Rescue Tails

First Paw Media
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  • Pets & Animals
  • Updated Weekly

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. 1h ago

    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.

    31 min

  2. Jun 17

    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.

    43 min

  3. Jun 10

    Separation Anxiety in Rescue Dogs – Preparing for Success in a New Home

    Moving overseas with dogs? Adopting a rescue? Dealing with barking, destruction, or panic when you leave? In this episode, Dr. Robert Forto and Robin Lucas break down separation anxiety, one of the top reasons rescues get returned. We cover: Signs (vocalizing, destruction, elimination, escape attempts, physical distress)Common adopter mistakes that make it worseTriggers (routine changes, new environments, past trauma)Practical first-30-days steps: routines, independence building, crate training, desensitizationRealities of international moves with dogs (visas, shipping restricted breeds) 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

  4. Jun 3

    Rescue Burnout Is Real | The Emotional Cost of Saving Dogs

    Dog rescue can save lives. But it can also quietly destroy the people doing the work. In this episode of Rescue Tails, Dr. Robert Forto and Robin Lucas of Rebel Rescue continue their conversation about rescue burnout, compassion fatigue, failed adoptions, volunteer exhaustion, and the emotional weight many rescuers carry every single day. Robin also shares more about her upcoming move back to South Korea and the realities of trying to improve rescue systems from the inside. This episode explores the hidden emotional cost of rescue work, including: Compassion fatigue in animal rescueRescue guilt and emotional exhaustionSocial media pressure on rescuersFailed adoptions and heartbreakVolunteer burnoutWhy rescuers struggle to care for themselvesThe long-term mental toll of saving animals If you have ever worked in rescue, fostered dogs, volunteered at a shelter, or loved someone in animal welfare, this conversation will probably feel very familiar. Rescue Tails is hosted by Dr. Robert Forto and Robin Lucas and produced by Alaska Dog Works. 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.

    27 min

  5. May 27

    The Dog You Almost Didn’t Choose | Why Some Rescue Dogs Get Overlooked

    Why do some incredible rescue dogs get ignored while others are adopted immediately? In this episode of Rescue Tales, Dr. Robert Forto and Robin Lucas of Rebel Rescue talk about the rescue dogs people often overlook. The older dogs. The shy dogs. The dogs with medical needs. The dogs were labeled “too calm,” “too scared,” or “too much work.” But many of those dogs become the most loyal companions imaginable. Robin also shares major personal news: she is moving back to South Korea full-time to continue her rescue mission on the ground with Rebel Rescue South Korea. If you have ever considered adopting a rescue dog, volunteering at a shelter, or wondered why certain dogs wait so long for homes, this episode offers a powerful behind-the-scenes look at the emotional reality of rescue work. In this episode: Why some shelter dogs are constantly overlookedBreed stigma and adoption biasThe truth about fearful and shy rescue dogsWhy “easy” dogs are often ignoredStories from rescue work in South KoreaWhat adopters should really look for in a dog Rescue Tales is produced by Alaska Dog Works and hosted by Dr. Robert Forto and Robin Lucas. 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

  6. May 20

    Why Rescue Dogs Get Returned: Follow-Up, Training, and Setting Realistic Expectations

    What happens after a rescue dog goes home? In this episode of the Rescue Tails podcast, Dr. Robert Forto and Robin Lucas from Rebel Rescue South Korea discuss one of the biggest challenges in animal rescue: follow-up support after adoption. They break down why many rescue dogs are returned, the role unrealistic expectations play in failed adoptions, and how rescues, trainers, and adopters can work together to create better long-term outcomes. This episode covers: The “3-3-3 Rule” for rescue dogsCommon behavioral challenges after adoptionWhy dogs struggle during transitionsHow rescues can improve adopter communicationThe importance of open-ended follow-up questionsWhen adopters should seek professional training helpWhy relationship-building matters more than perfection Dr. Forto and Robin also discuss real-world rescue stories, training strategies, and how data-driven follow-up can help dogs stay in homes for life. 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

  7. May 13

    Flying With Dogs Internationally: Pet Quarantine Rules, Travel Tips, and Airline Mistakes

    On this episode of the Rescue Tails podcast, Dr. Robert Forto and Robin Lucas from Rebel Rescue South Korea break down the realities of pet travel, quarantine laws, airline crate requirements, health certificates, and the costly mistakes owners make when moving with pets. From South Korea to Alaska, Hawaii to Europe, they share real-world experiences helping families, military members, and rescue dogs navigate the complicated world of international pet travel. You’ll learn: Why some countries require quarantine for dogsThe paperwork that can stop your pet from entering a countryWhy airlines deny pets at the counterHow microchips and rabies titers affect travelThe truth about dogs flying in cargoCommon mistakes that cost families thousands of dollarsHow to prepare months before your move If you are planning a PCS move, relocation, vacation, or international adoption, this episode is packed with practical advice that could save you stress, money, and heartbreak. 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.

    36 min

  8. May 6

    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
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About

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.

Information

  • Creator
    First Paw Media
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    34
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2025-2026, First Paw Media
  • Show Website
    Rescue Tails