The Dog Training Mistake That Ignores Your Dog’s Purpose

Have you ever felt like no matter how much exercise, training, or activity you give your dog… they still seem restless, reactive, or impossible to fully settle? A lot of dog parents are told that high-energy dogs simply need more walks, more exercise, or stricter dog training. But for many dogs — especially working breeds and purpose-bred dogs — the real issue isn’t energy alone. It’s unmet instinct, lack of fulfillment, and nervous systems searching for the kind of engagement they were designed for. In this episode, Em sits down with musher and dog trainer Dr. Robert Forto to talk about what sled dogs can teach us about dog behavior, communication, enrichment, routine, and partnership. Together, they explore the difference between dogs who are simply “busy” and dogs who are truly fulfilled, why body language matters more than most people realize, and how understanding your dog’s purpose can completely shift the way you approach dog training and behavior struggles. Because sometimes dogs aren’t acting out. They’re asking for more meaningful ways to exist in the world. Listeners will hear: how unmet instincts and lack of fulfillment affect dog behavior and emotional regulation why routines, body language, and partnership matter in dog training practical ways to help high-drive or working-breed dogs feel calmer and more fulfilled in everyday life Press play for a fascinating conversation about dog behavior, working dogs, enrichment, and the powerful shift that happens when we stop trying to suppress instincts and start understanding them instead Check out Dog Works Radio with Em's episode: https://open.spotify.com/episode/1maMbtzneLogH87tY7ABJV?si=Lbsx33GkQQi94Lruna2xaA Free Resources & Support 🐾 Help Us Hit the Road We're raising money to take this podcast on the road — an RV, a microphone, and 20 years of experience coming to you. 👉https://tinyurl.com/fuelthepodcast Shop What Em Uses with Fitz & Toby Enrichment tools, nutrition support, and daily essentials — all in one place. 👉 thedogwhoaskedformore.myshopdot.com Free Enrichment Guide Simple, low-pressure enrichment ideas to help your dog feel calmer and more fulfilled. 👉 https://tinyurl.com/livingwiththedoginfrontofyou Free 15-Minute Clarity Call Feeling stuck? We'll talk through what's going on and find the next step together. 👉 https://tinyurl.com/tdwafmbooknow 📧 em@thedogwhoaskedformore.com This podcast explores real life with dogs — including dog behavior, dog anxiety, reactive dogs, dog reactivity, and dog training problems. It's for dog parents who feel overwhelmed navigating life with dogs and want a clearer understanding of their dog and a calmer daily life together. Episodes also cover dog nutrition, canine nutrition, pet nutrition, dog food, dog enrichment, dog body language, and dog communication — connecting behavior, health, and daily routines to help you better understand your dog and reduce stress. We're now taking this conversation on the road, bringing honest support directly to dog parents across the country. Some links may be affiliate links. If you choose to purchase, it helps support the podcast and the RV tour.