Advanced Multi-Variable Observation Skills

FROM FOUNDATION TO MASTERY

You've built the foundation. You understand cognitive bias, practice daily observation, and can see patterns you missed before. Now it's time to develop the advanced skills that separate good observers from great ones.

Observation Skills Part 2 takes you into the complexity of real-world observation: simultaneously tracking multiple variables, understanding how body language creates context for behavior, and developing the nuanced eye that can see the subtle interplay between individual temperament, situational factors, and relationship dynamics.

This isn't about seeing more things. It's about seeing how everything connects

Advanced Skill Development

This advanced course develops your ability to observe multiple aspects simultaneously while understanding how each piece of information creates context for the whole picture. You'll move from single-focus observations to complex multi-variable analysis, learning to see the intricate dance between individual dogs, their handlers, environmental factors, and social dynamics.

  • Multi-Variable Observation: Learn to simultaneously track handler behavior, dog responses, environmental factors, and their interactions without losing focus or missing crucial details.

  • Contextual Analysis: Understanding how individual pieces of body language create meaning within the larger behavioral picture. A tail position means different things in different contexts - learn to see the whole story.

  • Pattern Recognition: Develop the ability to recognize complex behavioral patterns that emerge from the interaction of multiple variables over time.

  • Narrative vs. Table Recording: Master different methods for capturing complex observations depending on your purpose and the situation's demands.

  • Professional Assessment Integration: Connect your advanced observation skills to formal assessment tools like CARAT, moving seamlessly between detailed observation and systematic evaluation.

WHO NEEDS ADVANCED OBSERVATION SKILLS?

Professional Trainers and Behaviorists: Multi-variable observation is essential for accurate assessment and effective behavior modification. Missing the subtle interplay between factors leads to incomplete training plans.

CARAT Assessors and Candidates: This course is crucial preparation for CARAT certification, developing the advanced observation skills necessary for accurate temperament assessment.

Serious Dog Professionals: Whether in rescue, breeding, veterinary work, or specialized training programs, advanced observation skills separate competent professionals from exceptional ones.

Dedicated Students of Canine Behavior: If you want to develop the kind of observational expertise that allows you to see what others miss, this course provides the systematic training necessary.

THE COMPLEXITY OF REAL-WORLD OBSERVATION

Real observation scenarios aren't neat and tidy. You're not watching a single dog perform a simple behavior in a controlled environment. You're observing complex, dynamic situations where multiple variables interact simultaneously:

  • Handler stress affecting dog performance
  • Environmental distractions creating competing motivations
  • Individual temperament traits expressing differently under pressure
  • Social dynamics between multiple dogs influencing individual behavior
  • Physical discomfort subtly affecting movement and response patterns

Advanced observation skills allow you to track these multiple variables simultaneously, understanding how they influence each other and create the behavioral picture you're seeing.

WHAT STUDENTS DISCOVER

"Even if you don't work with dogs, but want to improve your own Observation Skills for other purposes, the skills and tools introduced in this course make it so useful. One of my top favorite courses taken so far."

"I love the way Suzanne Clothier sees the world and how beautifully she teaches it to others. Suzanne's lessons, supplemented by weekly live Q&As, gave me practice and insight at a level I've never had before. (And this applies to observing dogs, humans, and anything else worth watching.)"

"This course built on part 1 really effectively, with opportunities to put the observation skills into practice. There's a lot in here to learn about CARAT, but it would be useful for any dog lover whether or not they're planning to continue to CARAT certification."

FROM ADVANCED SKILLS TO PROFESSIONAL MASTERY

Observation Skills Part 2 bridges the gap between foundation skills and professional-level expertise. You'll develop the kind of observational abilities that allow you to see patterns and connections that others miss entirely.

This is the level of observation skill that allows professionals to make accurate assessments quickly, recognize brewing problems before they escalate, and understand the subtle dynamics that influence every interaction between dogs and handlers.

Course begins November 2025
Prerequisite: Observation Skills Part 1

Ready to see the connections others miss? Ready to develop the advanced observation skills that separate good trainers from legendary ones?

Your ability to help dogs and handlers will never be the same.

"See the dog." — Suzanne Clothier

 

Registration will open September 2025!

To enroll you need to e-mail us at [email protected]. We will confirm your prerequisties and send you the link to register.

Pricing Options

Early Bird Dog Pricing - $325.

Regular Registration Price - $375

Payment Plan - Two monthly payments of $199

Ready to register?  E-mail us at [email protected]



What our students are saying

5 star rating

More brilliant and unique perspective on how we and the animals we share our lives with sort the world around us!

Amy Barker

Been through several courses now with Suzanne; including the Observation Skills Part 1 & 2. Excellent courses; I continue to learn something insightful EVERY time. Can't wait for the next one!

Been through several courses now with Suzanne; including the Observation Skills Part 1 & 2. Excellent courses; I continue to learn something insightful EVERY time. Can't wait for the next one!

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5 star rating

A Deep Dive into Observation

Barbara Laricos

I love the way Suzanne Clothier sees the world and how beautifully she teaches it to others. I've taken several courses from her that I've loved, and this one is no exception. I have learned valuable lessons from every one. I'm not a profession...

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I love the way Suzanne Clothier sees the world and how beautifully she teaches it to others. I've taken several courses from her that I've loved, and this one is no exception. I have learned valuable lessons from every one. I'm not a professional in the dog world, so I may not bring as much experience to this as other participants. But don't let that stop you. Suzanne's lessons, supplemented by weekly live Q&As, gave me practice and insight at a level I've never had before. (And this applies to observing dogs, humans, and anything else worth watching.). Being able to do this online has been a blessing because I can review the videos and lessons as often as I need to absorb the material. Every lesson taught me something new, exposed me to details I'd not considered before, and exercises in awareness that I can continue to practice long after the course is over. Whether you're working with dogs or just plain want to expand your awareness, this is a great way to do it. I highly recommend it for dog trainers, breeders, rescuers, or anyone else who wants to develop skills to observe and assess a dog IN THAT MOMENT. Even the best, most skilled professionals will likely increase their effectiveness after this (and other) Suzanne Clothier classes. I give another enthusiastic two thumbs up for this one. Thank you, Suzanne!

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5 star rating

SEEING more of what you See

Gwen Grimm

This course, as well as Observation Skills Part 1, has me asking more questions at the end than when I started. This is a good thing. If you are at all a "curious" person, always asking "why" and wanting to know and understand more, this is a per...

Read More

This course, as well as Observation Skills Part 1, has me asking more questions at the end than when I started. This is a good thing. If you are at all a "curious" person, always asking "why" and wanting to know and understand more, this is a perfect course for you. I so enjoyed the endless opportunities to ask "why" and to learn what follows the question, whether that be the answer, or more questions. The Q&A sessions are so helpful, both because of the direct interaction with Suzanne and her endless knowledge and her own questions, as well as for the insights of the others taking the course, whether professionals or pet owners. I found learning how to take notes, for various purposes, challenging, but at the same time rewarding. It helped me to start to understand what I needed to focus on and what might be extraneous, but useful later for reference. Even if you don't work with dogs, but want to improve your own Observation Skills for other purposes, the skills and tools introduced in this course make it so useful. One of my top favorite courses taken so far.

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Interested in becoming CARAT Certified? Observation Skills Part Two is one of the three prerequisites.

Before you enroll, have you successfully completed the following? Each of these 5 week courses are offered twice a year.

  • Intro to CARAT

    This online course provides a thought-provoking introduction to the CARAT framework, temperament, traits and understanding dogs in a whole new light.

  • Observation Skills Part One

    Fine tune your observation skills with this in-depth course. Ideal for anyone wishing to become a more skilled observer. You may take this before or after the Intro to CARAT course.

  • Observation Skills Part Two

    Only available to those who have completed Observation Skills Part One. This course further builds your observation skills, and prepares you for the observation intense CARAT Intensive course.

Haven't taken Observsation Skills Part One yet? Find that and the upcoming CARAT prerequisite courses here:

FAQ

  • What's involved?

    We will release two sessions per week (each about an hour+) plus practice work, plus a live Q&A session with Suzanne (recorded of course for viewing at your convenience) plus a 5th wrap-up Q& A session. The Q&A Sessions are scheduled for Tuesdays at 2 PM ET. You have access to the course for a full year.

  • How much time do I have to invest in this course?

    Plan on spending 2-4 hours per week watching Suzanne's presentations, plus an hour or so with the Q&A sessions. Multiple observation practice sessions are done in short bursts of time throughout your day, ranging from 30 seconds to 5-10 minutes to complete.

  • Do I have to take Intro to CARAT before I can take this observation skills course?

    No but it helps as some CARAT concepts are put to use in this course. You do have to complete Observation Skills Part 1 before joining Part 2.

  • How will this course help me be a better trainer?

    Really seeing the dog in front of you is critical to the training decisions you will make with and for that dog. If you work with shy, fearful or aggressive dogs, missing important information can create inhumane or dangerous situations. All dogs need your best observations at work for them.

  • I'm not a professional trainer, but I want to understand dogs better! Is this course suitable for me?

    This course is ideal for anyone who wants to add new ways to observe and understand dogs. Observation Skills Part 2 focuses on more serious observation skills. If that interests you, join us!

  • Is this course part of the CARAT Certification path?

    Yes, this is the next step after Intro to CARAT. and Observation Skills Part 1. This course is required for any further CARAT courses.

Registration Opens September 2025!

To enroll you need to e-mail us at [email protected]. We will confirm your prerequisties and send you the link to register.

Pricing Options

Early Bird Dog Pricing - $325

Regular Registration Price - $375

Payment Plan - Two monthly payments of $199

Ready to register?  E-mail us at [email protected]