Rescue Tails

First Paw Media

Behind every rescued dog is a story of survival, hope, and the humans who refused to give up. Rescue Tails is where those stories come to life. Hosted by Dr. Robert Forto, a lifelong dog trainer and media producer, and Robin Lucas, the driving force behind Rebel Rescue South Korea, this podcast shares powerful tales of rescue, resilience, and redemption from around the world. Each episode reveals the realities of rescue work, what it takes to rebuild trust, navigate cultural challenges, and find new beginnings for dogs who once had none. From the streets of South Korea to the snowy trails of Alaska, these are the voices of those on the front lines of compassion. Whether you’re a rescue advocate, a dog lover, or simply someone who believes in second chances, Rescue Tails will inspire you to see what’s possible when dedication meets heart. Because every rescue has a story, and every story deserves to be told. Subscribe or follow on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.

  1. -1 j

    Why Dog Foster Programs Fail and How Rescues Can Better Support Fosters | Rescue Tales

    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.

  2. 26 août

    Fear Looks Like Aggression: How to Tell the Difference in Rescue Dogs

    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.

  3. 19 août

    The First 7 Days With a Rescue Dog: What Every Adopter Should Know

    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.

  4. 15 juil.

    Finding the Right Match: How Rescue Dogs Find the Right Family

    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.

  5. 8 juil.

    Kids and Rescue Dogs: How to Build Safe, Lifelong Bonds

    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.

  6. 1 juil.

    Confidence Builders: Training Games That Help Rescue Dogs Thrive

    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.

  7. 24 juin

    Reading the Dog in Front of You: Understanding Body Language, Rescue Behavior, and Better Adoptions

    Are you really reading your dog's behavior correctly? In this episode of Rescue Tales, hosts Dr. Robert Forto and Robin Lucas explore one of the most important skills in rescue work and dog ownership: understanding canine body language. From fearful dogs and shutdown behavior to confidence, stress, and common misinterpretations, they discuss how rescue workers, foster families, and adopters can better understand what dogs are communicating in real time. The conversation is inspired by a recent case involving Scooby, a rescue dog from South Korea, and highlights how assumptions, labels, and human emotions can lead to training challenges, failed placements, and misunderstandings between dogs and their owners. Robert and Robin share practical examples from both the rescue and training worlds and explain why successful adoptions begin with careful observation rather than assumptions. The episode also includes an update on Robin's move to South Korea, the challenges and costs of international dog transport, and a spotlight on Hesong, a six-year-old German Shepherd currently available for adoption through Rebel Rescue South Korea. If you work in rescue, foster dogs, volunteer at a shelter, or simply want to better understand your own dog, this episode provides valuable insight into reading the dog in front of you. 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.

  8. 17 juin

    Conquering Separation Anxiety & Unrealistic Expectations with Rescue Dogs

    oin Dr. Robert Forto and Robin Lucas of Rebel Rescue South Korea as they tackle the real challenges of flying rescue dogs internationally, from 10-day health certificates and USDA endorsements to quarantine, customs, and multi-dog logistics on Asiana Airlines. In this deep dive, they unpack why so many rescue dogs are returned due to separation anxiety, the unrealistic 'gotcha day' expectations fueled by social media, and practical strategies to prevent returns through better preparation, crate training, routines, and support systems. Learn the 3-3-3 rule, the value (and limits) of fostering, and how to build realistic expectations for new adopters. Whether you're adopting a rescue, flying with dogs, or supporting international rescues, this episode delivers honest insights, actionable tips, and real-world stories from the front lines. Subscribe to Rescue Tales for more stories of survival, resilience, and redemption. Support Rebel Rescue South Korea. 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.

À propos

Behind every rescued dog is a story of survival, hope, and the humans who refused to give up. Rescue Tails is where those stories come to life. Hosted by Dr. Robert Forto, a lifelong dog trainer and media producer, and Robin Lucas, the driving force behind Rebel Rescue South Korea, this podcast shares powerful tales of rescue, resilience, and redemption from around the world. Each episode reveals the realities of rescue work, what it takes to rebuild trust, navigate cultural challenges, and find new beginnings for dogs who once had none. From the streets of South Korea to the snowy trails of Alaska, these are the voices of those on the front lines of compassion. Whether you’re a rescue advocate, a dog lover, or simply someone who believes in second chances, Rescue Tails will inspire you to see what’s possible when dedication meets heart. Because every rescue has a story, and every story deserves to be told. Subscribe or follow on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.