Really SEE THE DOG

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." Includes 8 modules (two are released every Monday for 4 weeks), 5 weekly Q&A sessions via Zoom, begin Nov 12 at 2 PM EST.. CEUs pending for PPAB, IAABC, KPA.

  • Accurate observations are at the heart of great training - and great relationships. When we see more about each dog, we can make more informed choices to support their well-being, and to promote humane training.

  • This course takes you deeper into observation skills. You'll learn about different types of recording observations, knowing what you need to know, multiple aspect observations, and how details of body language create important context for understanding behavior in deeply nuanced ways.

  • 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.

  • This course has a pre-requisite: Observation Skills Part 1. If you have not yet taken that course, please do!

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

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.

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 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.

  • 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 t hat 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.

  • Are there CEUs available?

    CEUs are pending for IAABC, PPAB and KPA.