Alaska Dog Works

Tucked into the wilds of Willow, Alaska, about 90 minutes north of Anchorage, Alaska Dog Works blends serious dog training expertise with a small, family-run in-home camp for dogs whose owners need extended care. Founded in 2010 by Robert and Michele Forto after decades of hands-on training experience (including an earlier location, Denver Dog Works), the business is built around a balanced training philosophy and a genuine love of working dogs, informed by Robert's years living alongside a pack of sled dogs.

While training is the heart of the operation, the team also runs a limited-capacity Camp Works program out of their own home, accepting just a handful of dogs at a time so each one gets individualized attention, structure, and continued training reinforcement during their stay.

Key Services & Amenities

• Camp Works in-home boarding, limited to a small number of dogs at a time
• Obedience training, puppy training, and behavior modification
• Peak Performance Camp and Base Camp training programs
• Service dog training and placement, including mobility, psychiatric/PTSD, and autism support dogs
• Service dog business consulting for staff on ADA access and etiquette

Clients traveling from Anchorage, Fairbanks, Wasilla, and beyond, as well as those flying dogs in from out of state, trust Alaska Dog Works for both structured training and a home-away-from-home stay for their dogs. The team is known for treating every dog like family, working with all breeds and even some of the toughest behavioral and aggression cases.

For Alaskans seeking a trusted, experienced team that combines real training results with attentive, personal care, Alaska Dog Works offers a distinctive alternative to larger, impersonal boarding operations.