Suzanne Clothier 2-Day Workshop

Join us for 2 days of incredible relationship centered learning where you’ll have the privilege to learn from one of the most respected and well known dog behavior and dog training experts on the planet, Suzanne Clothier.   Suzanne's work is grounded in science yet balanced with heart and humor.  Above all, this workshop – like everything Suzanne teaches – will help you strengthen your relationship, build trust and help your dog (and you!) gain new confidence.  This is an event you don't want to miss!

ABOUT THE PRESENTER Suzanne Clothier has been working with animals professionally since 1977. Her positive and humane approach, Relationship Centered Training™ (RCT) promotes healthy, respectful and joyful dog/human connections. The author of Bones Would Rain from the Sky: Deepening Our Relationships With Dogs (2002) and many other titles and videos, her innovative programs include Treat/Retreat, the Enriched Puppy Protocol, CARAT™, RAT™, FAT™, as well as many RCT techniques, online courses and webinars. A trainer of trainers, she has taught on a broad range of topics throughout the US and internationally, and served as a consultant to major service dog schools. As someone who always has 6 or more dogs, she's always raising a teenage dog!

DAY ONE will be all about:  SEE THE DOG: NEW WAYS TO UNDERSTAND YOUR BEST FRIEND.  One of the best things about dogs is how hard they try to communicate with us. They use their eyes, their bodies, even their voice, and of course, those amazing tails!
We can trust our dogs to tell us the truth about how they are feeling in any moment, and that is an incredible gift in any relationship.
But did you ever wonder if maybe you’re not quite getting the message? Or if you’ve misunderstood your dog? Or perhaps you just want to learn more, more, more! This seminar is taught by internationally respected trainer Suzanne Clothier, whose approach encompasses the whole dog – physical, mental and emotional.

DAY TWO will be split into two parts.  The morning topic will be: THE BRAIN UNDER CONSTRUCTION: UNDERSTANDING YOUR ADOLESCENT DOG - This workshop will provide a deeper understanding of this amazing phase of canine development, with practical advice on helping your teenage dog grow into a wonderful adult dog. The kind of adult dog that makes people say, “Oh, I wish I had a dog just like that!” while you smile and wonder if they knew him as a teenager.  We will wrap up the workshop with the second half of the day's topic: I'VE GOT YOUR BACK: HELPING YOUR SHY & FEARFUL DOG -   It can be heartbreaking to see your dog afraid or anxious.  There is a confusing assortment of advice out there if your dog is shy, fearful, or anxious. How do you know what to try? How do you know if it’s even working?  This workshop will provide practical advice to help you help your dog. While we do not have any magic wands, you’ll learn:
 How anxiety and fear affect learning
 The contributions of temperament and experience
 What are the triggers, thresholds and recovery time

We’ll also explore some commonly encountered myths about fearful & shy dogs as well as keys to helping your fearful, anxious, and/or shy dog.

Lunch both days will be on your own. Light snacks, water, tea and coffee will be provided during both days. 

There will be an welcome gathering at Willy T's, Friday evening prior to the start of the workshop weekend for those who wish to attend and mingle with your fellow dog lovers.  We have a party room reserved from 4 pm - 8 pm with a dedicated menu.  Drinks and food are at your own expense.  The bar and restaurant are open later for those who wish to stay longer.

You may register for one or both of the days of the workshop.  You save $20 when you register for both days.  

We are offering 1 "STERLING GILLIS K-9 SEARCH & RESCUE SCHOLARSHIP" if you are currently working with a SAR dog.  IF you want to apply, please take advantage of the scholarships only out of true need, as they do come right out of Suzanne's own pocket. For those wanting to apply for the "Sterling Gillis" K-9 Search & Rescue Scholarship, please reach out to Nicole at nhitch@balancedcaninesmn.com for an application.  

Suzanne will be using demo dogs on both days.  If you are interested in applying to have your dog be a demo dog, please reach out to Nicole at nhitch@balancedcaninesmn.com with "Demo Dog Application Request" in the subject area and she will put you on the list to be notified when applications become available in the spring.  Suzanne will be selecting dogs from those that are attending and apply and will make her decision 10 days prior to the event.  There is no extra cost to this.

All ticket sales are final and there are no refunds unless we can fill your seat.  For questions about this event, reach out to Nicole at nhitch@balancedcaninesmn.com.  

For Hotel Accommodations, we do have a block of rooms set aside for this workshop at the Holiday Inn, 5637 MN-29, Alexandria, MN 56308, there are also a number of other hotels very close to the Holiday Inn as well if you prefer other accommodations.  

This event is hosted by Balanced Canines and Glacial Ridge Veterinary Clinic.