles that promise to make your hair grow back and your shower stay clean for weeks, most often these gimmicks are just that, gimmicks. A competent trainer will have tested and retested the methods he teaches and continually learns new skills that he can offer his clients. Just like the old commercial used to say, “This is not your father’s Oldsmobile”, this shouldn’t be your father’s dog training method either.

2. Can the trainer’s method be easily explained? Some methods literally take a degree in psychology to fully understand. Our training methods at Alaska Dog Works are based on the behavior of your dog and not lure and reward training often taught at big-box pet stores that just happen to offer training in the middle of an aisle. He personally oversees all of the training programs at Alaska Dog Works and is constantly learning. His methods are up-to-date and easy to follow.

3. Can the trainer’s method be easily understood by you and your dog? One of the best books out there is: How Dog’s Learn by Burch and Bailey. It clearly explains how a dog learns and why methods work for one dog breed and not another. Any competent trainer has a clear understanding of these principles and can apply them to your dog and his learning capabilities.

4. Can/will the trainer provide you with an honest explanation of the pros and cons of
methods he or she will use if asked? (keeping in mind that any method can have an adverse outcome depending on application) This is a most important consideration. The dog trainers of the past learned from their mentors on the methods that they found the most useful. Many of these techniques are still widely used today but may not be politically correct. Every training method has its pros and cons and each one must be weighed accordingly before you commence a training program. Forto always tells his clients that clicker training might not work for the 70-year old grandma with an uncontrollable Rottweiler but might work well for a dog learning tricks.

In his research for his doctorate dissertation on human-canine communication, Forto read about, tried and tested many of the principles offered throughout the history of dog training. Everything from Pavlov’s salivating dogs (classical conditioning) to pack and dominance theory, to clicker training, to Skinnerian or operant conditioning and many in between. By doing so, and with his 19 years experience in working with dogs of all different temperaments and personalities, Forto provides an educated approach to the best method of training for you and your dog.

5. How dependable/reliable is the training method and how often must you proof the training? Proofing is the process of training in different scenarios at different times and situations. This is a key component of any good training program. Canine training is an ongoing process and needs to be exercised throughout your dog’s life. That does not mean that you need to attend classes when the dog is 10-years old or practice twice a day, every day but every once in a while to keep the training sharp. Just like playing the piano, you may have learned as a child but I bet you couldn’t play twinkle-twinkle little star now if you haven’t practiced in 20 years.

6. Does the trainer provide any guarantees, include follow-up support, and at what cost? Any trainer that “graduates” you and your dog after six weeks of group class is just plain wrong. A dog’s mind is moldable just like a child’s and they have learning cycles that are very similar. So to guarantee that a puppy class will fix all of your problems just wait until that adorable pup is a 70-pound drooling, couch eating, trash grabbing beast. Follow-up support is a key component of any good training program and should be built into the cost of it. Any training class that promises basic obedience for $99.00 is not a good deal. Just like that juicy quarter pounder that looks so delicious on TV and when you buy it at the fast food chain it is the size of a child’s palm.

Be mindful that there is no 100% guarantee in dog training. A good dog training program takes a considerable amount of time and effort on the client’s part. There are often misunderstandings and sometimes legal suits are filed. In your research you may find that there are negative comments posted on the web by anonymous patrons or a suit/complaint has been filed because a client wants a refund. It is often based on the client’s misunderstanding of what is required from them in their training program. Continue your research with an open mind and ask for references and ask questions. The proof is in the pudding as the old saying goes. An experienced trainer is willing to be open and honest about his past client troubles and how he/she dealt with them and the outcome that was reached.

7. Does the trainer require that you buy training equipment, what kind, from whom, and at what cost. Every trainer should be knowledgeable and able to use any equipment that is on the market. Some equipment works well witIts h one breed of dog but not the other. Trust your trainers’ advice on what he recommends and let him show the pros and cons of each. While many trainers have a favorite piece of equipment such as a training collar or a head halter, these pieces of equipment are often used incorrectly by the dog owner. I doubt that the trainer is just trying to make a few extra bucks off of a client by selling them a leash but what is often the case he/she will offer advice on which equipment will work best for you and your dog and help you achieve your goals.

8. Does a trainer offer multiple options, i.e. private consultation, in home, group training, board and train etc? Can/do they provide advice as to which would be best based on your particular situation or does the trainer recommend a “one size fits all” approach? The best trainers will offer a free or low cost initial evaluation to meet with you and your dog and discuss your training goals, time lines, budget, availability, etc. While there is nothing wrong with a trainer that only does in-home classes or group classes they just might not offer what you and your dog need. You should be leary of “cookie cutter” training in which a trainer teaches the same methods to all dogs in a class. A Labrador learns sit differently than a Border Collie than a Boxer and so on. At Alaska Dog Works we tailor all of our training programs to the individual dog and the client’s needs. This is why we do not offer group classes by themselves. All dogs must be under complete control before a client can move to group classes and they are designed to test or “proof” a dog with distractions. This sound principle is what Forto and his team have found works the best and provides the best results.

9. What experience information does the trainer have or provide. Most training schools have a page on their website or the literature that explains their training philosophy and training style. A good dog training school offers trainers profiles and lists their experience in working with dogs of many breeds and behavioral problems. This is the first thing you should research in your quest for finding a good trainer.

10. Does the trainer train/have ADVANCED titles in handling dogs and in what disciplines? Obedience, agility, search and rescue, therapy, hunting, herding, fly ball etc.? A trainer should only teach what he has learned or completed him/herself. A trainer should never teach conformation (dog shows) training or competition obedience if he/she has not completed a dog AND earned a title in that discipline. I mean would you hire a plumber that is a roofer, or a doctor who is a dentist?

11. Does/can the trainer provide written documents as to their philosophies and are they clearly understood verses, ones that require great time and effort to fully understand and perform? The trainer’s philosophy is a set of principles by which he/she teaches. The most common you will hear is: positive reinforcement (or R+), traditional, balanced, pack leader, clicker, and lure and reward, and shaping. While all of these methods are effective given the right circumstances, it is important that the trainer convey their philosophy in clear and understandable principles that they can teach.

12. Does the trainer give demos or clinics for the public? A good trainer is only as good as his “demo dog” It’s true you would not buy a new car without a test drive or buy a suit without trying it on. A demo dog and his trainer are constantly working together trying new techniques and skills so that he can further his education as a leader in the industry.

A good trainer also attends local expos and events to promote his training business and to get his name out to the public. Forto and Alaska Dog Works make it a practice to attend as many of these events each year. This year they attended: The Colorado Pet Expo, The Furry Scurry, The Donor Dash, The Lucky Mutt Strut, just to name a few. These events allow the public to meet a trainer not just call someone from the phone book or the internet because they have the biggest ad or the flashiest web site.

13. Is the trainer a member of particular organizations that you find influential? Some of the big ones are The Association for Pet Dog Trainers (APDT), National Association of Dog Obedience Instructors (NADOI), Canine Good Citizen Evaluator (CGC Evaluator), American Boarding Kennel Association (ABKA) and of course the better business bureau and the chamber of commerce are just a few. All of these organizations offer networking opportunities for trainers and qualification specifics for trainers who are members. Most trainers are members of at least one of these organizations and this shows that they are dedicated to their job and their education is continual.

14. Does the trainer offer feedback forms to be filled out by each client that you may view? This is the best way for a trainer to fix his faults. Critique is the life-blood of dog training and if your trainer asks how they are doing the best answer is an honest one. You will never hurt their feelings if you are honest and by giving feedback will enhance the training experience for clients in the future.

15. Does the trainer offer special training for aggressive dogs, therapy dogs, assistance dogs, protection, tracking, herding, search and rescue etc..? Be leary of a trainer that says that they can do every kind of class known in the canine world. Most trainers have a specialty and they strive to offer programs built around that specialty. Forto’s advice is: if the trainer hasn’t lived it, they shouldn’t be teaching it. Be mindful however that many trainers have a strong trainer referral base and often “share” clients that have complementing interests. For example an obedience trainer that works with German Shepherds might have a referral to a good protection trainer. Also, many trainers are constantly learning so they might offer “fun” classes in agility and other sports while they hone their own skills. While these classes will teach you the basics in these types of classes they are not meant to replace classes geared toward competition.

16. Is the trainer easily accessible and will the trainer provided prompt responses to your questions and concerns? This is one of the biggest complaints from most of Forto’s clients and most trainers will attest. It is hard for a trainer to be available at a moment’s notice to answer a clients question. Please be mindful that the trainer has a business to run and you are not his only client as you might think so. Please be understanding he if does not call you right away. Most trainers will as soon as they get a chance. Forto’s policy is he listens to messages and returns phone calls after 4:00 pm each day. This is when his training day is winding down and he can spend adequate time with the client and their concerns. Of course the best way to communicate is by email where you can state a question and concern and your trainer can answer in a thoughtful and logical manner.

17. What experience in health issues/health care does the trainer have? A competent trainer should know the basics of canine form and function of all the breeds that he trains on a regular basis as well as canine health, medications and vaccinations, canine first aid and CPR, canine nutrition and psychology. Forto tells his aspiring dog training career students that it is easy to buy a book on canine training and become a trainer overnight. It takes years of practice and a solid education to understand how a dog learns and why.

18. Does the trainer provide information on the vet he/or she uses/recommends and are policies clear and to your satisfaction? A veterinarian is a trainer’s best friend and resource. Not only is the vet/trainer relationship an excellent source of referrals but the relationship also exists if there is a medical element to your dog’s behavior problem. As a canine behaviorist, Forto is in near-constant communication to his veterinary referral network for medication requests, medical screenings and tests. These are important components to his training protocol.

19. Does the trainer check the dog for structural problems, hearing, sight, and other health issues that affect training upon receiving your dog for training? As stated above, Forto routinely works with his veterinary referral network or the client’s own vet to rule out any medical problems before training commences.

20. Does the trainer require dogs to be up to date on all required vaccinations and are dogs inspected for fleas and other parasites while on premise? Almost all trainers will ask for an up-to-date vaccination record. This is not only a requirement of most states but it is to protect your dog from sickness and disease while attending classes or staying at a training center.

21. Does the trainer clearly explain all policies, to include rules, regulations, and any refund policies? Every trainer should have a clearly defined contract and a policy guideline of his classes and procedures. A competent trainer does not teach on a whim and make up the rules as he/she goes. Be advised that most trainers do not offer refunds. This is normal in this business. Dog training is an on-going process, similar to learning how to play the piano. Results cannot be achieved without practice and more practice. If an owner does not see results quick enough they often ask for a refund. But, if I dare be so bold: would you ask for a refund at a fine restaurant if you already ate the meal?

22. Is the trainer licensed as a business and meet all city, county, state and federal regulations? It has been said that in order to become a dog trainer all you need is three things: a business card, a leash and a smile. Over the past few years more and more trainers have found that this is just not enough and they are seeking certification in dog training. While this certificate implies that they have taken a course in dog training it does not regulate how a trainer conducts his business. A reputable trainer is always learning and attending seminars and other gatherings on the latest methods and equipment. If your trainer has a training center he should be licensed by the state and have all the required insurance and other documentation. But please understand that most trainers work out of their home and they are considered small home-based businesses. This does not make them ineffective however. Forto started this way in 1990 in Duluth, Minnesota teaching group classes in local parks. Now he owns two kennels and is looking to opening a third in the Twin Cities of Minnesota called Twin Cities Dog Works in the near future.

23. Does the trainer make you feel comfortable and at ease to include handling your dog? Forto’s advice on this is very clear: If a trainer is afraid or uncomfortable working with your dog leave right away. There is a saying in the canine training field that some people are dog people, some people are people people and a few are dog and people people. A dog person who is a trainer does excellent in training dogs in a board and train situation where he/she works with your dog while they stay with them at their kennel but when it comes time to teaching the human part of the team they lack the communication skills to do a good job. The people people are good at working with the human part of the dog/owner team but stumble when it comes to working with the dog. That does not make them bad dog trainers but does make them very good coaches, in which they give the human the directions and they train the dog at home.

It is rare to find a dog and people person. This type of trainer can work with any dog and any person and excel at it. They know how to read the dog’s behavior and react to it as well as educate the owner on what the dog is doing and why. If you find a trainer like this hold on to them because they are one in a handful and they will be an investment for the life of your dog.

24. Does the trainer have experience breeding dogs or whelping litters? While this is not a necessity by any means it is good to know if your trainer specializes in a breed of dogs. The rule of thumb is, and always has been that a trainer should not teach a class unless he has completed it him/herself. A breeder/trainer can do wonders for a new pet owner in offering puppy classes and breed referrals.

IT IS IMPORTANT TO NOTE THAT NONE OF THESE ATTRIBUTES GUARANTEE OR MAKE A GOOD TRAINER IN THEMSELVES!

If you are still struggling to find a canine trainer or the one that you have been working with just is not the right fit for you and your dog I encourage you to call Robert Forto at 907-841-1686 to schedule an evaluation. The trainers of Alaska Dog Works will come to you wherever you live and we will show you why we have the best and train the rest.

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Robert Forto is the host of the Dog Works Radio Show and is the training director of Alaska Dog Works. Robert Forto can be reached through his website at www.alaskadogworks.com

Benefits of Hiring a Dog Trainer

May 5, 2017 by Alaska Dog Works Leave a Comment

When people think about Alaska Dog Works, one thing they seek is professional dog training. We provide many classes and events, were you can bring your dog and receive professional dog training. Here we wanted to lay out the five main benefits to hiring a professional dog trainer.

Safety
Proper training can actually save your dog’s life.

The ability to come to you when called, especially in public or outdoors, can save them from coming lost, stole, hit by a car, or being injured by another dog.

Sitting, staying, and remaining calm can also help in both public and in case of emergency.

A professional trainer can help instill these basics in your dog quickly, then will instruct you on how to continue so that you keep your dog safe forever.

Socialization
Bringing your dog to professional training classes not only helps them learn commands, but it provides an excellent opportunity for socialization. Puppies learn to greet and play with other dogs in a respectful, non-aggressive way.

Rescue dogs, adults, and senior pups can also benefit from socialization because they can make new friends and learn to be friendly to other dogs in social situations. Because professional trainers can recognize trouble quickly, they can make corrections that will have a lasting impact on your dog.

Bring Your Dog Everywhere
With more and more pet friendly businesses popping up around the US, there has never been a more welcoming time for dog owners to bring their pups in public.

Restaurants, stores, dog parks, outdoor events, public beaches, and cafes around Alaska are opening their doors to pet lovers.

But, the one thing that can get you and your dog banned is bad behavior.

• Jumping
• Excessive barking or whining
• Destructive behavior
• Being aggressive toward other pets, or people

Avoid these behaviors and gain the ability to bring your dog with you wherever you go.

Makes Your Dog Happy
For those that think that untrained dogs are happier because they don’t have any rules, the research shows otherwise.

A trained dog is a happy dog. Dogs, like most animals, actually like a well-ordered place to live. If they know you’re in command, it takes a lot of pressure off of them to be the pack leader.
Plus, when they are well behaved they get cool rewards like treats, hugs, and belly rubs.

Training Enhances Your Bond
Training alongside of a dog trainer actually helps forge a deeper bond with your dog. Don’t think that being the leader makes you the bad guy. Dogs are not humans; they’re not trained to resent the boss. The opposite is true.

Remember, a trainer will be helping you train your dog long-term. You have to continue to reinforce what they’ve already taught. This puts you in a leadership position and lets your dog be a dog.

Contact Alaska Dog Works if you have any questions!

Dog Parks vs. Dog Sports? You Decide

January 11, 2017 by Alaska Dog Works 1 Comment

By Robert Forto

I wrote this article a few years ago when we lived in Denver but it very much applies here in Alaska or anywhere where dogs mingle. As you will read, you will learn about our one-of-a-kind Growl Class. If there is a need for that here we will offer it.

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At my training center, Alaska Dog Works and in my behavioral practice most of the problems we face are from dogs not getting enough or dogs getting into “trouble” while at the dog park. For those of you that read my articles you will know that I do not like dog parks. They are an ill-conceived idea by city planners that do not know anything about canine behavior.

Of course some do it right, like the nation’s only indoor dog park in Dallas, TX, Unleashed. They have trainers on staff and run the park more like a dog daycare rather than a canine free-for-all. But these conciseness people are few and far between.

Just this past month, The Association for Pet Dog Trainers (APDT) ran an article on this very issue; Inspiring Dog Owners Into Dog Sports and Out of Dog Parks (Sue Sternberg pg. 10-11). I just want to expound on that article for pet owners than may not have access the magazine.

The Dog Park Madness

Almost daily I get a call or an email from someone telling me about the problems they have with their dog because they think he is aggressive, or a story about how their dog was attacked when they were on walks or running loose at a local dog park. I have even addressed this problem and have a class that meets on Saturdays. I call it my Growl Class. You would be surprised of how many people have signed up for it. Not just owners with Colorado’s classified banned breeds. We’ve had everything from miniature poodles to Old English sheep dogs.

People ask me how to deal with overly aggressive dogs that belong to other owners. They ask me to show them how to handle their dog so that they can “teach” someone at the dog park how to handle their dogs. They ask me questions about their own dog not trying to stick up for or defend themselves when they are approached by an aggressive dog. Many people have watched television shows and they were told that the dogs need to work it out for themselves. I say–so far from the truth!

The concept of dog parks was well intended but not a researched enough idea by the local, state, and city governments. The idea of a park is to bring people and families closer together-not to build internal strife and conflict that sometimes resembles doggie gang warfare! Many dog parks allow dogs to run off-leash in lush acreage of surrounding utopia–what a disaster. The main problem stems from people who just do not understand canine pack structure. The City Council’s that set up these open space wonderlands are politician’s not canine handlers–they should have consulted an expert. What it equals is that the dogs in these parks are out of control. Too often as well, the owners are completely oblivious as to what their dog is doing at the dog park. The owners are often observed using cell phones or doing other things that distract them from monitoring their own dogs’ actions.

The average dog owner does not take the time to understand, much less install, pack structure. They do not know how strong the pack instincts are in their family pets. These drives can, and often do, click into high gear when a dog is taken into a park with strange dogs. I meet with people every day that come into my training center and they say that this dog is the alpha dog because he is the male, or he is older, or he is stronger, or he is my favorite. Canine pack behavior is a very complex dynamic that should not be under-estimated. I spent the better part of my career studying pack structure with a team of thirty-five Siberian husky sled dogs. I lived and slept with these dogs. I became a part of their pack. I learned many life lessons from them. The most important one: do not under estimate at dog’s potential-ever.

When a new dog comes into a park that other dogs visit every day the new visitor is often seen as an intruder into “the personal territory” of the regular visitor. More often than not they are not seen as a new found friend. This often leads to either territorial aggression, dominance aggression or fear aggression. Instincts kick in and pandemonium develops. Owners are running and screaming towards their dogs, a fight breaks out and the utopia is now in chaos. Someone inevitably gets hurt.

DOG PACKS in the PARK

When a group of dogs, three or more, are allowed to run together in an area where there are no strong pack leaders (human pack leaders), they instinctively try to establish a rank order, or pecking order. If there are several dogs that want to assume a certain rank within this new pack there are often problems. Too often, this results in dog fights to determine what rank a dog will assume.

It is a mistake to assume that every dog in the park is a well-mannered, well-trained pet. Just because its playing with other dogs does not mean that it will play with your dog. The issue of rank has already been settled with these other dogs and the game may be going according to their rules. Your dog will not know the rules and can easily get into trouble. Too often when a fight breaks out between your dog and the leader of this pack the other dogs in the pack will also jump in and go after your dog.

The vast majority of dogs do not want to be pack leaders. They are perfectly happy with their owners assuming the position of leader. As such these dogs expect their pack leader–their owner– to protect them. That’s why these dogs will run to their owner when they fell threatened by another dog. When an owner does not protect his dog the dog is in conflict and loses confidence. When the owner ignores the perceived threat their dogs often move into fight or flight.

When you stop to think about it, normal people would never expect their young children to fight adults that were threatening their home. So why do people expect their young dogs to show aggression to older dogs? In most cases, the owners simply lack the understanding of pack drive and dog training. People get caught in the trap of thinking they have a German Shepherd from working police bloodlines and it should be tough!! Well, it doesn’t work that way.

When new owners assume the position of pack leader and they do everything right when their pup is young the dog will grow up to be a confident adult dog. When owners drop the pack structure ball their dogs grow up to be dogs with aggressive issues (either overly aggressive or fearful). This is the primary focus of my work and why my aggression management classes are so successful. Canine training is not about training the dog. It is about educating the owner. I have been known to say that dog training is 90% people and 10% dog. I wholeheartedly believe that. I have conducted many seminars called “Leader of the Pack” and there is a weekly show on cable that promotes “Be a Pack Leader.” But do you really know what that means? Do you know how much work, how much time and energy, how much of a commitment it is going to take to give you that empowerment? Being a pack leader to your dog can not, and should not, be compartmentalized in a 30-minute program where the magic of television makes everything alright.

Dog fights are scary business. They could literally mean life and death. I am sure you have heard the horror stories. Is this something that you are ready for? I have been bit hundreds of times–often by the cutest dogs in the neighborhood. I have respect for all dogs. And I make it my business to earn theirs. Aggressive dogs need to be dealt with by a professional. Not an arm-chair quarterback at a dog park shouting “leave it!” because they read a book, or watched a show or attended a chain store puppy class.

My Growl Class is a course out of necessity. People love their dogs and they love the outdoors. But dog parks are a plethora of chaos. Research shows that three out of four dogs are not trained. My definition of training has always been: “Control for you, routine for your dog”. If you have a dog that needs work with aggression. If you would like to better understand canine pack structure or if you are tired of your dog getting into fights at the dog park give me a call and we’ll talk about it.

Canine Sports

At Alaska Dog Works we pride ourselves in being the premiere canine training center in the region that specializes in canine sports and working dogs. I have been involved in almost all canine sports at one time or another in my 19-year career in working with dogs. I have been a professional musher, I finished three Siberians in conformation (dog shows) and two as Obedience Trial Champions. I have competed in protection trials and taught many people how to dog sled, scooter and skijor. What does this all mean? It means at Alaska Dog Works we can teach you and your dog the true meaning of intrinsic drives and proper exercise and to many dogs the thought of having a “job” to do is reason to celebrate!

As trainers we need to think outside the box a bit and encourage people to try new things with their dogs. In my opinion the dog park should be an option of last resort. What happened to the days of just walking your dog around the block a few times? Instead people are paying thousands of dollars at a doggie daycare because they feel guilty to leave their dog home alone while their child is a latch key kid with a cell phone with mom and dad calling on them every ten minutes to see if they are okay. Insanity.

In fact, most sports that you can participate in with your dog are relatively inexpensive, often less than a cup gourmet coffee a day, if not free.

Where do you go? Alaska Dog Works of course. But if you are outside of the Rocky Mountain Region you may want to seek out a training center that offers canine sports classes like agility or competition obedience, tracking or even canine freestyle (dancing with your dog). There is even an organization called Dog Scouts that is like boy/girl scouts for dogs! In the Dog Scouts you and your dog work toward earning merit badges in a variety of sports and activities while promoting good dog training and proper behavior. Dog Scouts even has a camp that you can attend with your dog in Michigan, I think it is.

Give the Dog a Bone

As with any physical activity, the reward has to outweigh the work. Think about it. Is working out at the gym that fun? No. I hate it but the reward of losing weight and training for the Iditarod and feeling good about myself makes me go to the gym every other day.

Canine sports are no different. Once you find a sport that you and your dog enjoy it is easy to get hooked. What a better way to build friendship with fellow dog owners, keep your dog exercised physical and mental fit, and doing something that you enjoy.

“It’s a tough time to be dog. There is so much less access to open spaces, off-leash exercise in secluded rural land, owners have less time, busier schedules and a lot less financial freedom,” says Sternberg.

When an owner and their dog get hooked on to something they love and they excel at this will build a lifetime of bonding, training and community with your dog. This will not only help you and your dog but the community in which you live.

The time is now! Get out and do something with your dog and leave the gourmet coffee to the people that don’t have a dog!

If you would like to find out more about canine sports training or having one of the best trained dogs in the world, contact us at Alaska Dog Works at 907-841-1603.

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Alaska Dog Works is a premiere dog training company located in Willow, Alaska. We train all over the Anchorage, Mat-Su Valley and anywhere on the road system. If you live in rural Alaska we have worked with many clients that fly their dogs to us for training and we can deliver your pet back home after camp. Give us a call today at 907-841-1603.

Help! I need a Dog Trainer

January 11, 2017 by Alaska Dog Works Leave a Comment

Congratulations! You have decided to train your dog. But you are puzzled by the amount of choices and the differences each website portrays about each canine trainer. This particular blog entry is being written to help you decipher the professionalism you are looking for.

Each website has a plethora of information which is helpful but can become washed out.

Make a list of what goals you have in mind for you and your dog. Then as you are browsing each website, narrow them down by the sites that are able to answer most of your questions and keep your goals in mind.

Get your dog an evaluation. If the trainer does not offer evaluations then move on. Some trainers are beginning to charge for their evaluations; this fee is typically taken off of your package price if you sign up and pay in full. Keep in mind that you are hiring someone who is paid for their time and there are no industry standards or guidelines as to what each trainer can charge for their hourly rate. In the end, you are paying for their expertise whatever that may be.

You watch the dog training shows, and you’ve read the books, maybe you’ve even taken a webinar and you’re ready to train your dog yourself. That’s great. One thing all of those resources fail to tell you is that undertaking the training solely on your own requires a large amount of your time being spent doing nothing but training. Training requires consistency and repetition. I have found my training to be the most successful by following a training formula for 21 straight days. I start with puppy basic obedience then I move up to basic obedience, take into consideration that during adolescence my dog is not going to learn as quickly as he did while he was a puppy. The resources I listed above do not teach you how to understand dog learning theory or behavior. Some trainers possess this knowledge but not all trainers.

Your dog will go through specific learning stages and it is imperative that during each stage you expose your dog appropriately to socialization with people, dogs, and other animals as well as inanimate objects. If you have decided on a puppy it’s a bit easier than if you have rescued an older dog.

Let’s say you adopted a six month old dog he is still young and impressionable. Well not really, he’s had six months to learn a lot of bad habits regarding behavior. His social development has been damaged and you discover that you’re having trouble getting him to listen to commands. This is not just because you rescued a six month old dog, this is also because you have adopted an adolescent dog.

As a trainer I always recommend to my clients who have rescued or adopted a dog of any age to seek out a professional trainer or even a canine behaviorist. I want to see the relationship develop and to see the dog become healthy socially and mentally.

Even if you decide to do the training on your own it is still worth getting an evaluation for yourself and your dog, even if the trainer charges for that evaluation it will be a worthwhile investment. You will get to hear a professional’s opinion regarding your dog and you may receive their training plan which can help you whether you train on your own or make the better choice and hire the trainer to assist you along the way.

Canine training is fast becoming a new recognized certification/vocational job in the United States. As of today there are no formal guidelines nor is there any formal licensing to become a dog trainer. We have general standards that we follow and associations that we belong to in order to continue our education.

As you are browsing the websites and you have narrowed it down to two or three prospective trainers take the time to write down some questions to ask them during your evaluation. Here is a list of questions that should be asked;

How long have you been training?
What methodology do you use in your training style?
What training do you specialize in?

Additional questions will arise during the evaluation and possibly from the trainer’s website. Remember that there are dozens of trainers available to you from many different training styles. Be informed, if the web searches confuse you, ask your veterinarian for a recommendation on a trainer(s).

Who are you, Robert Forto?

January 11, 2017 by Alaska Dog Works Leave a Comment

By Michele Forto

We are members of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers, and they have one of the best dog training journals around, especially for us in the canine training industry, The APDT Chronicle of the Dog. Each month in their highly acclaimed magazine, they have a member profile edited by Nicole Wilde. While we haven’t been privy to be showcased in this column yet, I thought it would be appropriate to showcase each one of our trainers over the next few weeks so that you can get to know us and what we are about.

This week I will be interviewing Robert Forto

Lets get to know Robert.

Business Name: Alaska Dog Works

Location: Willow, Alaska (Anchorage area)

Phone: 907-841-1886

Email: leaddog@teamineka.com

Website: www.alaskadogworks.com

Years in Business: 7 in Alaska, 23 years as a canine obedience instructor and behaviorist

Personal Training Philosophy: Know Yourself. Know Your Dog.

Our training philosophy at Alaska Dog Works is not a procedure but a lifestyle.

I have learned in the twenty three years of literally living with a pack of dogs and on the sled dog trail that it has offered me a unique perspective. There I was forced to examine my attitude about everything including my dogs. I was constantly challenged to become more open to the language dogs use to communicate with us. This experience confirms our deepest intuitions about the relationship of human beings not only with their dog but every aspect of their lives.

I hope to foster my clients with a diverse and varied understanding of the environment for which they live. I hope to foster a more realistic understanding of their dogs and an increased awareness of the benefits of their companionship.

Drawing on my experience as a kennel owner of many Siberian and Alaskan Huskies I will teach my clients how dog training goes far beyond the elementary instruction of basic obedience; as it must encompass a whole new attitude and lifestyle with their dog. It must touch on the levels of a dog’s own life that are often ignored.

I will bring my client into the world of a dog musher, canine behaviorist, and father of three by using my experience as a lens through which they may broaden their understanding of their dog. The stage will then be set for a balanced, lasting relationship between them and their best friend.

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

I have been training professionally since the summer of 1994 when I attended my first “certification” course. Also in 1994 I started my Siberian Husky sled dog kennel in Duluth, Minnesota on my hobby farm. I began training clients dogs in local parks in a Canine Good Citizen-type training program and offering in-kennel board and train programs for clients. In 2000, I went back to school to earn and advanced degree and began research on human-canine communication in the sport of dog sledding and I took a hiatus from dog training for clients. In 2006, my family and I moved to Denver, Colorado and I sought employment as a canine trainer. I sent out three resumes and one person called me back. I interviewed for the job and gave him a stack of certificates and degrees and the owner of the school said, “I don’t care about paper, I want to see how you train dogs.”

I went back into his kennel and got a dog and took it to the training room and showed the owner how I could work the dog through an obedience routine. He hired me the next day and shortly thereafter offered me the training school to lease. In January 2007, we opened Denver Dog Works. In August 2010 we moved to Alaska to chase a crazy Iditarod dream and opened Alaska Dog Works. We have been here ever since.

How did you get started?

As I stated before, I have been training dogs since the 90’s in competition obedience and conformation with Siberian Huskies, thought by some to be the toughest breed to train, but my work with canines really started to take off when I moved to Minnesota. I literally lived with a pack of 35 sled dogs 24-hours a day. We ran teams all night on the snowmobile trails in the Superior National Forest and then I would come back and take care of the dogs and interact with them and study their behavior. While there is much to be said about pack based training theory today, I learned so much about those dogs that I became an expert in canine body language and communication. In 1997, I was given the opportunity to attend a wolf migration study in Alaska and we conducted research by dog sled and helicopter. That was when they still used radio collars on the wolves and antenna, unlike today where they track them via GPS. I worked on that study for 17 months before returning home to run my sled dog teams for sport. I learned so much about the two species and how to compare and contrast the two. Shortly after my return, I was thirty for knowledge and began to read every book I could get my hands on and took several courses in canine training and behavior. I started to attend seminars and lectures and took exams to become a certified canine trainer.

I have received many awards over the years for working with aggressive dogs, fearful dogs, banned breeds and more.

Are you involved in and dog sports or activities?

I am heavily involved in canine sports. I have several clients that I am working with right now in conformation classes and competition obedience. I am a professional musher and in training for my first Iditarod and several long distance expeditions. I plan on running an Alaskan Husky team under the Team Ineka banner.

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

Most of our business comes from referrals, our website, Alaska Dog Works, and word of mouth. Alaska Dog Works is sought after often as a last resort for dog owners who have tried other training schools and failed for one reason or another. I am sought out often for canine aggression cases and behavior modification. We take full advantage of social media sites such as Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and others. Of course, we do offer a lot of canine sports and working dog programs as well.

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

I belong to several trainer associations and clubs throughout North America. I have found that a lot of trainers in Alaska do not refer clients to each other. I don’t know why. I speak to a lot of people though networking events and I host a weekly radio program, Dog Works Radio where we discuss everything that is related to dogs.

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

Loose leash walking, Come (recall) and manners. As I tell my clients all the time, a dog that does not know how to walk on a loose leash is the first candidate for a shelter. Why? because if the relationship between owner and dog is strained on walks (pardon the pun), the owner does not want to interact with the dog, hence that equals lack of exercise, which equals destructiveness. In regards to the recall command, I tell my clients, “who cares if your dog will sit and down on command in your living room, if he won’t come to you at the park, you will have a big problem.”

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

I find dispelling the myths that people have about their dogs the most challenging. I routinely talk about canine evolution and anthropomorphism and how proper relationships should be formed with our canine companions.

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

Patience. Just one word, Patience.

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

Take the time to listen to your clients and encourage them to think outside the box about their dog and their training goals. Also, turn off the T.V. and get out and do something with your dog and that will teach them more about their canine companions than any book or T.V. dog training show.

What was your scariest moment with a dog (or client)?

I have been known to say that I have been bit by the best and trained the rest. In all honesty I have never had a scary moment with a dog but witnessing my wife being attacked by a Dutch Shepherd that we had in training scared me to death.

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

1. Patience. 2. dogs make better clients than people, 3. and that fear and punishment is the least effective way to get a dog to do what you want.

What was the last training related seminar you attended?

I conducted the last seminar I attended and that was about the misconceptions people have about how dogs behave in dog parks. I was the featured speaker at a conference with several HOA’s and the city of Denver when it was up for debate on whether Denver should add more dog parks.

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

I have read so many books on canine training, behavior, evolution and origin that I cant list them all. Some of the most influential have been the books written by the Monks of New Skeete, the book Dogs: A New Understanding of Canine Origin, Behavior and Evolution. the three book series by (Lindsey) Darwin’s Origin of the Species, Karen Pryor’s Don’t Shoot the Dog, many courses in psychology an learning theory, hundreds of business books and articles, countless hours of research for my dissertation and the thousands of miles on the back of a dog sled and in my kennel have been my greatest teacher.

Anything else you would like to add?

In my opinion,our relationship with our dogs is our greatest gift. I say that not only as a dog trainer and a business owner, but also as a father of three teenagers. Our dogs have taught us so much about life. My work with canines is dedicated to my friends of friends “Ineka and Rutgrr” who have taught me the definition of unconditional love. In addition, to all other sled dog pups that have unselfishly provided comfort, compassion, and unparalleled commitment to humans. This dedication is generally without measure of our right to such gifts or of our own commitment to reciprocate.

It is this affection that has given me the ability to survive, with relative sanity, in an often difficult world. The power of this unconditional love has been the inspiration for this dissertation and the project that produced it. May this project bring power to those who want to chase their dreams. May this project also give us a better appreciation for those creatures with which we share the earth.

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Michele Forto is the business manager and a trainer for Dog Works Training Centers and the co-host of a weekly radio program, Dog Works Radio. Michele can be reached through her website at www.alaskadogworks.com