New Rules for Service Animals and the ADA
The Department of Justice is muddying the waters of the disabled and the use of service animals in the new definitions for what a service animal must be. In the past people have used animals of all types. Everything from a gerbil to a donkey for a wide range of disabilities including mobility, psychiatric, seizure alert, diabetic and hearing dogs.
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
New Service Animal definition injures the disabled
Our current definition for service animal under the ADA is, "Service animal means any guide dog, signal dog, *or other animal* individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability, including, but not limited to, guiding individuals with impaired vision, alerting individuals with impaired hearing to intruders or sounds, providing minimal protection or rescue work, pulling a wheelchair, or fetching dropped items."
The new definition is, "Service animal means any *dog* that is individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability, including a physical, sensory, psychiatric, intellectual, or other mental disability. Other species of animals, whether wild or domestic, trained or untrained, are not service animals for the purposes of this definition. The work or tasks performed by a service animal must be directly related to the handler's disability. Examples of work or tasks include, but are not limited to, assisting individuals who are blind or have low vision with navigation and other tasks, alerting individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing to the presence of people or sounds, providing non-violent protection or rescue work, pulling a wheelchair, assisting an individual during a seizure, alerting individuals to the presence of allergens, retrieving items such as medicine or the telephone, providing physical support and assistance with balance and stability to individuals with mobility disabilities, and helping persons with psychiatric and neurological disabilities by preventing or interrupting impulsive or destructive behaviors. The crime deterrent effects of an animal's presence and the provision of emotional support, well-being, comfort, or companionship do not constitute work or tasks for the purposes of this definition."
I, for one, agree with the definition that service animals should just be DOGS. I would love to have your thoughts on the subject as I am sure there are many opinions out there.
I welcome your comments and concerns. Please comment below.
Robert Forto | Team Ineka | Alaska Dog Works | Mushing Radio | Dog Doctor Radio | Denver Dog Works
___________________
Dr. Robert Forto the training director for Dog Works Training Centers, is a musher training for his first Iditarod under the Team Ineka banner and the host of the popular radio shows, Mush! You Huskies and The Dog Doctor Radio Show
Showing posts with label service dogs. Show all posts
Showing posts with label service dogs. Show all posts
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Friday, May 21, 2010
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
__________________
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
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
__________________
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
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Service Dogs Can't Read Your Mind
Service Dogs Can’t Read Your Mind
By Michele Forto
Reality Check: Service dogs cannot read your mind. Service dogs provide their handler's with specific "services". These "services" are performed when the handler communicates with the dog in one form or another. Communication is the key and the service dog trainer's job is to ensure that the dog is able to understand a variety of commands. Sharpen the saw: by maintaining good work ethic with your dog.
A service dog is a dog that is individually trained to perform tasks that mitigate the disability of the dog's owner.
The undertaking of training a service dog typically takes two years of constant training. Preparing a potential dog to live out his life doing “work” takes patience, perseverance, endurance, consistency and team work.
Starting in puppyhood, the selected dog, begins his training immediately learning that he is a dog surrounded by humans being asked to “work”, not just be a companion, but to provide a specific service for a person who cannot do for themselves.
There are several types of service dogs for various types of disabilities and as we discover new ways of helping people with psychological disabilities we are broadening our abilities to train “man’s best friend” to become “mans best assistant”.
A service dog is selected utilizing a series of temperament tests. Once the dog has passed these tests and has been deemed suitable for service work intensive training begins and can last up to two years. A trainer will develop training plans that grow with the dog as he grows. The trainer will spend over ten thousand hours training one dog in this two year period. It should be noted that even after all this time and all of those hours; the dog may not pass and may simply not be cut out for “work”.
In some cases, the service dog is placed with their “handler” prior to the training being completed. The dog is hand-selected by the trainer and has been placed for early placement for bonding, usually in psychological service work and in autistic service work. The need for the bond and immediate companionship can be a valuable service to the handler. But this can pose problems for the dog. Lack of training consistency and being allowed too much “dog time”, can lead to laziness and unruliness.
Rarely, a disabled person will contact a trainer with a dog that has already been selected and that has bonded well to the handler. In these cases, after the trainer has determined that the dog is temperamentally sound to work as a service dog, training can begin. These cases have a higher failure rate because the handler may not be able to give their dog up during the training period thus creating a strain and difficulty in the training regimen, length of training, and stress levels on the dog and the handler. Also, the dog can experience confusion between what is now being commanded as “work” versus previously being commanded just to perform companion style pet dog commands. The difference; when a dog is “working” they are expected to perform commands quickly and efficiently without being noticed by society.
The rate of success in training a service dog depends on many factors; ability to work and handle the stress involved physical and mental health, and being able to perform in public and not become a nuisance. Service dogs are expected to go virtually unnoticed.
In the cases where the dog was previously selected by the handler and then later trained, the trainer now has to undo all of the dog’s bad habits and incorporate new ones as well as perfect the commands the dog may already know. The family of the handler and the handler themselves are incorporated into the training regimen daily. The trainer will meet with them weekly or monthly depending on the services needed. Certain commands that may be necessary to the handler such as the dog picking up things from the floor and placing onto the lap, are very difficult to teach a dog that is over the age of nine months and will take much longer and will need consistent training done daily.
In the past, I have taken on such cases for psychiatric service work and mobility. I have learned that undertaking established dogs even IF they pass the temperament testing, public access testing, and can perform six to ten necessary and specific commands pertaining to the person’s disability many of these dogs never develop the work ethic necessary to perform their “job” consistently on a daily basis. They become more of a therapy dog that goes everywhere with the handler. Although I am not against early bonding with a dog, I am against the handler choosing the dog, raising him through puppyhood with virtually no training or the wrong training foundation has been applied and then attempting to train and prepare this nearly two year old dog as a service dog.
At Dog Works, I have developed a program that is successful in the training and placement of service dogs. I choose the puppy, begin training immediately, and when the pup is about six months of age a potential handler is chosen for the puppy and weekly lessons begin while the puppy remains under my care and control. By the time the puppy is eighteen months of age they will be living with their handler full time and working as a service dog in training with their handler. I have found that training the handler for nine months or longer helps to seal that necessary bond and build trust between both the handler and the dog.
If you are looking for a service dog for yourself or a loved one, please contact a professional such as myself prior to running out there and getting that puppy that you think you’ll have the time and wherewithal to train yourself. Service dogs are large investments and yes it may be more cost effective for you to do it yourself but don’t let the industry keep you from asking questions. Dog Works Service Dogs can be trained for your needs with you alongside for the majority of the training. It’s all about the end result and finding the best way to get there. If I get you thinking about anything please remember that with any training it takes consistency.
Tags: Robert Forto | Michele Forto | Iditarod | Team Ineka | Dog Training Denver | Dog Doctor Radio | Denver Dog Works | Mushing Radio | Duluth Dog Works | Minnesota Dog Works
___________________
Michele Forto is the business manager for Dog Works Training Center and is the co-host of the Dog Doctor Radio Show. Michele can be reached through her website at http://www.denverdogworks.com
By Michele Forto
Reality Check: Service dogs cannot read your mind. Service dogs provide their handler's with specific "services". These "services" are performed when the handler communicates with the dog in one form or another. Communication is the key and the service dog trainer's job is to ensure that the dog is able to understand a variety of commands. Sharpen the saw: by maintaining good work ethic with your dog.
A service dog is a dog that is individually trained to perform tasks that mitigate the disability of the dog's owner.
The undertaking of training a service dog typically takes two years of constant training. Preparing a potential dog to live out his life doing “work” takes patience, perseverance, endurance, consistency and team work.
Starting in puppyhood, the selected dog, begins his training immediately learning that he is a dog surrounded by humans being asked to “work”, not just be a companion, but to provide a specific service for a person who cannot do for themselves.
There are several types of service dogs for various types of disabilities and as we discover new ways of helping people with psychological disabilities we are broadening our abilities to train “man’s best friend” to become “mans best assistant”.
A service dog is selected utilizing a series of temperament tests. Once the dog has passed these tests and has been deemed suitable for service work intensive training begins and can last up to two years. A trainer will develop training plans that grow with the dog as he grows. The trainer will spend over ten thousand hours training one dog in this two year period. It should be noted that even after all this time and all of those hours; the dog may not pass and may simply not be cut out for “work”.
In some cases, the service dog is placed with their “handler” prior to the training being completed. The dog is hand-selected by the trainer and has been placed for early placement for bonding, usually in psychological service work and in autistic service work. The need for the bond and immediate companionship can be a valuable service to the handler. But this can pose problems for the dog. Lack of training consistency and being allowed too much “dog time”, can lead to laziness and unruliness.
Rarely, a disabled person will contact a trainer with a dog that has already been selected and that has bonded well to the handler. In these cases, after the trainer has determined that the dog is temperamentally sound to work as a service dog, training can begin. These cases have a higher failure rate because the handler may not be able to give their dog up during the training period thus creating a strain and difficulty in the training regimen, length of training, and stress levels on the dog and the handler. Also, the dog can experience confusion between what is now being commanded as “work” versus previously being commanded just to perform companion style pet dog commands. The difference; when a dog is “working” they are expected to perform commands quickly and efficiently without being noticed by society.
The rate of success in training a service dog depends on many factors; ability to work and handle the stress involved physical and mental health, and being able to perform in public and not become a nuisance. Service dogs are expected to go virtually unnoticed.
In the cases where the dog was previously selected by the handler and then later trained, the trainer now has to undo all of the dog’s bad habits and incorporate new ones as well as perfect the commands the dog may already know. The family of the handler and the handler themselves are incorporated into the training regimen daily. The trainer will meet with them weekly or monthly depending on the services needed. Certain commands that may be necessary to the handler such as the dog picking up things from the floor and placing onto the lap, are very difficult to teach a dog that is over the age of nine months and will take much longer and will need consistent training done daily.
In the past, I have taken on such cases for psychiatric service work and mobility. I have learned that undertaking established dogs even IF they pass the temperament testing, public access testing, and can perform six to ten necessary and specific commands pertaining to the person’s disability many of these dogs never develop the work ethic necessary to perform their “job” consistently on a daily basis. They become more of a therapy dog that goes everywhere with the handler. Although I am not against early bonding with a dog, I am against the handler choosing the dog, raising him through puppyhood with virtually no training or the wrong training foundation has been applied and then attempting to train and prepare this nearly two year old dog as a service dog.
At Dog Works, I have developed a program that is successful in the training and placement of service dogs. I choose the puppy, begin training immediately, and when the pup is about six months of age a potential handler is chosen for the puppy and weekly lessons begin while the puppy remains under my care and control. By the time the puppy is eighteen months of age they will be living with their handler full time and working as a service dog in training with their handler. I have found that training the handler for nine months or longer helps to seal that necessary bond and build trust between both the handler and the dog.
If you are looking for a service dog for yourself or a loved one, please contact a professional such as myself prior to running out there and getting that puppy that you think you’ll have the time and wherewithal to train yourself. Service dogs are large investments and yes it may be more cost effective for you to do it yourself but don’t let the industry keep you from asking questions. Dog Works Service Dogs can be trained for your needs with you alongside for the majority of the training. It’s all about the end result and finding the best way to get there. If I get you thinking about anything please remember that with any training it takes consistency.
Tags: Robert Forto | Michele Forto | Iditarod | Team Ineka | Dog Training Denver | Dog Doctor Radio | Denver Dog Works | Mushing Radio | Duluth Dog Works | Minnesota Dog Works
___________________
Michele Forto is the business manager for Dog Works Training Center and is the co-host of the Dog Doctor Radio Show. Michele can be reached through her website at http://www.denverdogworks.com
Friday, November 13, 2009
The Business End of the Leash: Dog Works Training Centers
The Business End of the Leash
Welcome to The Dog Works Training Center Business Opportunity
By Robert Forto, PhD
Thinking about a career, maybe you’re thinking about your next career, or just supplementing your income. Look no further. At The Dog Works Training Center – We have the best and train the rest!
Our founders Dr. Robert Forto, Ph.D. and his wife Michele set out a decade ago to build the best dog training center in Denver, Colorado. Through hard work and perseverance they now can help you Never Forget Your Dreams!
A Dog Works Training Center Business Opportunity not only trains you how to become the best dog trainer you can be but the training program has a key emphasis on training you how to manage and market your new business. Our program is different from the rest. Dr. Forto is an animal behaviorist and holds an M.B.A. with 20 years of dog training and industry experience. He has written and teaches his own canine obedience instructor certification course which is the first step. By ensuring that you learn the business end of the leash not only will you be successful you will see results immediately.
The pet industry is ever-expanding and growing, even in the current economic state. In today’s lifestyle many families are carrying more than one job and in some cases one or more persons is working a second job. Mom is looking for a legitimate work-from-home business are amongst are most interested clientele.
Becoming a certified canine obedience instructor and a business owner of your own dog works training center gives you a sense of worth and gives you opportunities every day to help people and their dogs begin to live the lifestyle that they imagined when they first got their dog. Challenging things happen along the way, that’s where a certified canine obedience instructor is most sought after. Just review some of the statistics. There are more than 75 million pet dogs in the U.S. This year Americans will spend more than $40 billion to keep our pets fed, adorned, amused, and healthy with more owners paying top dollar for elaborate medical treatments to forestall that inevitable last visit to the vet. By the end of the decade, Americans will be spending $50 billion on pet products, according to the APPMA (American Pet Products Manufacturers Association) (2000 – 2001). 47% of owners consider their pets full-fledged family members.
As certified/business, owner/instructor of a Dog Works Training Center in your city, you will be the answer to those dog owners that love their dogs, but just cannot find a way to deal with barking, house breaking, obedience, or other behavioral problems. Every year thousands of dogs unfortunately end of in shelters because owners just cannot find a way to solve their dogs’ behavioral problems. We have many testimonials thanking us teaching families how to maintain the lifestyle with their dogs that they imagined when they picked out their dog that first day.
If you expect the best and want to be the best, then this is the business opportunity you have been looking for.
What could dog training do for me? Becoming a certified canine obedience instructor allows you to set your own schedule, help people to have a more enjoyable relationship with their dog and much more. Dog training allows you to work closely with dogs and if you’re already dabbling in dog training then this is the perfect business opportunity for you.
I am sure there are plenty of dog trainers out there, why would someone pick me? As certified/business, owner/instructor of a Dog Works Training Center in your city you will be the most sought after trainer because you took the time to become certified. You will be trusted and awarded for your efforts in the dog training community.
A Dog Training Career is what you will have when you complete are comprehensive training program.
• Positive reinforcement training;
• The business end of the leash – effectively learn how to promote your new business;
• Continued support from Dog Works Training Center headquarters;
• Business Package includes; correspondence certification course that prepares you to take the National Certification exam, business and sales development training, branding, advertising, website, on-site apprenticeship, life time support, access to our training resources database, Behaviorist Consultations, seminars, conferences, events, and much more.
At The Dog Works Training Center, We have the best and train the rest! We provide you with detailed information and training to get your business of to a great start. Not only are we canine obedience instructors and business savvy, but Dr. Forto has written a course to help you become a certified obedience instructor. The Canine Behavioral Sciences course is what sets The Dog Works Training Center apart from all other franchise opportunities out there. The course can be completed in just 12 weeks, making it the most comprehensive course out there. Not only teaching you how to train but recognize behaviors and certain health conditions contributing to the dogs overall stability.
If you would like to learn more information please contact us by email at info@dogtrainingcenter.com or call anytime at 303-578-9881.
The Dog Works Training Center, LLC will refund 100% of licensing fees you pay us if, at any time during the 12 week training program, it is deemed by the instructors that you will not successfully complete the DW Business Owner Certification. Why do we have such simple, pervasive guarantee and put it in writing? We have a reputation to protect. If you cannot grasp the business from the outset, we’d rather recruit and train another owner in your market right away.
_________________________
Dr. Robert Forto is the training director for The Dog Works Training Center, LLC and of several other dog training schools. Dr. Forto hosts a weekly radio show, The Dog Doctor Radio Show, every Saturday. Dr. Forto can be reached through his website at http://www.denverdogworks.com
Welcome to The Dog Works Training Center Business Opportunity
By Robert Forto, PhD
Thinking about a career, maybe you’re thinking about your next career, or just supplementing your income. Look no further. At The Dog Works Training Center – We have the best and train the rest!
Our founders Dr. Robert Forto, Ph.D. and his wife Michele set out a decade ago to build the best dog training center in Denver, Colorado. Through hard work and perseverance they now can help you Never Forget Your Dreams!
A Dog Works Training Center Business Opportunity not only trains you how to become the best dog trainer you can be but the training program has a key emphasis on training you how to manage and market your new business. Our program is different from the rest. Dr. Forto is an animal behaviorist and holds an M.B.A. with 20 years of dog training and industry experience. He has written and teaches his own canine obedience instructor certification course which is the first step. By ensuring that you learn the business end of the leash not only will you be successful you will see results immediately.
The pet industry is ever-expanding and growing, even in the current economic state. In today’s lifestyle many families are carrying more than one job and in some cases one or more persons is working a second job. Mom is looking for a legitimate work-from-home business are amongst are most interested clientele.
Becoming a certified canine obedience instructor and a business owner of your own dog works training center gives you a sense of worth and gives you opportunities every day to help people and their dogs begin to live the lifestyle that they imagined when they first got their dog. Challenging things happen along the way, that’s where a certified canine obedience instructor is most sought after. Just review some of the statistics. There are more than 75 million pet dogs in the U.S. This year Americans will spend more than $40 billion to keep our pets fed, adorned, amused, and healthy with more owners paying top dollar for elaborate medical treatments to forestall that inevitable last visit to the vet. By the end of the decade, Americans will be spending $50 billion on pet products, according to the APPMA (American Pet Products Manufacturers Association) (2000 – 2001). 47% of owners consider their pets full-fledged family members.
As certified/business, owner/instructor of a Dog Works Training Center in your city, you will be the answer to those dog owners that love their dogs, but just cannot find a way to deal with barking, house breaking, obedience, or other behavioral problems. Every year thousands of dogs unfortunately end of in shelters because owners just cannot find a way to solve their dogs’ behavioral problems. We have many testimonials thanking us teaching families how to maintain the lifestyle with their dogs that they imagined when they picked out their dog that first day.
If you expect the best and want to be the best, then this is the business opportunity you have been looking for.
What could dog training do for me? Becoming a certified canine obedience instructor allows you to set your own schedule, help people to have a more enjoyable relationship with their dog and much more. Dog training allows you to work closely with dogs and if you’re already dabbling in dog training then this is the perfect business opportunity for you.
I am sure there are plenty of dog trainers out there, why would someone pick me? As certified/business, owner/instructor of a Dog Works Training Center in your city you will be the most sought after trainer because you took the time to become certified. You will be trusted and awarded for your efforts in the dog training community.
A Dog Training Career is what you will have when you complete are comprehensive training program.
• Positive reinforcement training;
• The business end of the leash – effectively learn how to promote your new business;
• Continued support from Dog Works Training Center headquarters;
• Business Package includes; correspondence certification course that prepares you to take the National Certification exam, business and sales development training, branding, advertising, website, on-site apprenticeship, life time support, access to our training resources database, Behaviorist Consultations, seminars, conferences, events, and much more.
At The Dog Works Training Center, We have the best and train the rest! We provide you with detailed information and training to get your business of to a great start. Not only are we canine obedience instructors and business savvy, but Dr. Forto has written a course to help you become a certified obedience instructor. The Canine Behavioral Sciences course is what sets The Dog Works Training Center apart from all other franchise opportunities out there. The course can be completed in just 12 weeks, making it the most comprehensive course out there. Not only teaching you how to train but recognize behaviors and certain health conditions contributing to the dogs overall stability.
If you would like to learn more information please contact us by email at info@dogtrainingcenter.com or call anytime at 303-578-9881.
The Dog Works Training Center, LLC will refund 100% of licensing fees you pay us if, at any time during the 12 week training program, it is deemed by the instructors that you will not successfully complete the DW Business Owner Certification. Why do we have such simple, pervasive guarantee and put it in writing? We have a reputation to protect. If you cannot grasp the business from the outset, we’d rather recruit and train another owner in your market right away.
_________________________
Dr. Robert Forto is the training director for The Dog Works Training Center, LLC and of several other dog training schools. Dr. Forto hosts a weekly radio show, The Dog Doctor Radio Show, every Saturday. Dr. Forto can be reached through his website at http://www.denverdogworks.com
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
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
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