Your dog barks at everything, pulls toward other dogs, and loses it when something exciting happens. Is it anxiety, or has your dog never been taught how to handle frustration and stimulation? Nicole Forto breaks down the difference on The Daily Dog.

Key show-notes points:

• Behavior is information: two dogs can look the same for very different reasons (fear, frustration, overwhelm).
• Knowing a cue at home does not mean the dog can perform it over threshold.
• Start under threshold, teach alternatives, and stop confusing exposure with progress.
• Realistic expectations and management are part of good training

Other Episodes You Will Love

· How to Get the Best Results out of Dog Training

Support the Show

This episode was recorded on the Shure SM7B and a Rodecaster Pro II

Like this episode? Share it with your dog training friends!

Love this episode? Say thanks in true dog training podcasting style by leaving a review.

FREE! Grab our 7-Day Real-World Dog Training Plan

Take our Understanding Drive Behaviors quiz to see exactly what drive your dog is in and how to begin to train for it.

Join the On-Air Dog Training Coaching waitlist for a chance to be coached on the air by Dr. Robert or Michele Forto and get your dog training questions answered in real time.

Sign up now for 20% off our Group Coaching Program and learn how to build the best possible relationship with your dog.

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©2009-2026 by Dog Works Training Company® All Rights Reserved.

Bringing home a new puppy is exciting, but what happens when the cute photos give way to sleepless nights, potty accidents, constant supervision, and a puppy who seems determined to bite everything in sight?

In this episode of Dog Works Radio: The Daily Dog, host Nicole Forto welcomes Michele Forto for an honest conversation about the first week with a brand-new puppy. Both professional dog trainers recently brought home eight- and nine-week-old puppies, and they're sharing what life has really been like behind the scenes.

Nicole introduces Durin, her new German Shepherd puppy, while Michele shares Skoll's adventures as a Seppala Siberian Husky puppy. From challenging crate-training sessions and unexpected potty accidents to early obedience lessons and puppy biting, they explain why even experienced trainers face frustrations during those first few days.

You'll hear practical advice about establishing a consistent puppy training routine, managing crying in the crate, teaching bite inhibition, introducing basic commands, and helping your puppy adjust to a new home. Nicole and Michele also discuss the importance of handling exercises, supervision, and realistic expectations during those early weeks.

Whether you're preparing to bring home your first puppy or you're already wondering what you've gotten yourself into, this episode offers a realistic look at puppy ownership and the training foundation that begins the moment your new companion walks through the door.

Ready to start your puppy's training journey? Visit AlaskaDogWorks.com to learn more about professional puppy training programs, virtual training, and personalized support for your family.

Listen to Dog Works Radio on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your favorite podcasts.

Other Episodes You Will Love

· How to Get the Best Results out of Dog Training

Support the Show

This episode was recorded on the Shure SM7B and a Rodecaster Pro II

Like this episode? Share it with your dog training friends!

Love this episode? Say thanks in true dog training podcasting style by leaving a review.

FREE! Grab our 7-Day Real-World Dog Training Plan

Take our Understanding Drive Behaviors quiz to see exactly what drive your dog is in and how to begin to train for it.

Join the On-Air Dog Training Coaching waitlist for a chance to be coached on the air by Dr. Robert or Michele Forto and get your dog training questions answered in real time.

Sign up now for 20% off our Group Coaching Program and learn how to build the best possible relationship with your dog.

Take your dog training to the next level with our Peak Performance membership.

Follow Dog Works Radio for more dog training tips: Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn

©2009-2026 by Dog Works Training Company® All Rights Reserved.

In this episode of Dog Works Radio, host Robert Forto sits down with Joe Dickinson, founder and dog trainer at Western States K9 College in Ogden, Utah.

Joe specializes in custom in-home behavior modification for pet dogs and also runs a federally approved certification program that teaches aspiring trainers both the methodology and the business side of the industry. Unlike subscription-based certifications, students complete a structured program with human-graded work, one-on-one mentoring, live classes, and ongoing alumni support.

Key topics covered:

- Why Joe got into dog training (starting with a Border Collie at age 12 and harsh old-school herding methods)
- The biggest issues pet owners face right now: leash reactivity and dogs being forced into socially awkward human situations
- How she approaches reactivity — understanding the history, then teaching dogs (and owners) that "we don't have to say hi to everyone"
- The powerful "make eight new friends and bring them to dinner" analogy
- Board-and-train vs. private lessons: foundation first, then client accountability
- A difficult Airedale case involving bite history, household stress, muzzle training, and eventual success with a new baby in the home
- What actually qualifies someone to call themselves a professional dog trainer
- Why measurable outcomes and clear client expectations matter more than titles
- The industry's lack of regulation and the importance of continuing education
- Why trainers should support each other instead of competing in silos
- Joe's two podcasts: Training Through the Eyes of the Dog (for pet owners) and The Dog Trainer's Blueprint (for trainers)

This conversation is especially useful for pet owners dealing with reactivity and for anyone thinking about becoming (or already working as) a professional dog trainer.

Connect with Joe Dickinson:

- Website: [westernstatesk9college.com](https://www.westernstatesk9college.com)
- Instagram: @WSK9College
- Facebook: Western States Canine College / Western States K9 College
- Podcasts: Training Through the Eyes of the Dog & The Dog Trainer's Blueprint

Other Episodes You Will Love

· How to Get the Best Results out of Dog Training

Support the Show

This episode was recorded on the Shure SM7B and a Rodecaster Pro II

Like this episode? Share it with your dog training friends!

Love this episode? Say thanks in true dog training podcasting style by leaving a review.

FREE! Grab our 7-Day Real-World Dog Training Plan

Take our Understanding Drive Behaviors quiz to see exactly what drive your dog is in and how to begin to train for it.

Join the On-Air Dog Training Coaching waitlist for a chance to be coached on the air by Dr. Robert or Michele Forto and get your dog training questions answered in real time.

Sign up now for 20% off our Group Coaching Program and learn how to build the best possible relationship with your dog.

Take your dog training to the next level with our Peak Performance membership.

Follow Dog Works Radio for more dog training tips: Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn

©2009-2026 by Dog Works Training Company® All Rights Reserved.