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Robert Forto, PhD
Companion Animal Behaviorist Specializing in Canine Aggression
APDT Member # 70916
Dr. Robert Forto brings his life-long passion for dogs together with proven training techniques that both you and your dog will enjoy. He is a graduate of Canine Communication Studies, where he completed a two-year course in canine training and behavior therapy under one of the world’s foremost authorities on positive reinforcement canine training and behavior.
His vast experience in dog training includes: sled dog training as a professional musher and Siberian Husky kennel owner, puppy and obedience training, behavior modification, service dog training and placement, personal protection training, AKC obedience, conformation and good citizen testing, temperament testing, canine athletics and more. He is the author and instructor of a course for canine trainers and teaches people how to get into the dog training field. He has written numerous articles for several publications and wrote is doctorate dissertation on Human-Canine Communication.
Dr. Forto’s sensitivity to your dog’s personality and temperament, coupled with effective training tools, will help you and your dog live happily and obediently together!
Dr. Forto is also available for as an expert witness in a a variety of dog cases including: aggression, violent dogs, dog bites, breed bans and more. Please click here for more information.
Education
Madison University Doctorate of Philosophy in Communication. Dr. Forto wrote and defended his doctorate dissertation: Chasing the Dream: The History of Human-Canine Communication in the Sport of Dog Sledding. He graduated with honors.
Canine Communication Studies Completed a two-year course in canine obedience training and behavior therapy with honors. Program highlights: Puppy, Basic and Advanced Obedience; AKC/CKC Conformation and Obedience; Kennel Management; Breeding; Canine First Aid and CPR; Temperament Testing; Conducting Classes, Learning Theory; Curriculum Design and much more. Overview: studied theory and training techniques in all of the areas listed above; taught private and group obedience classes; trained in-kennel dogs; cared for dogs in kennel; whelped and cared for puppies; administered vaccines.
Completed a 900-hour course on canine obedience training and became certified as a canine obedience trainer/instructor.
Member of International Positive Dog Trainers Association
Member of Association for Pet Dog Trainers
Member of International Sled Dog Racing Association
Member of the Aurora Chamber of Commerce
Member of the German Shepherd Club of the United States
Member of International Association of Assistance Dog Partners
Member of Mountain States Dog Training Club
Contract Trainer for Service Animal Registry of America
Regional Director for Colorado of the I.P.D.T.A.
Recipient of Humane Dog Trainer Award 2006
Recipient of Fear Rehabilitation Award 2006
Recipient of Society Education Award 2006
Nominee for Dog/Dog Aggression Award 2007
Recipient of Best New Business Award 2007
Recipient of Dog Training Excellence Award 2007
Nominee for Behavior Therapy Excellence Award 2007
Nominee for Outstanding Achievement Award 2007
Other Experience
Owner/Operator of a Siberian Husky sled dog racing kennel for 13 years. Professional musher and raced in races all over North America.
Service Dog Trainer. Trained and cared for twenty service dogs in a service dog training program. Acted as lead-trainer/instructor for the program.
Competed in AKC Conformation and Obedience trials with my Siberians. I have titled several dogs.
Siberian Husky breeder. I responsibly placed several litters of puppies offering a lifetime placement guarantee.
Dr. Robert Forto is the Director of Denver Dog Works and American School of Dog Training. He sees clients by appointment only. He can be reached by email at rforto@denverdogworks.com or by phone at 303-752-2818.
Michele Forto
Michele Forto is a certified obedience trainer/instructor for Denver Dog Works. She specializes in puppy socialization classes and breed referrals. She is an American Kennel Club Canine Good Citizen evaluator and offers private and in-home consultations. Michele can be reached anytime by email at mforto@denverdogworks.com and by phone at 303-752-2818 or 720-271-9062. .
Derrick Wilson
Derrick is our protection trainer at Denver Dog Works. He has over thirteen years of experience in protection and guard dog training. If you are in need of this highly specialized training please contact us directly.
Derrick is available for private lessons in basic obedience and other programs. He also is the kennel manager at Denver Dog Works and oversees the day to day operations of the board and train dogs in training.
Click here to view for some photos of Derrick and protection training
Derrick can be reached anytime by email at train@denverdogworks.com and by phone at Denver Dog Works at 303-752-2818.
Leah Morse
APDT Member #
Leah Morse is an apprentice trainer for Denver Dog Works. She is currently teaching a puppy socialization class on Saturday afternoons.
Leah can be reached anytime by email at train@denverdogworks.com and by phone at 303-752-2818.