Treat/Retreat Certification

Treat/Retreat was developed by Suzanne Clothier back in the early 1990s. For more than 30 years, Treat/Retreat has helped shy, fearful & socially awkward dogs around the world.

This powerfully effective technique is used to help socially shy dogs master the intricacies of feeling comfortable interacting with and being around people. 

Treat/Retreat is a dog-centric technique that is force-free, and one that does not use negative reinforcement. Instead, respect for the dog’s boundaries, arousal and abilities are combined with nuanced observation and engagement of SEEKING to help build the dog’s skills. 

Using thin slices, Treat/Retreat helps the dog develop skills in comfortable ways that are readily generalized. This technique is useful in class settings as well as private lessons, in-home work, and in shelter/rescues.

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A Message from Suzanne

There is a huge need for techniques that focus on the socially shy or fearful dog.

This course helps you develop great depth of knowledge and skill in applying Treat/Retreat in nuanced ways, and puts a wealth of new tools in your training tool kit.

Truly mastering Treat/Retreat is key to helping the shy, fearful & socially awkward dogs in your care.

Learning how to structure and teach Treat/Retreat classes or one-on-one private sessions sets you apart from other trainers.

Students who successfully complete the course and the certification requirement of 3 case studies will be listed at Suzanne Clothier's website as a CTRI (Certified Treat/Retreat Instructor).

There are many inaccurate (and potentially harmful) versions of Treat/Retreat out there, put forth by trainers who lack the knowledge and skill. This course moves you into a deep understanding of the complete Treat/Retreat program.

From the anxious to the overly aroused dogs, you can help improve the quality of dogs' lives and build their skills.

Treat/Retreat is a must-have technique for any professional trainer working with shy, fearful or socially awkward dogs.

  • Approaching
  • Interactions
  • Postures and gestures
  • Orchestrated greetings
  • Moving
  • Groups
  • Humans as training equipment

WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT FROM TREAT/RETREAT

This course is a Master Class for those interested in becoming certified in Treat/Retreat.

In Depth Written and Video Lessons

This course contains over 150 lessons, including extensive videos of dogs working through all stages of Treat-Retreat.

Access to Suzanne

Throughout the course you be invited to join group discussions through an online community and regular instructor led Zoom sessions throughout the course and case studies.

Certification

Those who complete three case studies will become certified Treat/Retreat Instructors, and be listed on Suzanne's website.

For those successfully completing the course, CEUs are available for these organizations: IAABC - 32 CEUs; PPAB - 36 CEUs; CCPDT - 30 CEUs (trainers)

A superb, joyful and powerful learning experience

As you work through the steps, you can feel the level of thought and attention to detail that has gone into making sure you have what you need to progress, and I was very aware that the creators really cared about my learning experience being a happy one. The text and video materials are first rate and the tutors are exceptional; delivering support and feedback with expertise, humour, kindness and patience. The technique itself is a game-changer and I feel privileged to have learned such a powerful and flexible tool to help families with dogs who struggle around people. Seeing the changes in the dogs as they learn and progress is humbling and joyful. It changes lives! Suzanne’s wealth of knowledge and experience and her generosity as a teacher are inspiring and heart warming.

I am delighted to recommend this course to any trainer who wants to learn a powerful and effective technique they can trust and which makes perfect sense to dogs.

Sarah Whiffen Canine Behavior and Training Advisor

Watching the dogs transform as they discover skills they never knew they had — phenomenal! If you’re in the business of helping dogs, you need this course.

Cindy Knowlton CPDT-KA, CNWI, CCA

This is a powerful protocol and should be in every professional’s toolkit!! Suzanne provides regular meetings with open discussion and dialogue to ensure you are supported throughout the course. The course is rich in detail and easy to move through at your own pace. Highly recommended!

Jody Greifenberger CPDT-KA

I have been training dogs for over 20 years, and continuing my education is very important to me. I had read handouts on T/R, but reading about it doesn’t do it justice. There is a methodical process that goes into it, and learning it from the one who came up with the technique is the only way to implement the concepts. Suzanne does a great job of breaking down all of these concepts in a way that both beginners and seasoned trainers will benefit from. She makes it personal and easy to learn, but also challenging. I would recommend this course to both professionals and individuals who want to help and understand the fearful dog.

Britte Holman CPDT-KA

Course curriculum

    1. An Introduction to Treat Retreat

    2. Treat/Retreat FAQ

      FREE PREVIEW

    3. Meet Your Instructors

    4. How to use this course

    5. Working with Suzanne Clothier as an Instructor

    6. Goals & Expectations

    7. Q&A Sessions

    1. Overview

    2. What Treat-Retreat is Not

    3. What Doesn't Work

    4. The Evolution of Treat-Retreat

    5. The Treat-Retreat Webinar

    6. Generalization of Behavior

    7. Terminology

    8. The SEEKING system

    9. Treat-Retreat Overview Discussion Group

    10. QUIZ - Treat-Retreat Overview

    11. Treat/Retreat - Learned Helplessness Revisited

    12. Treat/Retreat Workbook

    1. What the Dog's Body Tells You

    2. The Geometry of Canine Body Language

    3. Will Treat-Retreat Help This Dog?

    4. Assessing the Individual Dog for Treat-Retreat

    5. Reading Body Language Discussion Group

    6. Reading Body Language Module Quiz

    1. Stages & Progress

    2. Safe & Unsafe Zones

    3. Set Up & Equipment

    4. Your Treat-Retreat Skills

    5. Handlers

    6. Helpers

    7. Bonus Material: HELP THE HANDLER, Help the Dog

    8. Getting Ready Dicussion Group

    1. Selecting Treats

    2. Using Treats

    3. Using Treats for Placement and to Guide

    4. Working Parallel

    5. Using Treats Effectively Discussion Group

    6. QUIZ Using Treats

    1. Goals for APPROACH

    2. Finding the Start

    3. Getting on the Dog's Radar

    4. Giving Dog Chance to Set Himself

    5. Starting Treat-Retreat Discussion Group

    6. QUIZ - Starting Treat-Retreat

About this course

  • $1,499.00
  • 168 lessons

CAN YOU MEET THE COURSE REQUIREMENTS

  • Ability to record videos
  • Ability to upload videos to either YouTube or Vimeo to share with instructors through links
  • Ability to create, download and open Word documents
  • Ability to open and read PDFs and fillable PDFs
  • Ability to work with dogs and people to complete the case study requirements (these do not have to be clients, but they have to be appropriate for the case study requirements)
  • For Treat/Retreat there are THREE case studies, and you must exhibit your ability to do all progressions of Treat/Retreat.
  • Please remember, Treat/Retreat often requires a lot of space, and for the dog to be off-leash. If you do not have access to a secure, open space such as a training room or a fenced in yard, you may not be able to complete the requirements of this course.
  • If you have any concerns on being able to meet these requirements, please e-mail us at [email protected] prior to signing up.

Pricing options

Non-profit discounts and some scholarships available. See details above!

Are you with a 501c3 Rescue or Shelter?

We offer a 20% non-profit discount! Reach out to find out how to take advantage.

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FAQ

  • Is this course self-paced or scheduled?

    This course will begin January 15, 2023. Content will be dripped out at a reasonable pace that assumes professionals will spend 2-4 hours per week with the material. You may opt to move at a slower pace, of course. Instructor support via scheduled bi-weekly Q&A sessions cover the first 6 months. After that, monthly Q&As are scheduled through October, with the expectation that students will be finishing their assignments and submitting their case studies for certification. You have access to the course for one full year.

  • How are students supported in this course?

    Suzanne has a reputation as a generous teacher who provides strong support for all her students. For the first 6 months, you will have access to Suzanne via regularly scheduled bi-weekly Zoom meetings, as well as online discussions.

  • How long do I have access to the course materials?

    You will have a full year of access to the materials. Of course, the course information that you download is yours to keep.

  • I'm not a professional but I like helping shy/fearful dogs. Is this course right for me?

    This course is intended for dog training professionals. You may wish to check out our Treat-Retreat webinar for basic information that will help non-professionals get started with a shy or fearful dog.

  • How much does the course cost?

    The Treat-Retreat Certification Course is $1495.00. You may spread your payments out with 3 easy monthly payments of $515.00. We do offer needs-based scholarship (see below). The cost of this course is quickly recouped by trainers offering approved Treat/Retreat classes or sessions. Example: 6 dogs in a Treat/Retreat class @ $250 per dog for six weeks = $1500.00

  • What is your refund policy?

    Once you have enrolled, there are no refunds. Please be sure that the course for which you are registering is suitable for your needs and that you have the understanding or experience to make good use of the materials. Also be sure that you can commit to the time required to complete the course.

  • What are the technical requirements of the course?

    To complete the course you must have the ability to record and upload videos to either YouTube or Vimeo, the ability to create, download and open Microsoft Word documents and the ability to open and read PDFs and fillable PDFs.

  • What are the case study requirements?

    You will need the ability to work with dogs and people to complete the case study requirements (these do not have to be clients, but they have to be appropriate for the case study requirements). For Treat-Retreat there are THREE case studies required. In these, you need to exhibit your skill in working through all progressions of Treat-Retreat. This does not mean every dog has to move through all progressions. Please remember, Treat-Retreat often requires a lot of space, and for the dog to be off-leash. If you do not have access to a secure, open space such as a training room or a fenced in yard, you may not be able to complete the requirements of this course. If you have any concerns on being able to meet these requirements, please e-mail us at [email protected] prior to signing up.

  • Do you offer scholarships?

    We are working trainers, and small business owners, so we understand what that means in real life. We are glad to offer a limited number of needs-based Treat/Retreat scholarship under these terms: (1) One scholarship per person per year. (2) You verify that you understand the Treat/Retreat scholarship is supported by Suzanne Clothier & Alissa Mosier personally, and offered on the honor system. You will not utilize a scholarship unless you have significant need. (3) The Shelter Staff scholarship is a 50% discount, so you are responsible for paying 1/2 of the full registration fee. The Needs Based Scholarship is a 25% discount. (4) Treat/Retreat scholarship recipients may not register for any additional courses until they have successfully completed the Treat/Retreat course. Webinars or memberships are not included in that enrollment restriction. Please visit https://suzanneclothier.com/scholarship-application/ for a scholarship application.

Instructors

Suzanne Clothier

Senior Instructor

Suzanne Clothier has been working with animals professionally since 1977, with a deep, broadly varied background of experience including obedience training, agility, Search & Rescue, kennel management, and program development. She is well respected for her humane, effective Relationship Centered Training (RCT™) approach to dogs and the people that love them. She has taught on a broad range of topics throughout the world. Her tools and materials have been put to use in guide & service dog organizations, in animal assisted therapy, for every day pet owners, and by trainers, breeders, veterinarians, academics and in research. Her work has been presented in multiple international conferences. Her book, Bones Would Rain from the Sky: Deepening Our Relationships With Dogs (Warner, 2002) has received wide spread praise from every corner of the dog world. A German Shepherd breeder, her 11 generations of Hawks Hunt German Shepherds have been successful as competitive performance sports, as well as in Search & Rescue, herding, therapy work and of course as beloved companions. Suzanne lives on an upstate New York with her incredibly tolerant husband John Rice.

Alissa Mosier

Instructor/Curriculum Development

Alissa Mosier has been working in the dog rescue community for over ten years, as a foster, consultant and current board member for Peppertree Rescue, Inc. Four years ago she made her passion her profession and officially donned the title of dog trainer. While some may recognize Alissa as the "Webinar Fairy" for Suzanne Clothier, her skills extend far beyond the keyboard. With a BS in Television/Radio/Film from Syracuse University, a MS in Childhood Education from the College of St. Rose, and a CPDT-KA through the The Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers® Alissa has an ecclectic set of talents that she is happy to share. For the last two years Alissa has been working alongside Suzanne as Program & Course Development Director , as well as behind the camera, to help bring many RCT projects to life, including Treat-Retreat. Working in the Capital Region of New York Alissa's professional focus ranges from classes for puppies and adolescents to senior dogs (just ask her about Low Impact Agility!). But her heart remains with rescue dogs, and she lists Treat-Retreat as one of the must have skills for those in rescue, or trainers working in rescue. Alissa not only employs Treat-Retreat with her clients (and her own personal dog) she was behind the camera for most of the video in this course, and spent many, many hours editing it. She will serve as your tour guide to the material, offering insight and support while Suzanne brings the expertise.