Treat/Retreat
Master Class Certification Course - Register at any time!
Treat/Retreat was developed by Suzanne Clothier back in the early 1990s, and helped shy, fearful & socially awkward dogs around the world develop the skill set they need.
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.
Treat/Retreat works through multiple layers of social interactions:
Treat/Retreat is a must-have technique for any professional trainer working with shy, fearful or socially awkward dogs. From the anxious to the overly aroused dogs, you can help improve the quality of dogs' lives and build their skills.
This course is a Master Class for those interested in becoming certified in Treat/Retreat.
The structure and content of this course are superb. 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...
Read MoreThe structure and content of this course are superb. 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. The warmth and humour in her delivery is captivating and just great fun as well! And the well-being of dog is always, always at the centre of everything, just as it should be. 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.
Read LessWatching 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.
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.
Read LessTheses introduction subjects have been enlightening. I particularly enjoy the discussion topics and opportunities to get Suzanne's comments and guidance.
Theses introduction subjects have been enlightening. I particularly enjoy the discussion topics and opportunities to get Suzanne's comments and guidance.
Read LessThis course in just the first module has proven that when we put the ownership on the learner (dog), we have a positive outcome. I’ve learned so much about the “seeking” mode too. I can’t wait to continue the learnings!
This course in just the first module has proven that when we put the ownership on the learner (dog), we have a positive outcome. I’ve learned so much about the “seeking” mode too. I can’t wait to continue the learnings!
Read LessI especially like the information that concentrates on the importance of understanding the SEEK instinct. This is SO GOOD!
I especially like the information that concentrates on the importance of understanding the SEEK instinct. This is SO GOOD!
Read LessGreat course and learning!
Great course and learning!
Read LessWritten and video lessons.
Extensive videos of dogs working through all stages of Treat-Retreat.
Access to Suzanne and group discussions through an online community and regular instructor led Zoom sessions throughout the course and case studies.
Certification to those who successfully complete three case studies.
For those successfully completing the course, CEUs are available for these organizations: IAABC - 32 CEUs; PPAB - 36 CEUs; CCPDT - 30 CEUs (trainers)
An Introduction to Treat Retreat
Treat/Retreat FAQ
FREE PREVIEWMeet Your Instructors
How to use this course
Working with Suzanne Clothier as an Instructor
Goals & Expectations
Treat/Retreat Workbook
Overview
What Treat-Retreat is Not
What Doesn't Work
The Evolution of Treat-Retreat
The Treat-Retreat Webinar
Generalization of Behavior
Terminology
The SEEKING system
Treat-Retreat Overview Discussion Group
QUIZ - Treat-Retreat Overview
Treat/Retreat - Learned Helplessness Revisited
What the Dog's Body Tells You
The Geometry of Canine Body Language
Will Treat-Retreat Help This Dog?
Assessing the Individual Dog for Treat-Retreat
Reading Body Language Discussion Group
Reading Body Language Module Quiz
Stages & Progress
Safe & Unsafe Zones
Set Up & Equipment
Your Treat-Retreat Skills
Handlers
Helpers
Bonus Material: HELP THE HANDLER, Help the Dog
Getting Ready Dicussion Group
Selecting Treats
Using Treats
Using Treats for Placement and to Guide
Working Parallel
Using Treats Effectively Discussion Group
QUIZ Using Treats
Goals for APPROACH
Finding the Start
Getting on the Dog's Radar
Giving Dog Chance to Set Himself
Starting Treat-Retreat Discussion Group
QUIZ - Starting Treat-Retreat
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.
There is a huge need for techniques that focus on the socially shy or fearful dog. Learning how to structure and teach Treat/Retreat classes or one-on-one private sessions sets you apart from other trainers. 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. 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).
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.
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.
You will have a full year of access to the materials. Of course, the course information that you download is yours to keep.
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.
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
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.
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.
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 Courses@SuzanneClothier.com prior to signing up.
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.
Please read through the course requirements and make sure you are able to meet them BEFORE ENROLLING.
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 Courses@SuzanneClothier.com prior to signing up.