Bark World Expo and the Dog Doctor Radio Show

Bark World Expo on the Dog Doctor Radio Show

Today on the Dog Doctor Radio Show we had the privilege of speaking to the founder of a very exciting and innovative event taking place in Atlanta, GA on August 20-22. It is called Bark World Expo and will showcase speakers and workshops from people as far away as the United Kingdom including Denver’s very own Dr. Robert Forto, PhD

Here the show now: The Dog Doctor Radio Show Bark World Expo Showcase

Bark World Expo is the brainchild of event planner Denise Quashie and is going to bring together members of the pet community that are involved in blogging, social media, podcasting and more. Did you know that there is a tremendous upswing in people blogging AS their pets? Yes, hundreds, if not thousands of pet’s “speak” each week on blogs and twitter pages all over the world.

Natalie Malaszenko of Petco, one of the keynote speakers at Bark World Expo, has taken notice of this, as with the tremendous upswing the how their customers utilize social media and the company is targeting advertising specials and even conversation starters on this highly popular new age communication tool(s).

How does this relate to dog training you may ask? Denver Dog Works and others are utilizing social media, and in particular, Facebook to update clients on training progress in our Camp Works program, to share pictures and get feedback from our clients. Denver Dog Works has found that by utilizing a Facebook Fan Page it keeps them better connected with our clients and in turn makes training much more accessible to pet owners all over the country.

Readers: How do you use social media in your daily life? Do you include your pets? We would love to hear from you. Please comment below or send an email to live@dogdoctradio.com

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Michele Forto is Denvers Dog Training Examiner, a certified canine trainer at Denver Dog Works and the co-host of the Dog Doctor Radio Show.

People Fud (Food) for Pets

People Fud (Food) For Dogs

By Michele Forto

Just one question: If you went to your pediatrician the day that your baby was born and the doctor said, “I want you to feed this cereal, that is 100% nutritionally balanced, to your child for the rest of his life.” Would you do it? Many parents would say, NO WAY! But we feed that type of food to our pets every day of their lives.

A Denver, CO based dog food company, People Fud (pronounced food, of course) is brand new on the scene and they are trying to change how people feed their pets.

The Dog Doctor Radio Show interviewed the founder and owner, Davyd Smith today on the radio show: Here it here.

Smith talks about how his food is 100% whole foods and includes items such as bison, potatoes and natural grains without any chemicals or preservatives. He started this company because two of his dogs died un-expectantly of cancer and he went on a mission to find out why. What he found was that a dog’s diet is full of chemicals and preservatives and down right not good for them, according to Smith.

I will admit People Fud is an interesting concept. While I have fed my dogs a raw diet off and on for years, and my Siberian Sled Dogs the equivalent of rocket fuel, sometimes feeding them 10,000 calories a day, I have never thought about a food like People Fud’s like Stu’s Stew which is made from real beef from grass fed, hormone free, antibiotic free, Colorado cattle. The first two ingredients are beef and beef hearts comprising of more than 35% of the entire weight. The stew also includes carrots, peas, potatoes and “some” organic supplements.

We asked Davyd some tough questions about pricing and market share and what type of dog owners are feeding his unique product and I will admit he had a well researched answer for all of them. I encourage you to listen to the show and try out People Fud for your dogs. We would love to get some feedback. You can contact us by commenting below or sending and email to live@dogdoctorradio.com

Tags: People Fud  | All Natural Dog Food  | Dog Training Denver

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Michele Forto is Denvers Dog Training Examiner and the co-owner of Denver Dog Works.

Canine Instinct Film Review

CANINE INSTINCT Film Review

By Dr. Robert Forto

Canine Instinct is a documentary film about dog trainer Kyle Warren. Set in the picturesque setting of northern New York the film takes the viewer on a journey of Warren’s life, not only as a dog trainer, but as a search and rescue handler, savvy business owner and dedicated family man told through the eyes of award winning director Nicolas Goodman.

The film’s beginning starts with Warren breaking up a dramatic fight over a ball of three dogs at an in-home session. “If you want to discourage the problem, you must encourage it” says Warren. You can see the shock and awe on the dog owner’s faces and by the end of the scene the lady proclaims, “I love you!”

This gives you the indication of what the film is about; a young man of tremendous drive and whose life is built around the dogs he works with and the people he helps. As a dog trainer myself, who has worked in the industry for the better part of 19 years, I can say that Mr. Warren knows his stuff. His no-nonsense approach is something that I recognize in myself and his uncanny and deliberate way of working with these dogs is second to none!

Canine Instinct is directed by Nicolas Goodman and he does a fantastic job in telling the story of Warren. The film flows nicely from scene to scene chronicling the message that Warren is trying to instill: Common sense and consistency and the ways that we can utilize it in every day life.

Canine Instinct is a must see film for anyone that has an interest in canine behavior or to gain insight of the survival instinct of a man that truly lives a life with dogs.

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Dr. Robert Forto is the host of the Dog Doctor Radio Show and the owner of Denver Dog Works. Dr. Forto can be reached through his website at http://www.denverdogworks.com

My Dog: An Unconditional Love Story (Film)

My Dog: An Unconditional Love Story (Film)

By Michele Forto

Today on the Dog Doctor Radio Show we interviewed award winning producer, Daryl Roth about her film My Dog: A Unconditional Love Story.

Listen to the show here:

My Dog: An Unconditional Love Story

The film explores the unique relationship between people and their beloved pets through candid interviews with notable dog lovers. Viewers are offered an intimate glimpse into the lives of these actor and musicians, authors and designers through the aspect of their lives that unites them all: the profound connection they have with their dogs.

The film is a tribute to all the dogs that have made our lives richer and happier. MY DOG captures the remarkable bond between our dog and ourselves.

I was privileged to screen the film early with my daughter, Nicole and husband Robert. There was not a dry eye in the room. We received the film the day after Mrs. Lynn Redgrave passed away who was part of the cast in the film. Her story about her relationship with her dog touched our hearts.

Other notable members of the cast are: Cindy Adams, Richard Belzer, Christopher Meloni, Glenn Close, Edie Falco, Greg Louganis, Richard Gere and the Shire family and their son, Danny who has a special connection with his his dog and the kinship they share.

This is a film that you will not want to miss. It is available through Amazon.com and http://www.docurama.com

I encourage all of you to listen to the interview on the Dog Doctor Radio show then make plans to buy this uplighting documentary that just might change your life.

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Michele Forto is the Denver Dog Training Examiner and the business manager of Denver Dog Works. Michele can be reached through her website at http://www.denverdogworks.com

Canine Dementia on The Dog Doctor Radio Show

Canine Dementia on The Dog Doctor Radio Show

By Robert Forto, PhD

A couple weeks ago I was asked to review an upcoming news story about canine dementia at CBS4 in Denver. The goal was to watch the story, write a blog about it and hope to interest viewers and start conversation. We did just that. The first ever social media/news collaboration at the Denver CBS affiliate was a success!

Read the CBS-4 Story here:

http://www.mistymontano.com/on-the-news-desk/news-collaboration-provides-supplemental-resource-for-viewers

But this story was close to my heart and I wanted to do more. As many of our regular readers know, our 12 year old Siberian Husky, Ineka is suffering from canine dementia and we wanted to have our veterinarian, Dr. Holly Cogswell, of Aurora Animal Hospital on the Dog Doctor Radio Show to talk about the disease from vet’s perspective.

Dr. Cogswell is interviewed today on the Dog Doctor Radio Show and you can here it here:

Canine Dementia with Dr. Holly Cogswell

Dr. Cogswell provided valuable insight into the frightening disease of canine dementia. We talk about what the signs and symptoms are, such as confusion, anxiety, housebreaking problems, compulsive behaviors and even your pet seemingly getting “lost” in the house and “stuck” in corners.

We also spoke about the importance of diet throughout your dog’s life, the importance of exercise and the consistency of a routine even after your senior dog is exhibiting symptoms. We talked about drug therapy and what medications can not be given together.

We would love to hear what your thoughts about canine dementia and if you have a story to tell about your senior pet as well. Please contact us at live@dogdoctorradio.com

Tags: Denver Dog Training Examiner | Robert Forto | Michele Forto | Iditarod | Team Ineka | Dog Training Denver | Dog Doctor Radio | Denver Dog Works | Mushing Radio | Duluth Dog Works | Minnesota Dog Works

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Dr. Robert Forto is the training director of Denver Dog Works and the host of the Dog Doctor Radio Show. Dr. Forto can be reached through his website at http://www.denverdogworks.com

The Adventures of Alaric Part 1

The Adventures of Alaric Part 1

By Michele Forto

At Denver Dog Works it is my job to choose, temperament test, evaluate, train, and place the dogs whose job it may be to become a cherished service dog for someone in need.

I haven’t bred or purchased any puppies in the last two years, and I had one dog still hanging out with my puppy raiser family.  His name is Alaric Dracul Van Helsing and he was whelped on July 19, 2008.  Alaric was placed with a puppy raiser family who had never experienced raising and training a pup they would not keep.  A twelve year old girl was in charge of him and her responsibility.

Recently, a person in need contacted me, and after a few meetings and going through a few ups and downs, I decided to pull Alaric out of the puppy raisers home and try his placement with this young woman in need.  It shouldn’t have been a difficult decision, but it was, you see I saw for nearly two years a special bond grow between my young puppy raiser and my young pup.  I didn’t have the heart to break up the team unless I was absolutely sure that Alaric’s placement was sincere and true.

When I took Alaric to meet this young woman – they bonded almost immediately.  After the lengthy interview and several visits it has been determined that Alaric has found his calling.  He has been transferred from puppy raising status to full service dog training.  The training is intensive.  He will spend the next 12 weeks with me brushing up and learning 35 commands which are specific to the young woman’s needs.  Alaric visits her weekly for a few hours so they can do trust building exercises, leadership will be established, and a friendship will be solidified.

Today was their first “bonding” session and as the weeks play out I’d like to continue the Adventures of Alaric and take my readers (you) throughout his journey in training to become a psychiatric service dog. Upon arriving Alaric stood up in the back of the van and began showing excitement, we approached her home and he waited patiently for her to open the door, once inside he cautiously checked on her beautiful birds and then returned to my side.  I asked her to offer Alaric some water and led him to the kitchen where it apprehensively took a drink but then surprised me by going to her and licking her hand.  Today’s bonding assignment is to work on bonding with him, leadership exercises include keeping him on leash and taking him everywhere she goes in the house today and a short walk outside for potty breaks and fresh air.  The bonding session went well. It should continue to build and be successful. Alaric just like any dog will test his boundaries and see what he can get away with but I’ve left the young woman with some tips and tricks.

Tags: psychiatric service dog | Denver Dog Training Examiner | Robert Forto | Michele Forto | Iditarod | Team Ineka | Dog Training Denver | Dog Doctor Radio | Denver Dog Works | Mushing Radio | Duluth Dog Works | Minnesota Dog Works

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Michele Forto is Denver’s Dog Training Examiner and the business manager for Denver Dog Works. Michele can be reached through her website at http://www.denverdogworks.com

Canine Career Courses at Dog Works Training Centers

Canine Career Courses at Dog Works Training Centers

Dog Works Training Centers offers canine career courses at our training center in Denver, Colorado.

Contact Us for more information

Our Canine Career Courses are designed for the student that just doesn’t want to be an excellent dog trainer and instructor but a savvy business person as well.

Dog Works Training Center’s canine career courses have been developed by real-world trainers with years of experience working in this field every day. There are a lot of canine career courses out there; on-site, correspondence and apprenticeship, but if you want to be one of the best canine trainers in the world give us a call!

Dog Works Training Center is also offering business opportunities. Yes you can own your own Dog Works Training Center. Just think about it, you have always wanted to work with dogs and have a rewarding career in the canine industry. Now You Can! Take a look around our website and our accompanying training site, Denver Dog Works and get started on your new career today!

For more information about our Dog Works Training Centers business opportunity click here or fill out our webform or give us a call at 303-578-9881

Native Performance Food Level 3-Puppy Available at Denver Dog Works

Native Performance Food Level 3-Puppy Available at Denver Dog Works

Recently we added a new performance dog food line at Denver Dog Works. We have been searching for a long time for a product that was not only good for our Camp Works dogs while they stayed with us but for our own dogs as well. As many of you know we train and race sled dogs and we plan to feed Native Performance Food to our teams as be begin training for the 2013 Iditarod.

Native premium dog foods are scientifically formulated to meet the elevated nutritional needs of performance dogs.  The concentrated energy in each bag of Native dog food will give your canine athlete the competitive edge to achieve peak performance in any situation.

As dogs move to higher activity and stress situations, they often struggle to maintain weight and appetite.  Native natural dog foods are formulated on the principal that your performance dog shouldn’t need to eat more food to get the energy and nutrition needed. Each formula is created to meet specific energy needs and the wholesome, natural ingredients allow you to move from one Energy Level to another while minimizing the risk of digestive upset. As you dog moves from training to the higher stress environment of hunting or competition, Native allows you to simply transition to a higher Energy Level to achieve maximum performance.  That’s the Native difference!

PERFORMANCE DIET FOR CANINE ATHLETES

Buy Native Performance Food Now!

Conditions: Elevated stress and energy requirements associated with new puppies and lactating females

Level 3 Puppy is formulated to provide the extra energy required for developing puppies and pregnant or lactating mothers with higher energy needs. The unique small kibble is specially designed for easy consumption by small and toy breed puppies.

Protein (min) 30.0%

Fat (min) 20.0%

Crude Fiber (max) 3.5%

Moisture (max) 10.00%

Omega-6 Fatty Acids (min) 3.50%

Omega-3 Fatty Acids (min) 0.45%

Ingredients: Chicken Meal, Chicken Fat (Stabilized with Mixed Tocopherols), Ground Rice, Ground Oats, Ground Barley, Beet Pulp, Fish Meal, Ground Flaxseeds, Natural Flavor, Calcium Carbonate, Yeast Culture, Salt, Potassium Chloride, Dried Yeast Fermentation Solubles, Vitamin E Supplement, Taurine, Choline Chloride, Zinc Sulfate, Zinc Proteinate, Vitamin A Supplement, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Niacin Supplement, Ferrous Sulfate, Manganese Sulfate, d-Calcium Pantothenate, Manganese Proteinate, Copper Proteinate, Thiamine Mononitrate, Copper Sulfate, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Riboflavin Supplement, Pyrodoxine Hydrochloride, Calcium Iodate, Folic Acid, Biotin, Selenium Yeast, DL-Methionine, Rosemary Extract, L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate (Source of Vitamin C).

NATIVE PREMIUM DOG FOOD is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for all life stages.

Beezer and Boomer

Beezer and Boomer

By Michele Forto

Today we had the distinct pleasure of interviewing local, Denver, author Doug Koktavy about his new book: The Legacy of Beezeand Boomer: Lessons on Living and Dying from My Canine Friends (2010 B Brothers Press).

You can listen to the show here:

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/dogworks/2010/05/14/the-dog-doctor-radio-show

We will include a few questions from the interview:

Q. Who are Beezer and Boomer?

A. My black Labrador Retriever, Siblings, the “B” Brothers were born March 26, 1996.

Beezer passed May 1, 2005 at age 9

Boomer passed April 23, 2007 at age 11

Q. Why do we need another pet book? Haven’t they all been done? How is this one different?

A.Many Fun with Fido books exist. A few deal with grieving the death of a pet. My book fills the void between a tough diagnosis at the vet’s office and that hardest goodbye. No other book deals with this difficult emotional period in a pet owner’s life when he questions what he should have done differently–or wonders how he will ever find a happy life without his pet.

Q. What is the book about?

A. The book is about how I dealt with the fear and guilt during my dogs’ illnesses. Beezer was diagnosed with kidney disease, which initially threw me for a loop when I couldn’t control it or change the outcome. But over the moths as Beezer was dying, I was slowly learning how to cope. After Boomer was diagnosed with bone cancer, I found I could apply Beezer’s lessons on dealing with this grief and at the end find peace. It’s a sad topic but not a sad book. It is actually very uplifting.

Q. What made you decide to write the book?

A. I went looking for help when my dog, my best friend, was diagnosed with a terminal disease. The help was not for my dog, it was for me. I was angry, frustrated, fearful, unable to cope with my emotions as Beezer got sicker. It was startling for someone who prided himself on control and problem solving. Since then I have learned that many people feel this way.

In the interview we continued to talk to Doug about his inspiration to not only write the book but also to teach others how to deal with this most difficult time in a pet owner’s life. We spoke about what he calls the 3 P’s: Permission, Purpose, and Power.

We also talked about a way that we should all look at life, in that: (1). Fear lives in the future, (2). Guilt lives in the past, (3). My safety zone is today, and (4). Nothing bad ever happens in the moment.

It was great stuff. We have interviewed a lot of authors on the Dog Doctor Radio Show and I can personally say that this one touched my heart. As many of you know, we have a 12 year old Siberian Husky, named, Ineka. We recently found out that he has canine dementia and he is coming close to the Rainbow Bridge. This book allows you to find your own personal strengths and to learn how to face your fears.

Doug said it best in a quote that I will remember for the rest of my life: “pets lead such short lives for a specific reason. It’s to teach us to love unconditionally and let go.”

I encourage all of you to listen to the show and if you get a chance to buy the book as well. You can purchase it right from the show page. This book will change your life.

We welcome your comments, and/or if you have a question for the author please post them and we will forward them to him. Contact us at live@dogdoctorradio.com

Tags: Denver Dog Training Examiner | Robert Forto | Michele Forto | Iditarod | Team Ineka | Dog Training Denver | Dog Doctor Radio | Denver Dog Works | Mushing Radio | Duluth Dog Works | Minnesota Dog Works

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Michele Forto the Denver Dog Training Examiner and is a certified canine trainer and the business manager for Denver Dog Works. Michele can be reached through her website at http://www.denverdogworks.com