presenting:
Suzanne Clothier
PRACTICAL EXERCISES FOR RESOLVING
CANINE REACTIVITY
A hands-on training webinar in 4 sessions
10 CEUs CCPDT/IAABC
WHEN:
2 1/2 hr sessions on:
July 16, 17, 23 & 24, 2024
10 AM PST/11 AM Mountain/12 pm Central/1 PM Eastern
Or watch the recordings afterwards!
RATES:
Early Bird Rates through May 31
Individuals $99
($ 119 after May 31)
Groups 4+ $89
($109 after May 31)
Above rates cover all 4 sessions!
Registrants have unlimited access to the recordings for 1 year, whether they make the live sessions or not.
Practical step-by-step advice from, a world renowned, positive reinforcement expert, on this critical problem!
SUMMARY
Clothier’s client friendly techniques harness the voluntary actions of dogs that handlers can reinforce to minimize reactivity. The 3 key skills to accomplish this are:
1. “Auto Check-In” (ACI): Teaches a dog to maintain connection with a handler while developing the handler’s skill to sustain it;
2. Politeness Poker: Frequently exchanging rewards for desired K9 behaviors to constantly enhance the connection, and
3. Really Real Relaxation (RRR) -Teaches shared relaxation- so the dog learns to disengage from triggering stimuli and redirect focus onto the handler/client.
Suzanne’s clear instructions & accompanying videos allow your clients to readily learn each skill.
ABOUT SUZANNE
Suzanne Clothier is one of the pioneers of positive, force-free training.
Her renowned Relationship Centered Training (RCT™) has been presented at Assistance Dogs International-NA, Wolf Park, APDT-Association of Pet Dog Trainers, FEMA, Alaskan Dog Musher Assoc., the University of MN SPEAK Conference, Pet Professional Guild Geek Week, Lemonade & many other conferences worldwide.
Her book Bones Would Rain from the Sky: Deepening Our Relationships With Dogs (Warner, 2002) was twice voted a “Top 5 Book” by the Wall Street Journal.
SESSION DETAIL
SESSION 1: JULY 16, 2024
The "Auto Check-In" (ACI): This RCT foundation exercise serves as a fundamental component in teaching a dog to maintain connection with its handler, and to develop the handler’s skill in maintaining awareness of and connection with the dog.
The goal is to capture and reinforce voluntary eye contact from the dog, without prompting or cues. Key tools in implementing the ACI exercise include the use of food rewards as well as real-life rewards, and handler awareness of the dog and arousal level. Based in voluntary behavior from the dog, the ACI is easily taught, and surpasses cued behaviors in strength and the ease with which dogs generalize this skill.
For the fearful or anxious dog, this interaction with the handler can be deeply reassuring. For the more excitable dog, this voluntary disengagement from triggering stimuli is powerful. Whatever end of the reactivity spectrum the dog may be on, when the dog has volunteered their attention to the handler, and is accordingly reinforced, there is an opportunity to provide support, direction, or even retreat as needed.
This exercise is particularly effective to monitor arousal levels in the dog. The dog’s ability to offer an Auto Check-in provides important information for the handler at any situation. Is this a training situation or a management moment? The ACI skill can be developed to a high degree of fluency in controlled set-ups as well as real life “training in the wild” conditions.
By consistently practicing the ACI exercise, handlers can strengthen their bond with their dogs and foster a heightened level of responsiveness and focus, even in distracting or triggering environments.
SESSION 2: JULY 17, 2024
Puppy Politeness Poker (PPP): Utilizing real-life rewards, tailored to each individual dog, Puppy Politeness Poker is a powerful strategy for reinforcing desired behaviors. This approach goes beyond traditional training methods by tapping into what the dog finds inherently rewarding or enjoyable.
It is not limited to puppies; dogs of all ages and training experience can benefit from this RCT technique. Handlers of adolescent dogs find PPP particularly beneficial for keeping the teenage brain tuned in and cooperative.
Handlers learn to put intrinsic motivation to good use to help the dog develop self-control and be attentively cooperative even when excited. PPP asks the dog for established behaviors in exchange for the real-life rewards that the dog values.
This strengthens the bond between the dog and handler, as it encourages clear communication and teaches the dog to self-regulate. The result? Behaviors are generated willingly and with awareness rather than through rote obedience or anticipation.
Moreover, this method can help reduce instances of aggressive demands or frustration in dogs, as it fosters a positive and interactive relationship based on clear communication, mutual understanding, and cooperation.
Consistency and frequency are key; incorporating these exchanges into simply daily interactions with the dog reinforces desired behaviors effectively over time.
SESSION 3: JULY 23, 2024
Really Real Relaxation (RRR): Really Real Relaxation is a simple but profoundly effective technique that promotes authentic relaxation in the dog and handler. This is an interactive exercise where the dog and handler learn to relax with each other.
As with other RCT techniques, RRR emphasizes volunteered behavior. While RRR begins with the handler in a relaxed position luring the dog into a down position, the goal is for the dog to volunteer to lay down without prompting.
In that simple choice lies the power of RRR: the dog is in control of its own arousal. The relaxation that occurs is genuine, not simply a trained approximation.
While easy to teach, RRR does require the handler to be patient and wait calmly for the dog to offer the desired behavior naturally. Repeated practice in numerous locations builds the dog’s ability to control its arousal while remaining connected to and aware of the handler.
Over time, this consistent practice fosters a critical level of self-control in the dog, reducing arousal levels and promoting relaxation even in potentially high-stress situations.
Both the handler and the dog learn to navigate challenging environments with composure and mutual understanding, strengthening their bond and promoting a harmonious relationship built on trust and cooperation.
SESSION 4: JULY 24, 2024
Applied RCT Techniques: Once the dog and handler have learned these RCT techniques, the next step is putting these foundation skills to use. With an understanding of thresholds and triggers, handlers can assess the dog’s arousal in any situation to determine if management is needed, or if the conditions are suitable for practicing.
Effective training means avoiding “training in the wild” where the situation and triggers are not controlled. Inevitably, this approach fails. The dog and handler need opportunities to successfully practice the new skills and develop fluency prior to the presentation of triggering stimuli and real-life situations.
Handlers will learn ways to create deliberate set-ups that control the distance, intensity, and duration of triggers, before finally putting the skills to work. The progressions from learning the RCT skills to application in real life situations takes time and practice, and this session provides the understanding to be successful.
Suzanne will lead a comprehensive course spanning four sessions, where each exercise and their practical application will be thoroughly explained and demonstrated. Through clear narration and accompanying videos, handlers and their clients will gain valuable insights and practical tools to effectively manage reactivity issues in their dogs. The step-by-step guidance provided by Suzanne ensures that handlers can implement the exercises with confidence and precision.
By participating in this course, handlers will learn how to create a supportive environment for their dogs, promoting positive experiences and building healthier, more harmonious relationships. Through consistent practice and reinforcement, dogs can overcome their reactivity challenges and develop greater confidence and social competence.
SPEAKER PROFILE
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.
First listed in Who’s Who in Dogs back in 1997, she has taught in the US, Canada, Belgium, Holland, Italy, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, the UK, Ireland and Poland for groups as varied as Assistance Dogs International-NA, Wolf Park, APDT-Association of Pet Dog Trainers, FEMA, Alaskan Dog Musher Association, the University of Minnesota’s Nature Based Therapeutics conference, SPEAK Conference, Pet Professional Guild Geek Week, Lemonade & many other national and international conferences, and for training groups and clubs.
Suzanne is well respected for her humane, effective Relationship Centered Training (RCT™) approach to dogs and the people that love them. She is the author of the widely acclaimed Bones Would Rain from the Sky: Deepening Our Relationships With Dogs (Warner, 2002) - twice voted a Top 5 book by the Wall Street Journal, and considered a classic in the field.Website: www.suzanneclothier.com
Your Questions Answered
CAN I PURCHASE THE PROGRAM LATER?
No! For copyright reasons this webinar series will not be offered as an onDemand program to new buyers after the live sessions are over. Whether you make the live sessions or are unable to attend, you will have unlimited access to the recordings for 1 year and can earn CEUs.
WHAT IS THE SEMINAR SCHEDULE?
Each of the 4 sessions is about 2 1/2 hours of presentation including our live Q/A of 30 minutes.
Each session will start at 10:00 AM PST/11 AM Mountain/ 12 PM Central and 1 PM East Coast Time.
CAN I WATCH IT LATER ON?
Yes, you will have unlimited access to the recordings for 1 year once they are posted after the initial broadcast.
HOW ABOUT CEU'S?
If you are CCPDT or IAABC certified trainer, there are 10 CEUs available whether you participate in the live sessions or watch the recordings after. When ordering the seminar ticket, there is a box where you enter your CCPDT 7-digit number. After the conference finishes, we will provide the number to CCPDT. For IAABC we will provide the code to upload to your account.
WEBINAR FEES
Below rates cover all 4 sessions! Registrants have unlimited access to the recordings for 1 year, whether they make the live sessions or not.
Early Bird Rates through May 31, 2024. Rates go up $10 per ticket on Jun1, 2024!