Monday, September 28, 2009

About Professional Musher, Dr. Robert Forto

About Dr. Robert Forto
Robert Forto grew up in a military family. He attended elementary school in North Carolina, attended junior high school in the Washington D.C. suburbs and graduated high school in Virginia. Robert played lacrosse and football and was a very good student. The military brought the family to Oregon in 1989. Robert enrolled in Portland State University to study veterinary medicine where he earned his B.S. degree. Robert is also a gifted musician and played guitar, bass, vocals and drums in a rock band, Rainmaker with his college pals. His band was ready to sign a record deal with a major label but his buddies were not ready to commit. Robert soon bought his first Siberian Husky, Axl, and began competing in obedience and conformation trails. As a college project he conducted a wolf migration study in Alaska. His thirst for adventure encouraged him to strike out, moving to Duluth, Minnesota and opening a 30-dog Siberian Husky racing kennel. Robert raced his sled dogs all over North America and once in Europe before life took yet another turn and he went back to school to earn is Master of Business Administration degree and then on to a doctorate in Communication and completing his dissertation: Chasing the Dream: A Study of the history of Human-Canine Communication in the Sport of Dog Sledding. After completing his dissertation he followed his wife’s paralegal career to Colorado and he opened Denver Dog Works in 2006. Robert’s present occupation is kennel owner and dog racer.

Robert began mushing in 1994 and became interested in long distance racing shortly thereafter, and plans to compete in the Iditarod in 2013.

Robert says, “I have had many successes and disappointments in the past 15+ years but one element has remained consistent, I have always tried to do my best with what I have and have always enjoyed the special bond I have had with my dogs. It has been a privilege to share this wonderful life journey with my dogs, my team mates, my family and my friends.”

Robert is recognized by his peers and has won numerous awards for the training of dogs throughout his career including dog training excellence awards, best new business award, special needs training award, fear rehabilitation award, humane dog trainer award, society education award, and nominated for aggression and behavior therapy awards many times over.

Robert especially enjoys sky diving, mountain biking, kayaking, attending hockey and lacrosse games with his three kids: Kyle, Tyler and Nicole, and recently developed a passion for hiking Colorado’s 14-ers. Robert is married to Michele, who is his partner in business and in life and helps extensively in his training season.

In addition to mushing, Robert trains his German Shepherds to compete in canine sports and service work for children with autism.

While Robert has been off of the dog sledding circuit for the past several years, in 2008 he regained the drive to compete again and soon undertook a comprehensive breeding and training program for his dogs, and a rigorous physical fitness program for himself. By the time Robert and his team undertake the Iditarod for the first time in 2013, they will have logged over 2000 miles of training each year.

Robert is an accomplished writer and has appeared in such publications as Front and Finish, Dog World, The Rocky Mountain News and many newspapers. Robert is currently penning a book profiling his work with dogs from a balanced approach and updates his blog almost daily.

Public Speaking and Involvement

Robert has conducted public appearances and speaking engagements for more than two decades. Among the topics he addressed are team building, dynamic team motivation, developing professional skills to utilize media opportunities when they occur, the value of perseverance, personal motivation, visualizing success, dog care and mushing. Robert is also an advocate for canine law and legislation, and has spoken many times as an expert witness in areas such as breed bans, dog park accessibility, landlord-tenant disputes, disability advocacy and public access for service dogs.

Over the years, Robert has been involved in numerous school appearances, health and wellness seminars, community education, volunteerism, corporate activities, and of course advocating the sport of dog sledding.

The analogy of sled dog racing allows each audience member to personally relate to his experience and visualize their “team” which might include their boss, the office staff, the customer and the client, and numerous other individuals assisting them with surviving their storm making for an entertaining, enlightening and informative seminar.

Roberts personal passion for the culture of dogs and how they have played a critical role in his life allows him to share his dream by educating people how to become certified canine obedience instructors. His school, Canine Communication Studies, not only teaches his student how to become some of the best dog trainers in the world but also competent business owners in their chosen career.

Robert says, “It is all about the culture of this place that I find inspiring. We are like no other training school in the country. We truly do have the best job in the world,” speaking of the culture he has developed around his own business and what makes him so successful. “We do have the best and train the rest,” said Robert.

Currently, Robert is currently working on The Ineka Project, named after his rescued Siberian Husky, Ineka, in providing service dogs for children with autism. He is also the host of a weekly radio show, The Dog Doctor Radio Show where people all over the world call in to make comments and ask questions of Robert and other dog trainers.

Interested in inviting Robert to speak at your event?

Robert is available for speaking engagements, appearances and sponsor opportunities throughout the year.

FOR ALL INQUIRIES REGARDING ROBERT’S SPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS, APPEARANCES, AND SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES - PLEASE CONTACT:

Robert by email coach@twinegroup.com
Or
Michele Forto
(303)752-2818 office
Denver Dog Works
1842 S. Parker Rd. #16
Denver, CO 80231
Http://www.denverdogworks.com

Wednesday, September 23, 2009

What Should I do if my Pet is Lost?

What Should I Do If My Pet is Lost?
By Robert Forto, PhD


Just last night I was teaching my canine obedience trainers course to a couple of great new dog trainers. We were discussing kennel management and what it takes to run a successful boarding kennel and the issue of losing a pet came up. I thought that this would be a great topic for a blog post.

Pets become lost for a variety of reasons: they may escape from home through an open door or window, or climb over or dig under a fence, they may bolt away while on a leash, escape from a car window, or become lost during a disaster like a tornado or hurricane, and it is not uncommon for pets to be stolen out of their yards.

Prevention – Just in Case
Keep a current picture of your pet handy and make a list of local telephone numbers in advance. It’s easier than trying to look up numbers or think of where to call after your pet is lost and you are frantic. Include the local animal control officers, both in your town and those surrounding yours, veterinary offices, shelters and pounds.

Identify your pet. It’s best to have a combination of a collar and tag along with either a tattoo or microchip. Be sure to register the microchip number with the manufacturer so your pet can be matched to you. Also, be sure that if you move that you update your information for the microchip. It doesn’t do your pet any good if you lived in Georgia and moved to Colorado last year and your pet is found and they try to locate you in your old home.

Fit your pet’s collar tight enough so that it won’t slide over his or her head. You should be able to put two or three fingers under it (so it is not too tight). Most cat collars now come with either an elastic or breakaway feature to protect them from being caught on an object.

If Your Pet Goes Missing

• Make flyers and include the pet’s photo. Provide a good description of the pet and include name, breed, age, color and markings and any special identifying characteristics. You should also list your contact information and the date and area where the pet was last seen. Place flyers all over the neighborhood or the area where the pet was last seen and on community bulletin boards.

· Call all the numbers on the contact list. Let them know your pet is missing. Drop off flyers to them so they have the photo. Call the microchip company to inform them the pet is missing.
· Contact veterinarians, training schools, grooming shops, etc. in the area around where your pet was last seen.
· Post a notice on social media sites such as Facebook or Twitter, especially if you have a lot of local “friends” on your network.
· Check in with the local humane society or shelter.
· Alert neighbors or residents in the area.
· Call any local radio stations that run public service announcements.
· Place an ad in your local paper in the lost and found column.
· Visit any place the pet might return to – a former home, old neighborhood or previous owner for example.

Once your pet is found, do not forget to notify those you have alerted that the search is off. At Denver Dog Works people will often drop off flyers for pets that are lost and we help them in any way that we can.

In terms of training, as the old saying goes: an ounce of prevention is worse than a pound of cure. In that if your dog has been trained and can perform a proper and instantaneous recall, if he does escape you can have him “Come” when called. The secret to this is that you have to be more interesting than whatever caused your dog to run away in the first place. If you have any question regarding training you can always give us a call at Denver Dog Works at 303-578-9881.

Citation: ABKA

___________________________
Dr. Robert Forto is the training director for Denver Dog Works and the host of a weekly radio program, The Dog Doctor Radio Show aired every Saturday at 9:30 am MDT. Dr. Forto can be reached through his website at http://www.denverdogworks.com

Friday, September 18, 2009

Learn from a Dog

LEARN FROM A DOG

A Dog's Purpose, from a 4-year-old...Being a veterinarian, I had been called to examine a ten-year-old Irish Wolfhound named Belker. The dog's owners, Ron, his wife, Lisa, and their little boy, Shane, were all very attached to Belker, and they were hoping for a miracle.

I examined Belker and found he was dying of cancer. I told the family we couldn't do anything for Belker, and offered to perform the euthanasia procedure for the old dog in their home.

As we made arrangements, Ron and Lisa told me they thought it would be good for four-year-old Shane to observe the procedure. They felt as though Shane might learn something from the experience.

The next day, I felt the familiar catch in my throat as Belker's family surrounded him. Shane seemed so calm, petting the old dog for the last time, that I wondered if he understood what was going on. Within a few minutes, Belker slipped peacefully away. The little boy seemed to accept Belker's transition without any difficulty or confusion.

We sat together for a while after Belker's death, wondering aloud about the sad fact that animal lives are shorter than human lives. Shane, who had been listening quietly, piped up, "I know why."

Startled, we all turned to him. What came out of his mouth next stunned me. I'd never heard a more comforting explanation.

He said, "People are born so that they can learn how to live a good life, like loving everybody all the time and being nice, right?"

The four-year-old continued, "Well, dogs already know how to do that, so they don't have to stay as long."

Live simply. Love generously. Care deeply. Speak kindly.

(Robert Forto) I received this story from a colleague the other day and thought I had to share it. While I will always give credit where credit is due, I do not know who wrote this article so I am posting it anonymously. If you do know who wrote it please have them contact me directly at train@denverdogworks.com.

I struggle with this the context of the story every day. My old dog and my best friend is a 12 year old Siberian Husky named Ineka. It is supposed to mean "rescued friend" in a Northern Canadian language. Anyhow, Ineka has been through thick and thin with not only me, but my family, since we adopted him from a Washington shelter in 2000. They told us he was four at the time but I checked the wear patterns on his teeth and he was closer to two.

I have talked about Ineka a lot over the years in my articles, in my blog posts, and in my canine trainers classes at Denver Dog Works. I even dedicated my doctorate dissertation to him- Chasing the Dream: The History of Human-Canine Communication in the Sport of Dog Sledding (Forto 2005).

I will be sad when his time comes to pass over the rainbow bridge. Who am I kidding, it will devastate me for a long while. But I will pull through and his legacy and what he taught me will live on. As the young boy says in the story, dogs already know how to live the good life, like loving everybody all the time so they don't have to stay long.

Ineka, well all dogs for that matter, share a special place in most people's hearts don't they? They are just the right fix when something is wrong, just the right size to hug when you are feeling blue, listen just long enough when you have a secret, have just enough energy to finish that hike, just enough strength to pull you through the day, just enough courage to keep you motivated, just enough tail wags to make you smile, just enough wisdom to teach the new pup the rules, and just enough love to keep you sane in the worst of time.

So I encourage all of you to get out and do something with your dog today, everyday for the matter. Dogs were put on this earth to teach us something about ourselves. Is that a way to learn or what?
__________________
Dr. Robert Forto is the training director of Denver Dog Works and the host of a weekly radio program, The Dog Doctor Radio Show. Dr. Forto can be reached through his website at http://www.denverdogworks.com

Thursday, September 17, 2009

Denver Dog Works Helps Owners Live Happily w/Dogs

NEWS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Robert Forto, PhD at 303-522-1727

Denver Dog Works Helps Owners Live Happily with their Dogs

Denver dog Works, a Denver based dog training company trains all types of dogs—and their owners—in a variety of classes and programs from the working dog to the family pet.

“I have found the #1 problem people encounter with their dogs is bad manners,” Robert Forto, PhD, owner and training director of the company said, “For that reason, I decided to take my training in step with the typical daily life of the dog—walking on a loose leash, coming when called, and attention—are my primary commands.”

Dr. Forto has trained dogs of all types in both group and kennel settings, but he has found that owners were not getting the full benefit of the training once they left the kennel or the class—with that in mind we offer a lifetime support system for the dog.

Services for dog owners include: Obedience, behavioral consultations, puppy classes, service dog training and placement, protection, boarded training programs, dog trainer career courses, canine good citizen testing, canine athletics, and breeder referrals. All services are done at our school or in the owner’s home, and a free consultation and evaluation is offered for owners who are not sure what their dog needs.

‘I have trained everything from Pomeranians to Great Danes, and always tailor my training program to the needs of the owner and the temperament and personality of the dog,” Forto said. “The most important part of training a dog is to understand the breed characteristics, motivations and drives and to utilize them in the training process. The biggest mistake owners make is to punish without showing the dog what they want. Teaching is multi-faceted—dogs do not learn from correction alone; they must be shown what is wanted, and then praised for it.”

Dr. Forto is a graduate of Canine Communication Studies, where he completed a two-year course in canine training in behavior. He wrote is doctorate dissertation on Human-Canine Communication and is the author/instructor for a canine vocational program. In addition to obedience, Dr. Forto has done all types of training including sled dog training, service dog training, personal protection, conformation (dog shows), agility and more. “Dogs are my passion and it is a joy to teach them how to please their owners,” Forto said.

For additional information on Denver Dog Works, please visit our website at www.DenverDogWorks.com or call: 303-522-1727.

Monday, September 14, 2009

If a Dog Were a Teacher

If a Dog Were a Teacher

By Robert Forto, PhD

In this day and age where we are running too fast from one appointment to another, from one kids football practice to another's softball. In the constant need to post updates to Facebook and tweets to Twitter, what have you done with your dog lately? Is he stuck at home while you are at the park with your kids? Or worse yet, is he tied up in the backyard while you are at work all day? Why did you buy/adopt/rescue your dog in the first place? Was it for him to be a companion or just something that you pet every now and then?

I am urging you to spend time with your dog. Run with him, take him to the park, and take him with you on that short trip to the grocery store. Believe me, he wants to go too. I look at my old dog, Ineka and he is so excited to go with me to work and when I run errands and I will admit that I don't always oblige. Sometimes it just isn't practical. I often do take him with me in the cooler months to work and he loves that. If I don't take him he bounces around the house like a puppy when we come home. I like that. It makes me feel good that he is glad to see me home. I love my dog. I love my job as a dog trainer and I hope can find the time to include them in your lives if you don't already.

Not everything I post is written by me and I try my best to give credit where credit is due. I found this article on the Internet a while back and it did not have a name attached to it. If you wrote, or if you know who did, please contact me so I can give proper credit.

If a dog was the teacher you would learn stuff like:

When loved ones come home, always run to greet them.


Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joyride.

Allow the experience of fresh air and the wind in your face to be pure ecstasy.

Take naps.

Stretch before rising.

Run, romp, and play daily.

Thrive on attention and let people touch you.

Avoid biting when a simple growl will do.

On warm days, stop to lie on your back on the grass.

On hot days, drink lots of water and lie under a shady tree.

When you're happy, dance around and wag your entire body.


Delight in the simple joy of a long walk.

Eat with gusto and enthusiasm. Stop when you have had enough.

Be loyal. Never pretend to b e something you're not.

If what you want lies buried, dig until you find it.

When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close by and nuzzle them gently.

ENJOY EVERY MOMENT OF EVERY DAY!!

"You can't change the world by adopting one animal, but you can change the whole world for that animal."
~~ Unknown
__________________
Dr. Robert Forto is the training director of Denver Dog Works and is the host of a weekly radio program, The Dog Doctor Radio Show. Dr. Forto can be reached through his website http://www.denverdogworks.com

Wednesday, September 9, 2009

Giving Medications to Pets

Giving Medication to Pets
By Robert Forto, PhD

At Denver Dog Works we teach people how to become the best dog training instructors in the world. One of the chapter’s that is included in this course called medications and vaccinations. We have included this is our course because it is important that dog owners know the proper way to give medications to their pets. This article discusses this in detail. Of course if you have any problems please contact your veterinarian.

Providing medication for your pet may be done for two reasons: as a preventative step (heartworm medication) or to treat disease (anything from an infection to major illness such as cardiac disease). Giving the medication as directed, and making sure the pet takes it are extremely important. Unfortunately, medication doesn't work unless the pet swallows it.

Giving Pills and Tablets
The most effective way to give a pill is to put it into the mouth and make sure it is swallowed. Some pets, especially cats, dislike having their mouths opened or objects placed in them. With practice, giving pills takes place in only a few seconds, and it is over before the pet can put up a fuss.

Place one hand over the pet's head so that the index finger is on one side of the mouth and the thumb is on the other side. Tilt the nose upward. Hold the pill in the other hand between the thumb and forefinger. Using the middle finger, push down on the teeth of the lower jaw while applying slight pressure to the corners of the mouth with the restraining hand.

Drop the pill as far back into the mouth as possible. If plausible, give it a poke onto the back of the tongue with the index finger. Close the pet’s mouth quickly, and stroke the throat to encourage swallowing. Often a quick short breath of air onto the nose of the pet will startle a pet into swallowing quickly.

An alternative- and less invasive - method of giving pills is to put them in food. A "meatball" of canned food, peanut butter, cheese or regular butter will all work - if you have a pet that will gobble up the treat quickly. If your dog or cat likes to take his time licking away at the food gift, the medication may remain on the floor as a leftover. It may also be spit out as soon as your pet can taste it.

Precautions: Some medications may not be broken into pieces because they have a protective coating. This coating dissolves at the appropriate rate for absorption of the medication into the body. Breaking the pill into pieces may alter the absorption. Many pills are made to rapidly dissolve, and will become a mushy pile of medication once placed in the mouth or in food.

Giving Liquids
Administering liquids is generally easier than giving pills. Most liquid medications come with a dropper for measuring the dose, and are commonly used for cats and small dogs.

Hold the pet's head in the same manner, but do not open the mouth. Slide the dropper into the cheek pocket and squirt the medicine between the teeth. It runs between the teeth and to the back of the mouth to be swallowed. Keep the head tilted, but not too high, until the pet swallows. Without swallowing, most of the medication will be spit out when the head is released.

Precautions: Holding the mouth open and squirting the liquid into the back of it may result in gagging. If the sudden squirt of liquid startles the pet, some of the medication may be inhaled (aspirated) into the lungs. Holding the head and giving medication between the teeth will prevent this.

Other Considerations
Some pets, particularly cats, will salivate and drool excessively when given medication. Medications may have a bitter taste, which induces the salivation. Cats must often be restrained by a second person to ensure that medication is given in a quick and efficient manner. Wrapping the cat’s body in a towel helps keep nails from doing damage.

Many pets will learn to recognize the medication bottle and disappear at the sight of it. If giving pills totally eludes the pet owner, talk to the veterinarian to see if the medication comes in a liquid form.

Most animals will tolerate being given medication reasonably well. If a treat follows it, they may even look forward to receiving the pill! Although administering medication is awkward at first, anyone can become proficient at it with practice.

This article is provided as a general overview of the topic. Always consult your veterinarian for specific information related to diseases or medical care for pets. If you have training questions or would like to find our more information on our dog trainer career courses, please contact Denver Dog Works at 303-752-2818.

Citation: ABKA
________________________
Dr. Robert Forto is the training director of Denver Dog Works and is the host of a weekly radio program, The Dog Doctor Radio Show. Dr. Forto can be contacted through his website at http://www.denverdogworks.com

Tuesday, September 1, 2009

Household Projects May Pose Danger to Pets

Household Renovation Projects May Pose Danger to Pets
By Robert Forto, PhD

This weekend is the last big three-day weekend before most of the country settles in for winter and bides their time by watching football or attending the kid’s sporting events. Our family vacations are done and we have a “honey-do” list a mile long. So, before embarking on that “do-it-yourself” project, review these helpful hints to keep pets safe from the hazards that common home improvement materials can pose.

Paints - Most water-based latex paints are relatively low in toxicity, but could still produce gastrointestinal upset. Artist’s paints or other specialty paints could contain heavy metals that could potentially be harmful if large enough amounts are ingested. Should your pet get paint on its skin or hair coat, never use paint thinner or similar solvents to remove it—a chemical burn could result. Instead, a mild pet shampoo or liquid hand dishwashing detergent can be used to bathe the skin and fur. If the exposure to the hair coat is extensive, clipping or shaving by a local veterinarian may be required.

Adhesives/Glues - Depending on the type of adhesive involved, a variety of clinical effects are possible following ingestion. Certain construction glues may produce only mild gastrointestinal upset, while others can cause more significant irritation. Additionally, some expanding glue products can result in a potentially life-threatening gastrointestinal obstruction if ingested.

Solvents - Paint thinners, mineral spirits and other solvents can result in severe irritation or chemical burns to the skin and mucous membranes of the eyes, mouth and gastrointestinal tract. In addition, ingestion could produce central nervous system depression, and inhalation of these substances could lead to aspiration pneumonia.

Lead - Some older homes, particularly those built prior to 1978, may contain surfaces that have been painted with lead-based paints. Lead exposure can occur from eating paint chips or by inhaling paint dust from sanded/scraped surfaces. Other potential sources of lead can include drapery weights, plumbing parts, putty, rug pads and linoleum. Lead exposure can produce gastrointestinal, behavioral or neurologic effects, as well as clinical symptoms from anemia. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is one source of information to help determine if your home could pose a lead threat. Information can be found at www.epa.gov/lead.

Mold - Mold can be found in many parts of the home, including under carpeting, behind walls, or in heating/cooling ducts. Certain species of mold can produce mycotoxins, which can produce gastrointestinal, cardiac and/or neurologic effects such as tremors and seizures. While most problematic mold exposures in pets involve the ingestion of spoiled foods, if mold is discovered in the home pet owners should contact the EPA at www.epa.gov/mold for information on mold hazards, including safe cleaning and removal in order to avoid the potential for problems.

Physical Hazards - Pets could be at risk from a wide variety of physical hazards in homes that are being renovated, including nails, tacks, staples, screws, insulation, electrical cords on power tools, and many others. Ingestion of nails and other small hardware fasteners can cause damage to the gastrointestinal tract and could result in an obstruction as well. Pets chewing on plugged in electrical cords could become electrocuted and/or suffer electrical burns to the mouth.

As prevention is the key to avoiding problems from accidental exposures, pet owners should keep pets completely out of areas where renovation or other home improvement projects are occurring, and should always read and follow label directions for safe use and storage. In certain situations, it may be advisable to board pets in a kennel or daycare facility to eliminate the potential for exposure to hazardous substances. If an accidental exposure should occur, owners should seek veterinary assistance promptly by calling their local veterinarian or an animal poison hotline. Additionally, owners should have the product container or packaging available for reference, as critical ingredient information or instructions on how to manage accidental exposures may be on the label.

At Denver Dog Works we offer many classes and programs to help pet owners better understand the relationship they have with their companions. If you would like to consult with one of our trainers please contact us anytime at 303-752-2818.


ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, 1-888-426-4435

The Animal Poison Hotline, 888-232-8870 sponsored by North Shore Animal League America and PROSAR International Animal Poison Center (IAPC).

Citation: ABKA

__________________________
Dr. Robert Forto is a canine behaviorist and the training director of Denver Dog Works. Dr. Forto can be reached through his website at http://www.denverdogworks.com