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

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Learn more about Rebel Rescue South Korea

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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.

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©2009-2026 by Dog Works Training Company® All Rights Reserved.

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.

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.