Do not miss Observation Skills Part One!

Opens November 1, 2024 - one of the pre-requisites for CARAT Certification.

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Really SEE THE DOG

Are you ready to learn how to really see what dogs are showing you? Suzanne Clothier's observation skills are legendary. The late great R.K.Anderson DVM called her, "one of the best observers of dogs that I have ever seen." Suzanne's approach gives you new ways of seeing dogs. Includes 8 modules (two are released every Friday for 4 weeks), 5 Q&A sessions scheduled for Tuesdays at 10am EST starting on November 12th. CEUs available for PPAB, IAABC. This course begins November 1, 2024.

  • Accurate observations are at the heart of great training (and great relationships). If you don't really SEE THE DOG, your relationships and training are missing important information dogs need you to know.

  • Learn Suzanne's holistic approach that includes the complete dog - physical, mental and emotional as interactive parts of the whole.

  • Blending techniques from ethology with the practical skills learned in a lifetime with animals, Suzanne's lessons build on each other to develop your skills.

Register now!

Find the pricing option that's best for you, and grab your spot now!

What are people saying?

5 star rating

Observation - Foundation of Understanding & Training Dogs

Shlomit Harrosh

Behaviour is constantly in flux. The ability to accurately see the dog and handler in front of us in real time lies at the heart of excellent dog training. Without right observation, we cannot make correct assessments or respond appropriately and...

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Behaviour is constantly in flux. The ability to accurately see the dog and handler in front of us in real time lies at the heart of excellent dog training. Without right observation, we cannot make correct assessments or respond appropriately and quickly enough to changes in the dog's behaviour. Suzanne Clothier has created a course that teaches us to do just this. Observation Skills - Part 1 is a step-by-step course that creates the foundations for truly seeing the dog/handler in front of us through a blend of theory and hands-on exercises that improve observation skills in just a few weeks. Just as importantly, this course has given me the tools to continue honing these skills in everyday life. The weekly Q&A sessions and the opportunity to learn directly from Suzanne Clothier through her responses to students' questions have been an invaluable addition that has further expanded my understanding of dog behaviour. This has been one of the most valuable courses I've taken as a dog trainer, and also one of the most enjoyable. For through observation we learn to be curious and open to reality, and this is one path towards greater joy. I highly recommend this excellent course to any animal lover and trainer. - Dr. Shlomit Harrosh

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5 star rating

Eye Opening

Gwen Grimm

I initially signed up thinking this course would be a skills learning course on observing dogs and maybe some interpretation of what we observed. I was pleasantly surprised when I discovered it was more about learning how to observe and what is i...

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I initially signed up thinking this course would be a skills learning course on observing dogs and maybe some interpretation of what we observed. I was pleasantly surprised when I discovered it was more about learning how to observe and what is involved in the process of observation, which is way more than I ever really thought about. The skill of observation is much more complicated and this course brought that to light and then some. Very interesting and I learned a lot about the skill of observation, relating it to the why and what, regardless of what I am observing at the moment. Looking forward to Observation Skills - Part 2!

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5 star rating

So much information!

lynda costello

I am not a trainer. But I want to learn how better to be a good dog owner. Am 82 in May and grateful to be able to take this course and expand my knowledge. Thank you!!!

I am not a trainer. But I want to learn how better to be a good dog owner. Am 82 in May and grateful to be able to take this course and expand my knowledge. Thank you!!!

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5 star rating

Great Introductory Course on Observation

Jacqueline Moreno

The ability to perceive details in interactions of individuals in their environment and between each other is the most important for a student of behaviour. This introductory course with Suzanne is a great gateway with the initial steps to develop...

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The ability to perceive details in interactions of individuals in their environment and between each other is the most important for a student of behaviour. This introductory course with Suzanne is a great gateway with the initial steps to develop that ability. Highly recommended!

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5 star rating

Appropriate title - implies there will be other parts

Margaret Legg

Extremely well done and useful course

Extremely well done and useful course

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5 star rating

It's not a checklist, it's a way to train your brain and use your senses to "see the dog"

Jody Greifenberger

Suzanne takes you through Observation Skills Part 1 course to lay the foundation you need to become a great observer. She is very generous with her time and this was invaluable to my learning. I'm looking forward to Part 2!

Suzanne takes you through Observation Skills Part 1 course to lay the foundation you need to become a great observer. She is very generous with her time and this was invaluable to my learning. I'm looking forward to Part 2!

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5 star rating

Observation Skills - Part 1

Patricia Rapaport

Suzanne is an awesome instructor and the course was fantastic. It improved my observational skills in a fun and practical way. The Q&As were thoughtful and helpful and Suzanne will stay in the session until all questions and comments have be...

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Suzanne is an awesome instructor and the course was fantastic. It improved my observational skills in a fun and practical way. The Q&As were thoughtful and helpful and Suzanne will stay in the session until all questions and comments have been completed. I can't wait to start Part 2. I have never been disappointed by any of the courses. I just keep learning more and more.

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Course curriculum

    1. How to use this course

    2. Observation Skills Part 1 From Your Instructor.pdf

    1. Schedule and Links for the Q&A sessions

    2. Week Two Q&A Recorded

    3. Week Three Q&A - Recorded

    4. Week Four Q&A Recorded

    5. Week Five Q&A - Recorded

    1. See the Dog: Improving Observation Skills Webinar

    2. DOWNLOAD Observation Deck

    3. EXERCISE Week One - Practical Practice

    1. Dog Trainer/Scientist?

    2. EXERCISE: Name That Behavior

    3. Seeing with Fresh Eyes: Be the Bee

    4. Week 1 Test your learning

    1. The Invisible Gorilla

    2. Field Notes & Creating Your Own Shorthand

    3. DOWNLOAD: Expert Feedback 10 Seconds to 100% Border Collie

    4. 10 seconds to 100% Border Collie Evaluation

    5. EXERCISE Week Two - Practical Practice

    1. PUPPY COMPARISON - Circuit, no food

    2. PUPPY COMPARISON - Circuit, with food

    3. Week 2 Test your learning

    4. BONUS: Touch is Complex

About this course

  • $375.00
  • 66 lessons

Register now!

Find the pricing option that's best for you, and grab your spot now!

FAQ

  • 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. Join us!

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

    No - while this course is the next step after Intro to CARAT, it and Observation Skills Part 2 are a stand alone series of courses. You do have to complete Observation Skills Part 1 before moving on to Part 2. They are open to anyone interested in learning how to really SEE THE DOG in new ways.

  • Is this course part of the CARAT Certification path?

    Yes, this is the next step after Intro to CARAT. Both Observation Skills Part 1 and Observation Skills Part 2 are requirements for CARAT Certification.

  • 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 10 AM EST starting November 12th. 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.

  • Are CEUs available?

    Yes, CEUs are available for IAABC, KPA and PPAB. We are sorry we cannot offer CEUs for CCPDT, they do not approve them.