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The Next Revolution in Dog Training

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" I highly recommend their training services for all dogs!"

Alaska Dog Works has been fantastic. Michele, Robert, and Nicole are awesome trainers.
Bobby CarrollShadow
Bobby Carroll

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What Our Customers Have Said About Us

When we rescued our male Newfoundland at 4 years old he was pretty used to doing what he wanted. Michelle worked with us at our home before he went to her home for 'boot camp'. We have a completly different dog. He now listens and walks beautiful. From a handful to an eager boy. Thank you Michelle!
Paula PawlowskiArgo
By the time Heidi and I met Michele and Robert, I had already spent thousands of dollars on two local trainers who had quickly given up on my reactive 3 year old GSD. Michele created a program specifically for Heidi, building on her strengths while modifying her behavior. Thanks to Alaska Dog Works Heidi is living her best life!
Krista WoodHeidi
Michele helped us tremendously. She is like the dog whisperer. Our dog is high energy with leash reactivity. She is also very protective. Before, only my husband walked her, because I could not handle her. Now I can take her on walks without stress. Our dog now listens well to not only myself and my husband, but our young children. We have to be consistent, as the dog is only 2, but we are so happy with how far we have come in this short time.
Cristina vonZeigesarSusie
Robert Forto combines decades of knowledge about dogs, mushing, and canine training with a natural enthusiasm for all dog-related topics. He brings a consistently fresh perspective and curiosity to all the subjects he tackles and is always eager to share his passion for dogs and the outdoors with his audience.
Alex Stein
We couldn’t recommend Alaska dog works more. Our dog absolutely loves being there with his friends and Nicole and Michelle are so communicative with us while we are away. It really is his home away from home and we are so glad to have them!
Matthew Wilson
Nicole has been a valuable asset to our family/pack. We have integrated her methods and are very happy. We have a crazy group and she has been very patient with all of us. The lessons are very well laid out. The videos are great. All the extras that come with the program are awesome. Especially the group sessions. Thank you Nicole and Michelle.
Rick Koch
Alaska Dog Works has been fantastic. Michele, Robert, and Nicole are awesome trainers. I’ve been using them to train my German Shepard. He is turning out just liked I’d hoped. I highly recommend their training services for all dogs!
Bobby CarrollShadow
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Thank You For Trusting Us for Your Dog Training Needs

A complete immersion dog training program

With over 25+ Years of experience, Dog Works Training Company has developed a well-respected reputation for dog training in Alaska, the Pacific Northwest and beyond. To date, Dog Works Training Company has trained over 1,200 dogs and are the trusted dog training professionals for all of your dog training needs.

Our Certified Dog Trainers specialize in Puppy Training, Obedience, Aggression, Anxiety, and Working Dogs

Dog Works Training Company has spent years developing our programs.

Dog Works Training Company offers  unique programs fully customized to match each individual client and dog. We will discuss further during your consultation to see what your individual needs are and develop a training plan to fit your needs and goals.

These programs have been designed is unlike no other. From the moment the dog steps foot into Camp, everything changes. We begin a bond with your dog, which will last a lifetime as well as start a new beginning of learning and understanding what will be expected of them from here forward. We begin by removing the bad habits, building confidence, and educating the dog on what is expected of them. We hold the dogs accountable for their actions; this is the key to our success.

Note: Before we go any further, please check your email folders (junk/spam/promotional) and make sure that you confirm that you want to receive emails from us. 

Our Most Popular Programs, Prices and Benefits

Click on the tabs to learn more about the programs

Learn More About Our Programs...

If you have found your way to this page you have done your research and are interested in working with Alaska Dog Works. Here we have our proven programs that will help take you and your dog to the next level from teaching advanced applications to helping clients with small issues. We have excelled at a high level due to the education and the experience of our staff.

When you speak to us on the phone be sure to ask us about any special offers or discounts that are available. 

Pro Tip: Subscribe to our podcast, Dog Works Radio and if you listen closely you will hear a special offer code!

Our number one priority is client satisfaction and we will deliver immediate results. Whether you want your dog to listen to you at any time around any distraction, be competitive in the obedience ring or be a well-mannered dog at home, we can help you make your dog one of the best-trained dogs in Alaska.

As you may have already read, there are a lot of great trainers out there. What sets us apart is that we have a proven system for dog training and that is almost unheard of in our industry.

What many dog trainers try to do is either hyper-customize their programs or provide a basic solution that is often ineffective. What that means is dog owners never know what to expect when hiring a trainer.

In Alaska most dog trainers are failing their clients

There is a much better way.

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Some of our Happy Clients!

Struggling Alaska Dog Owners,

Get a FREE Discovery Call

It’s Like Nothing You Have Ever Experienced Before 

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We designed our programs from the ground up. We knew that dog owners that we worked with wanted to reach four big goals:

  • They want great control of their dog on leash. They want to visit pet stores, farmer’s markets, the vet, and take walks in the neighborhood.
  • They want their dog to listen. To listen at home, on the hiking trail, and at the park.
  • They want great manners. No barking, digging, jumping, and good house manners.
  • They want to get rid of or avoid anxiety, aggression, or fear problems.

If that doesn’t sound like you, we may not be the best dog training company for you.  But for dog owners that love to work with their dogs, we decided to stop doing any sort of just basic dog training. We stopped trying to convince people who did not want those four things to use our training.

Instead, we designed a system so that any dog of any age could see fantastic and consistent results through our Peak Performance Program.

If you live on the road system in Alaska we would love the chance to show you how we can help you make your dog one of the best!

Our Peak Performance Program is One-of-a-Kind

If you have a dog that is five months or older you are in the right place.

If you have a puppy that is younger than five months, click here. 

It has been used by dog owners across Alaska and around the country.

It has been successful with big dogs and little dogs. It has worked for owners that are experienced with dogs to first time pet parents.

Our Peak Performance Program has had MAJOR success in solving all sorts of behavioral problems too!

Problems like anxiety (whining, barking, pacing, separation), house training problems, destruction problems, jumping, not coming when called, leash pulling, and so much more.

This program has worked for dogs that are five months old all the way to a twelve-year-old dog.

The reason why we have so much success is that it sets the right foundation.

It helps your dog think right and teaches you how to understand your dog. 

Most dog training programs and dog trainers address the problem as it occurs. 

While this isn’t wrong, it ignores the root of the problem.

Our Peak Performance program solves the root cause.

It helps establish the right relationship with your dog, helps your dog become a problem solver and make the right choices, and helps both you and your dog work together as a team.

To Learn more click here

Other Programs

Virtual Training Program

Now that we are all practicing social distancing, you probably have seen all of the other dog trainers try and offer some form of a virtual training program. That’s great but we bet they are new to the game. We have refined our virtual dog training program to meet the needs of our clients here in Alaska and beyond. We promise you, there is no other program like this in the country. In Alaska distance is an issue. We know because we have trained dogs from Bethel to Barrow to Ketchikan and everyplace in between. In our unique virtual dog training program in the form of Zoom/video chat consultations, we can help your dog become one of the best.

This program can be great for new puppy raisers, service dog clients, families wanting specific assistance on one issue or many. We can also assist you with puppy selection, successful first weeks and months of puppy ownership, and more.

Companion Dog Novice Private Sessions

Companion Dog (AKC Novice)  is a 10-week private lesson course under the instruction of Robert Forto. There is very limited availability for this option. This course will teach you and the dog essential obedience skills. This is a “homework intensive” course. During this course please expect to dedicate 60 minutes a day 6 days a week for 10 weeks to your homework. In this course, he will teach foundational skills all dogs should have. All dogs need to be 6 months or older unless approved by the instructor.

Please do not enroll in this course unless you are committed to doing the work AND are open to learning yourself.
Please do not enroll in this course if you have mobility issues.  Contact the instructor if unsure about any of the above.

This course will include practical instruction both in person as well as in an online format only available to you. All homework will be submitted by videos you can create with any phone. Homework is required and will be submitted to a closed Facebook group for critique by the trainer.

Your dog will learn to sit, automatic-sit, sit-stay, down, down-stay, stand, stand-stay, recall, and of course heeling on and off-leash without the use of remote collars.
We also cover physical handling drills and much more.

Should you desire this to enroll in this program, it will prepare you for the Novice level Companion Dog (CD) test by the American Kennel Club.

This will include all necessary equipment and access to online coaching and coursework.

Private lesson slots with Robert Forto are only available on Wed-Friday during normal daytime work hours.

The 10-scheduled private sessions must be completed by no more than 12 weeks barring a major medical emergency.

Repeated class cancellations that run you past 12 weeks from the time you started may result in forfeiture of the remaining lessons without a refund.

Online Consultations

An opportunity to dive into answers & information around a specific topic, technique, or issue you’re facing. We can provide powerful solutions and immediate action steps, information regarding training tools and methods to best suit your dog, and counsel you on a long-term plan of action to achieve the results you desire.

Video consults can be done by means of FB Video Messenger, Zoom, etc.

For one time sessions, topics often include:

Puppy Selection Know-How

Troubleshooting Problems with Use of Training Tools
 

Whether to Keep or Re-Home Your Dog

 How to Set Your Puppy Up for Success
 

What to Look For in an Adoptable Adult Dog  

Which breed is best for you?

Crate Training Issues

Potty Training Issues

Nutrition / Health / Feeding Consultation

Understanding Canine Behavior

How to Fit or Select Specific Training Tools:  

Prong collars, remote collars, clickers, etc.

and More..

We also have customizable programs including our Level Up, Lead Dog Service Dog Program, D.A.W.G.s Therapy Program and more. Call for details.

Are you ready to get started?

Let’s jump on a call together and let’s get started on making your dog one of the best!

More Happy Clients!

Choose your Membership

You will be charged for the plan after we speak to you on your Discovery Call

Ascent

$ 999
Year
  • 5 private lessons
  • Access to The Pack
  • Access to all workshops
  • Access to live video coaching
Get it

Base Camp

$ 1999
Year
  • Two week camp
  • 7 private sessions
  • Access to priority booking
  • Access to The Pack
  • Access to all courses
  • Access to live video coaching
  • Quarterly 1:1 call with our Team ($500 value)
  • Access to all workshops
  • Priority feedback and support
Get it
Popular

Peak

$ 2999
year
  • Two week camp
  • 15 private sessions
  • One week camp ($1295 value)
  • Access to VIP booking
  • Access to The Pack
  • Access to all courses
  • Access to live video coaching
  • Bi-monthly 1:1 call with our Team ($750 value)
  • Access to all workshops
  • Access to all master camps
  • VIP feedback and support
Get it
Michele Forto Alaska Dog Works
About Michele Forto (that's me!) 👋

I build relationships

With more than 20 years of experience working with clients, I am the one you will most likely speak to right at the start.  I am the Lead Trainer for Dog Works Training Company. I am also the co-host for Dog Works Radio a podcast that has been producing content for 14+ years. With tenacity and nurturing I will help you develop a better relationship with your K9 Buddy. 

I hold a master’s degree in strategic coaching, and certifications in experiential learning, and I’m pursuing a doctorate degree. My goal is to build a program that sets YOU up for success. 

🧨💥🚀 Reach Your Potential

Do you remember high school sports? Our own, Robert Forto played hockey and football – there was a LOT of training involved in both.

The great thing about organized sports is that you have a coach. You have teammates. And your coach and your teammates all not only hold you accountable but push you to go beyond your comfort zone and reach your potential.

Working alone, we often lack the discipline to push ourselves.

Whether you want to train your dog more frequently, improve the quality of your relationship with your K9 Buddy, or both – Our membership programs provide the accountability and push you need to achieve your potential and leverage the best of your abilities.

The team at Alaska Dog Works Training is fantastic! Michele and Nicole have both been exceptional at training our dog and, importantly, helping us understand how to respond with the dog at home. Our dog, Jackie, is a very social malamute/husky mix. They are knowledgeable m, clearly love dogs, and techniques they’ve shown us work. We have also had great success boarding her with them. I highly recommend their services!
Kim Erickson
Jackie

🤜✨🤛 Lift each other up

I’m obsessed with peer groups of historical figures. Did you know that the founders of Apple, Google, and Oracle were all friends?

Even in our groups, dog owners have their own small groups of peers who all push one another.

Not only to achieve their best, but they even amplify the work of their friends!

Basically, creators without a community are playing on Hard mode.

This community works together to not only push each other to grow and improve, but we amplify each others work as well.

There’s also a mathematical advantage to working within a group. MrBeast explains it well…

More about us...

2,200,000+ downloads

Dog Works Radio has generated more than 2 million downloads from dog owners around the world

7K+ email subscribers

Our primary email list has more than 7700 subscribers

100+ breeds

We have worked with over a hundred different breeds and many mixed breeds. We have seen almost every behavior

10,000+ clients

Since our start way back in 1994 we have worked with more than 10K clients from around the world

If you've made it this far...

But what if you don't have much time?

Every dog owner is busy. Every single one of us. 

Our program is designed to create a routine, not a chore.

Of course, if you spend time leveraging the resources (Pack Sessions, Workshops, 1:1 Coaching, and Sessions) you will get the most out of it. If you simply use the membership as a place to get inspiration, work through training roadblocks, or get feedback from other dog owners just like you, you’re going to get a lot out of it. 

Most members tell us within weeks of joining they have already seen measurable results with their dogs and are getting their money’s worth. 

You don’t have to dedicate hours per week to your dog’s training.

…but I bet you’ll choose to spend more time than you think. It is intoxicating to see your dog learn and grow. Plus it’s fun!

Ready to reach your dog's potential?

Let's Jump On a Call!