About Alaska Dog Works

Family-dog training based in Willow

Alaska Dog Works is a training company based on N. Sue Dr. in Willow that works with owners in Anchorage, Wasilla, Palmer, the Mat-Su Valley and statewide, on and off the road system. Robert Forto opened Alaska Dog Works in August 2010, and the team includes Michele and Nicole Forto. The company cites "30+ years training Alaska dogs (and their owners)" and focuses on owner training as much as dog training, so progress holds "at home, on the trail, and in real life."

Approach and programs

It describes "a balanced approach to training" and says its certified trainers specialize in puppy training, obedience, aggression, anxiety and working dogs. The Peak Performance program is its most popular for the everyday family dog: 12 weeks for $2,795, for dogs 6 months and older, with two lessons before a 14-day camp focused on sit, down, place, heel and recall, then follow-ups weeks later, at six months and at one year. Peak Performance is pitched at problems such as separation anxiety, house training, jumping, leash pulling and not coming when called. Handler and puppy versions also exist, and service dog training appears among its programs.

What owners say

One client wrote that after a Newfoundland's "boot camp," "We have a completly different dog. He now listens and walks beautiful."