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

    Rescue Burnout Is Real: The Emotional Cost of Saving Dogs | Rescue Tails Podcast

    Animal rescue work is rewarding, but it also comes with an emotional cost. In this episode of Rescue Tails, Dr. Robert Forto and Robin Lucas of Rebel Rescue South Korea discuss rescue burnout, compassion fatigue, volunteer stress, limited resources, and the mental toll of helping animals every day. They share honest stories from the front lines of rescue, including how shelters face constant pressure, why saying no can be heartbreaking, how online criticism affects rescuers, and practical ways supporters can help without adopting. You’ll also meet Campy, this week’s featured adoptable dog. If you’ve ever wondered what happens behind the scenes in rescue, this is an important episode to hear. 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.

    42 min
  2. 29 AVR.

    Why Senior Dogs, Black Dogs, and “Imperfect” Dogs Wait the Longest | Rescue Tails Podcast

    Why do some rescue dogs wait months or even years for adoption while others find homes quickly? In this episode of Rescue Tails, Dr. Robert Forto and Robin Lucas of Rebel Rescue South Korea discuss the hidden biases that affect adoption decisions. They explore why senior dogs, black dogs, and dogs labeled as “imperfect” are often overlooked, despite being loving and loyal companions. You’ll also hear real rescue stories, including Scooby, Buddy, and Maple, and learn why adopting an older dog may be one of the best decisions you ever make. If you’re considering adoption, this episode may change how you choose your next dog. 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.

    28 min
  3. 15 AVR.

    Why Rescue Dogs Test You (And How to Succeed Anyway)

    Bringing home a rescue dog is often filled with excitement, but it can quickly shift into frustration if expectations are not aligned with reality. In this episode of Rescue Tails, Robert Forto and Robin Lucas take a deeper look at why patience is the most important trait for any adopter. They discuss how dogs behave differently in shelters versus home environments, why the first 72 hours matter, and how routines and small wins shape long-term success. The conversation also explores how rescues evaluate adopters, the challenges of international adoptions, and what to do when things start to feel overwhelming. If you are considering adopting a rescue dog or are currently navigating the early stages, this episode offers a grounded and honest perspective on what it really takes to make it work. 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.

    38 min
  4. 8 AVR.

    How to Build Confidence in a Rescue Dog (Simple Training That Works)

    Confidence is one of the most important and most misunderstood elements of dog training, especially in rescue environments. In this episode of Rescue Tails, Dr. Robert Forto and Robin Lucas explore why so many rescue dogs struggle with confidence and what owners can do to help them build it. The conversation begins with a deeper look at what confidence in a dog actually looks like, contrasting it with submissive or uncertain behavior. From posture and engagement to responsiveness and routine, confidence shows up in ways that many owners overlook. A major takeaway from this episode is that dogs do not simply “grow out” of fear-based behaviors. Without intentional training, those behaviors often become more ingrained over time. The hosts explain how routine, structure, and consistency play a critical role in shaping confident behavior. You’ll also hear practical strategies for building confidence through short, engaging training sessions, simple obedience work, and interactive games. The discussion covers common tools like puzzle toys and nose work, while emphasizing that engagement, not just activity, is what drives results. The episode also challenges a common mindset among dog owners: that love and coddling alone will fix behavioral issues. Instead, it argues that confidence must come first, and that clear expectations and structure are what ultimately create a calm, well-adjusted dog. If you are raising, fostering, or adopting a rescue dog, this episode provides a clear path forward to help your dog move from uncertainty to confidence. 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.

    35 min
  5. 1 AVR.

    Rescue Dog Body Language: What Your Dog Is Trying to Tell You

    Understanding dog body language is one of the most overlooked skills among dog owners, especially when working with rescue dogs. In this episode of Rescue Tails, Dr. Robert Forto and Robin Lucas explore how dogs communicate stress, fear, and trust through subtle cues that are often misinterpreted. From lip licking and yawning to wide eyes and posture changes, these signals can mean the difference between a calm interaction and a situation that escalates quickly. The conversation also dives into how cultural differences, rescue backgrounds, and inconsistent handling can shape a dog’s behavior and communication style. You’ll hear real examples from rescue environments, including how small changes in human behavior helped transform a timid dog’s willingness to engage. This episode emphasizes the importance of observation, patience, and meeting the dog where they are, especially during those critical first interactions in a new home or rescue setting. If you’ve ever wondered whether your dog is truly relaxed or just tolerating the situation, this episode will change how you see every interaction moving forward. 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.

    29 min
  6. 11 MARS

    The Honeymoon Phase With Rescue Dogs: Why Behavior Changes After Adoption

    Bringing a rescue dog home is exciting, but what happens when the honeymoon phase ends? In this episode of Rescue Tails, Robert Forto and Robin from Rebel Rescue South Korea discuss why newly adopted dogs begin showing new behaviors after a few weeks, including separation anxiety, chewing, reactivity, and boundary testing. They explain how routine, training, and realistic expectations can help adopters navigate this transition and prevent dogs from being returned to shelters. 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.

    31 min
  7. 4 MARS

    Rescue Culture Clash: How Korean and American Volunteers See Dogs Differently

    What happens when dog rescue crosses cultures? In this episode of Rescue Tails, Robert and Robin continue their deep dive into the cultural differences between South Korea and the United States, this time through the lens of volunteers, foster homes, and adoption outcomes. Inside this episode: • How Korean volunteers often view rescue dogs as “children.” • Why American volunteers approach shelter work differently • The impact of over-coddling on separation anxiety and behavior • Why do some dogs thrive in foster, while others struggle in shelter • The adoption gap between Korean and American homes • Scooby’s latest training update from Alaska • Dog of the Week: Caramel, a miniature poodle mix rescued from a city shelter If you’re in rescue, military life overseas, fostering dogs, or navigating international adoption, this episode gives you a rare behind-the-scenes look at how culture shapes behavior, expectations, and outcomes for 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.

    35 min

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.