Rescue Tails

Bringing a rescue dog home is exciting, but the first seven days can also leave new adopters wondering if they made the right decision. A dog who seemed calm at the shelter may suddenly behave very differently once introduced to a new home, new people, new routines, and new expectations.

In this episode of Rescue Tales, Robert Forto and Robin Lucas of Rebel Rescue South Korea break down what happens during a rescue dog's first week at home. They discuss decompression during the first 24 hours, establishing routines during days two through four, and building structure and consistency as the dog approaches the end of the first week.

They also tackle several common mistakes, including giving a new dog too much freedom, overwhelming them with people, changing the rules because you feel sorry for them, and spending every minute with the dog during the first week before suddenly returning to work. The goal isn't to discover exactly who your rescue dog is in seven days. It's to create a predictable environment where that dog can settle in safely.

Plus, meet Maverick, a longtime Rebel Rescue dog whose behavior in foster care has been dramatically different from what rescuers saw during his years in the shelter.

Can a rescue dog become a therapy dog? Yes, but that doesn't mean every rescue dog should.

In this episode of Rescue Tails, hosts Dr. Robert Forto and Robin Lucas of Rebel Rescue South Korea explore what it really takes for a rescue dog to succeed in therapy work. They discuss temperament, handling tolerance, recovery from startling situations, social behavior, training, and the responsibility of both rescues and adopters to put the individual dog's needs first.

Robert and Robin also discuss the danger of overselling a rescue dog's story or abilities simply because people want an inspirational ending. A dog does not need to become a therapy dog, ambassador, or working dog to make its rescue story worthwhile. For dogs that do show the right temperament, careful evaluation and training can help determine whether public therapy work is a good fit.

The episode closes with the story of Cinderella, an 11-month-old Jindo mix who returned to Rebel Rescue after her adoptive family abandoned her, along with a call for volunteers to consider helping rescues during harder-to-fill weekday and evening shifts.

This episode was recorded on the Shure SM7B

Support the Show

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

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

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

Learn more about Rebel Rescue South Korea

We work with Dog Training Clients worldwide!

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

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

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

Take your dog training to the next level by enrolling in our Peak Performance membership.

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

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

South Korea is approaching a major turning point as the country prepares to end the breeding, slaughter, distribution, and sale of dogs for human consumption. But closing the farms does not automatically mean thousands of dogs are headed to new homes.

In this episode of Rescue Tails, Robert Forto and Robin Lucas of Rebel Rescue South Korea discuss what happens when an industry shuts down, but the dogs remain. They explore the enormous challenges facing rescue organizations, including limited space, funding, rehabilitation, socialization, medical care, and the reality that some former farm dogs may require years of support before they are ready for adoption.

Robin also shares Sammy's story: an eight-year-old former farm dog who has spent five years at Rebel Rescue. His story shows that rescue is not simply about getting a dog off a farm. It is a long-term commitment involving thousands of meals, daily care, training, medical support, and the continued search for the right home.

It is a difficult conversation, but an important one about what rescue really looks like after the headlines disappear.

This episode was recorded on the Shure SM7B

Support the Show

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

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

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

Learn more about Rebel Rescue South Korea

We work with Dog Training Clients worldwide!

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

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

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

Take your dog training to the next level by enrolling in our Peak Performance membership.

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

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

Why do rescue dogs come back after adoption? Often, it is not because the dog is “bad.” The problems begin when basic skills are missing, expectations are unclear, and adopters do not have enough support during those critical first weeks.

In this episode of Rescue Tails, Robert Forto and Robin Lucas discuss the three common problems that can lead to adoption returns and what rescues can do before a dog ever leaves the shelter. From loose leash walking and crate tolerance to handling skills and honest conversations about what is known, and not known, about a dog, better preparation can give both dogs and adopters a stronger chance at success.

Then Robin introduces Jeremy, a Jindo mix who has spent much of the last five years at Rebel Rescue South Korea. Despite his difficult past, Jeremy has developed excellent leash skills, is muzzle trained, has good manners, and has successfully lived in a foster home. His story raises an important question: What happens when a dog is ready for adoption, but people continue to see the dog he used to be?

This episode was recorded on the Shure SM7B

Support the Show

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

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

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

Learn more about Rebel Rescue South Korea

We work with Dog Training Clients worldwide!

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

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

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

Take your dog training to the next level by enrolling in our Peak Performance membership.

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

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

What happens after a rescue dog leaves the shelter and enters a foster home? Too often, that is exactly when support begins to disappear.

In this episode of Rescue Tails, Robert Forto and Robin Lucas of Rebel Rescue South Korea discuss what foster families actually need to succeed. They talk about why foster programs struggle, the importance of regular check-ins, clear expectations, behavioral and veterinary support, and why fosters should never have to wait until they are overwhelmed before asking for help.

Robin also shares the story of S’more, a rescue dog whose foster placement ended after problems developed with the resident cats. His story shows how earlier communication and proactive foster support might help prevent some dogs from returning to the shelter.

Whether you already foster dogs, run a rescue organization, or are thinking about opening your home to a foster dog for the first time, this episode offers practical ideas for building a better foster experience for both people and dogs.

This episode was recorded on the Shure SM7B

Support the Show

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

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

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

Learn more about Rebel Rescue South Korea

We work with Dog Training Clients worldwide!

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

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

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

Take your dog training to the next level by enrolling in our Peak Performance membership.

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

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

Is that rescue dog aggressive, or is he simply scared?

On this episode of Rescue Tales, Robert Forto and Robin Lucas take a closer look at one of the most misunderstood behaviors in rescue dogs: fear that looks like aggression. In the stressful environment of a shelter or kennel, barking, lunging, spinning, freezing, cowering, lip licking, and other behaviors can easily lead people to label a dog as aggressive when the dog may actually be trying to create distance from something that makes him uncomfortable.

Robert and Robin discuss why labels can follow rescue dogs long after the circumstances that created them have changed. They also explain practical ways that handlers, volunteers, fosters, and adopters can reduce pressure by changing their own body language, giving the dog more physical space, avoiding forced interactions, and using food without requiring the dog to approach or take treats directly from the hand.

Then, in this week's Rescue Tale, Robin introduces Hotch, a Jindo mix who has spent years at Rebel Rescue South Korea. To a stranger approaching his kennel, Hotch can appear intimidating as he barks, lunges, spins, and tries to make the person back away. With people he knows and trusts, however, Robin describes a completely different dog. His story is a powerful example of why a dog's behavior in one stressful environment should not automatically define who that dog is.

This episode was recorded on the Shure SM7B

Support the Show

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

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

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

Learn more about Rebel Rescue South Korea

We work with Dog Training Clients worldwide!

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

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

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

Take your dog training to the next level by enrolling in our Peak Performance membership.

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

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

The first few days after adopting a rescue dog can be exciting, emotional, and sometimes overwhelming. Unfortunately, that excitement can also cause families to ask too much of their new dog too soon.

On this episode of Rescue Tales, Robert Forto and Robin Lucas discuss what really happens during the first seven days with a rescue dog. They break down the 3-3-3 rule, explain why decompression matters, and share three important rules to help a new dog adjust: limit new people and places, provide a quiet, safe space, and allow the dog to approach people rather than forcing interactions.

Robert and Robin also discuss common signs of stress, including hiding, low appetite, pacing, whining, and shy body language, as well as more serious behavioral and medical red flags that adopters should not ignore.

Then, in this week's Rescue Tale, they share the remarkable story of Scooby, a rescue dog whose journey took him from Busan to Seoul, to Rebel Rescue South Korea, to Alaska Dog Works, and ultimately to an adoptive home in Alaska. His story shows why difficult behavior does not always mean a dog is beyond help. Sometimes the environment, training, patience, and people surrounding the dog can change everything.

This episode was recorded on the Shure SM7B

Support the Show

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

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

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

Learn more about Rebel Rescue South Korea

We work with Dog Training Clients worldwide!

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

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

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

Take your dog training to the next level by enrolling in our Peak Performance membership.

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

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

What makes a rescue dog adoption successful?

It's rarely about finding the "perfect" dog. Instead, it's about finding the right match between a dog's personality and a family's lifestyle.

In this episode of Rescue Tails, Dr. Robert Forto and Robin Lucas discuss the adoption process from the rescue's perspective, explaining why activity level, work schedules, home environment, and realistic expectations often matter far more than breed or appearance.

The conversation explores how rescue organizations evaluate potential adopters, the valuable role foster families play in understanding a dog's behavior, and why sometimes returning a dog isn't a failure but an opportunity to find a better fit for everyone involved.

Whether you're planning to adopt your first rescue dog or you're involved in rescue work yourself, this episode offers an honest look at what creates lasting, successful adoptions.

This episode was recorded on the Shure SM7B

Support the Show

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

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

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

Learn more about Rebel Rescue South Korea

We work with Dog Training Clients worldwide!

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

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

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

Take your dog training to the next level by enrolling in our Peak Performance membership.

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

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

Bringing a rescue dog into a home with children can be one of the most rewarding experiences for a family, but it also comes with unique responsibilities. In this episode of Rescue Tails, hosts Dr. Robert Forto and Robin Lucas discuss how families can safely introduce rescue dogs to children while creating the foundation for a lifetime of trust and companionship.

The conversation explores why children interact differently with dogs than adults, how parents can recognize early signs of stress before problems develop, and why supervision is one of the most important parts of successful dog ownership. Robert and Robin also explain common mistakes families make, how to teach children to respect a dog's boundaries, and why understanding canine body language can prevent misunderstandings before they escalate.

Whether you're considering adopting your first rescue dog or already have children at home, this episode offers practical advice that can help both dogs and kids thrive together.

This episode was recorded on the Shure SM7B

Support the Show

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

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

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

Learn more about Rebel Rescue South Korea

We work with Dog Training Clients worldwide!

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

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

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

Take your dog training to the next level by enrolling in our Peak Performance membership.

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

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

What does confidence actually look like in a rescue dog?

In this episode of Rescue Tales, hosts Dr. Robert Forto and Robin Lucas explore how confidence is developed in rescue dogs and why it plays such a critical role in successful adoptions, training, and long-term behavior outcomes. They discuss the difference between confidence and outgoing behavior, how dogs recover from stressful situations, and why resilience matters more than boldness.

Drawing from real-world experiences with rescue dogs, including Scooby from Rebel Rescue South Korea, Robert and Robin explain how confidence can be nurtured through structured training, positive experiences, and carefully managed exposure to new situations. They also discuss common mistakes owners make when trying to help fearful dogs and why pushing dogs too far or overprotecting them can slow progress.

You'll learn practical confidence-building exercises, including structured walks, scent games, targeting exercises, obstacle courses, and place work. The episode also covers the importance of routine, repetition, and helping dogs experience success in manageable steps.

Plus, meet Walker, a young Pomeranian rescue working on building confidence after coming from a puppy mill environment.

Whether you're a rescue volunteer, foster parent, adopter, or dog trainer, this episode offers practical strategies to help dogs overcome fear and become more confident companions.

This episode was recorded on the Shure SM7B

Support the Show

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

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

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

Learn more about Rebel Rescue South Korea

We work with Dog Training Clients worldwide!

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

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

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

Take your dog training to the next level by enrolling in our Peak Performance membership.

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

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