Consider this: The dog's body is what the dog drives to work, so to speak. Body and mind and emotions are inextricably linked.

Our dogs cannot speak to us with words to tell us they are sore, uncomfortable, out of balance, unsure or just feeling “off.” But their bodies can and do tell us immense amounts.

This instructor-led courses focuses on a topic near & dear to Suzanne Clothier’s heart: the physical dog. She first published her award winning video, Your Athletic Dog: A Functional Approach, way back in 1995, before sports medicine was common place. 

Her work as a trainer incorporates her knowledge of conformation, movement, functional assessment, and how all of these physical factors work together with behavior and performance.

Trainers will develop a new understanding of what each dog can reveal about their physical being and functional athletic ability. 

This course will provide practical information on:

  • Dog anatomy & conformation - why does structure matter?
  • Observing functional movement - a systematic approach to assessing the dog's abilities and limitations
  • What is "normal" vs the norm - frequently seen issues that should not be ignored
  • Common behavior, training & performance problems & their physical roots
  • Understanding exercise physiology for injury prevention, conditioning & performance


Using video, graphics, "Try It Yourself!" exercises and Q&A sessions, Suzanne will enrich your understanding of the physical dog. Your observation skills will be fine-tuned, giving you the ability to ask, "Can you?" when working with any dog, no matter what the training or performance goal may be.

SEE THE DOG 

in new & more complete ways!

What do you see?

This Chihuahua is a joyful little camper, and glad to try whatever the handler asks. BUT. . . there are some physical limitations which make the SPIN behavior challenging.

Can you see what the dog's movement tells us about why one direction is easier than the other? 

Join us and find out what dogs can tell you!

"How is this for you?" and "Can you?"

Learning to read the physical dog gives the concerned, humane handler a way to be sure that they can answer two of Suzanne’s Elemental Questions: “How is this for you?” and “Can you?”

FAQ

There are 5 instructor-led Q&A sessions. These are scheduled for Wed, 10 AM ET, beginning Nov 13; last one will be held on Dec. 11. You have course access for one full year.

  • Is this instructor-led or self paced?

    Two modules are made available each week for the first four weeks, for a total of 8 modules. These are a combination of video presentations and exercises to try at home. Suzanne will be available for 5 Q&A sessions beginning Nov 11. After that, the course is yours to study at your own pace.

  • What if I cannot make it at the scheduled Q&A time?

    No worries! ALL Q&A sessions are recorded, and the recordings will be put into the course for you to access. You may also submit questions by email ahead of the Q&A so they may be answered by Suzanne.

  • Are there any pre-requisites to sign up for this course?

    This course has no pre-requisites.