This is a Dog & Bone event, in association with www.dogologydogs.co.uk
15 July 2025 - 9am to 5pm.
The Plough at Leigh, Leigh Rd, Hildenborough, Tonbridge TN11 9AJ
SEE THE DOG: A Relationship Centered Training Approach to Understanding Dogs
This seminar is suitable for:
- Dog owners / guardians / companions
- Dog sports competitors
- Dog Trainers
- All dog professionals
What will be covered
- Relationship Centered Training – core concepts
- CARAT - understanding each dog as a complex, unique constellation of temperament traits.
- The Elemental Questions – 6 questions at the heart of all animal/human interactions.
- Practical RCT Skills for All Dogs - Take home some new skills to try!
Further Information
SEE THE DOG with Suzanne Clothier
It seems a simple goal: an enjoyable, mutually rewarding relationship with dogs. But like the proverbial brass ring, this kind of dog/human relationship can seem out of reach. No matter how many training books you read, no matter how many classes you attend, no matter which equipment and techniques you try, you may find yourself still confused, even frustrated with a dog – or simply want to deepen your understanding.
This one-day workshop with Suzanne Clothier will give you exciting new ways to think about dogs and our relationships with them. Suzanne’s work focuses on keeping the relationship central, respecting the individual dog and human, and aiming for a mutually satisfying connection. Her ground-breaking approach has helped dogs and people around the world find sensible, effective ways to build connection and improve communication by building a strong foundation.
Whether you are enjoying life with a couch warming companion or aiming for a champion performance, a just starting trainer or a top pro helping others with their dogs, this workshop will give you a framework that will change how you SEE THE DOG.
Suzanne will cover:
- RCT: Relationship Centered Training – 3 core concepts, 9 keys of relationship, plus Fruits & Veggies training game. RCT rests on Communication, Commitment, and Connection. Learn how the RCT framework helps you find the strengths and frailties of each relationship.
- CARAT: Ethology of the Individual - understanding each dog as a complex, unique constellation of temperament traits. Regardless of age, breed or experience, every dog is an individual with their own particular preferences, talents, strengths and limitations. Humane training begins with a clear understanding of temperament and how it affects all you do with that specific dog.
- The Elemental Questions – 6 questions at the heart of all animal/human interactions. These Elemental Questions provide a wealth of answers when we know how to ask them and how to listen to the answers. Hello? Who are you? How is this for you? Can you. . .? May I . . ? and Can we . . .? are game changers.
- SEE THE DOG: Practical RCT Skills for All Dogs - Learn to recognise the Think & Learn Zone (TLZ) vs “sticky” and why it matters for communication, learning, and performance. The value of the Auto Check-in and your dog’s built-in Arousal-o-Meter, and the power of Really Real Relaxation. Take home some new skills to try!
This seminar is taught by internationally respected trainer Suzanne Clothier, whose approach encompasses the whole dog – physical, mental and emotional. The late veterinary behaviorist, Dr R.K. Anderson called her, “One of the best observer of dogs I’ve ever seen.”
Suzanne’s enjoyable and humorous teaching style will open your eyes to what each dog can tell you, when you know how to see and listen. RCT will help you to fine tune your training approach, understand behaviour or training challenges, and appreciate the qualities that contribute to or strain a relationship. Step away from formulas, and embrace the dog in front of you. Join us, and learn more about the dogs that enrich our lives.
To find out more about Suzanne, check 'about the speaker' on the right hand side of this page.
To find out about nearby accommodation, visit www.dog-and-bone.co.uk/accommodation.
Please see the "FAQ" section to the right of this page for more information. We will email all attendees with further information nearer to the event.
SEE THE DOG with Suzanne Clothier
Q. If I can’t come, can someone else come in my place?
A. Yes, that’s fine, we just need their name and contact details before the event.
Q. Will I receive a certificate of attendance?
A. All attendees will receive a certificate of attendance which can be used as evidence of CPD.
Q. Will I receive a printed ticket?
A. No, but you will receive confirmation of your place and further information via e-mail.
Q. Are refreshments included?
A. Complimentary tea, coffee and biscuits will be available. Lunch TBC but there will be the option of purchasing a reasonably priced lunch at the venue.
Q. Can I bring my dog?
A. This is a spoken event without participating dogs. Any dogs (apart from assistance dogs) will need to stay in vehicles during the event, as long as they are suitably modified for the weather conditions. It is essential any mess is cleared up and taken away with you.
Q. Can students get discounts?
A. Students can get a 10% discount by using the coupon code STUDENT. They will need to provide one of the following (valid at the date of the seminar) either in advance or on the day…
- Totum Card
- University Student ID Card
- International Student Identity Card (ISIC)
- Student travel card
- Student Debit Card
- Student Beans Card
Q. Can charity workers get discounts?
A. Charity workers can get a 10% discount by using the coupon code CHARITY. Please email us once you have booked your ticket with something to show you work for a charity.
Q. What is the refund policy?
A. For information about refunds and other terms, please visit the Terms and Conditions page (blue section, point number 15)
Q. Where can I stay locally?
A. We have a list of possible accommodation at https://www.dog-and-bone.co.uk/accommodation. We do not personally recommend any particular accommodation and do not guarantee these are the closest or cheapest, or best!
Q. Will the event be recorded / will photos be taken?
A. Photos and videos are often taken by Dog & Bone at their events, either for social media, advertising or for videos of the events. If you do not want to appear on any media, please let us know at the beginning of each day.
Suzanne Clothier has worked with animals professionally since 1977, with a background includes obedience, agility, puppy testing, breeding, Search and Rescue, conformation, instructing, kennel management and AAT.
Her Relationship Centered Training™ approach blends science and heart to create humane, effective and practical solutions for dogs and the people who work with them, whether professional working dogs or couch warming companions.
A “trainer’s trainer”, Suzanne has long been in demand as a speaker at conferences around the world. She has taught on a broad variety of topics throughout the US and internationally for groups as varied as Wolf Park, FEMA (Northeast Region Disaster Dog Teams), Alaskan Dog Musher Association, Assistance Dogs International NA, Association of Professional Dog Trainers, and University of MN’s SPEAK! conference. She is a popular speaker at online conferences such as Geek Week! and the Lemonade Conferences.
An innovative trainer always seeking better ways to understand, assess and improve what we do with and for dogs, Suzanne has published a variety of books, DVDs, online courses and training tools. Her ground breaking 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, and is considered a classic in the field.
Her tools and materials have been put to use for every day pet owners, by trainers, breeders, veterinarians, in guide & service dog organizations, in animal assisted therapy, and by academics and in research. She serves as a consultant to guide and service dog organizations around the world, with her RCT materials, innovative assessment tools and Enriched Puppy Protocol being incorporated into their programs.
Her suite of assessment tools provide a powerful framework for trainers and organizations:
- RAT™ (Relationship Assessment Tool) – handler/dog dynamics, rapid assessment plus ability to track and compare
- CARAT™ (Clothier Animal Response Assessment Tool) – temperament assessment on 6 categories, 21 dimensions
- FAT™ (Functional Assessment Tool) – a ground-breaking app provides functionality/welfare assessment across physiological, social and cognitive dimensions
A long time breeder of German Shepherds, 11 generations of her dogs have been successful in multiple dog sports, SAR, therapy work, and as guide dog breeding stock. Her Enriched Puppy Protocol (EPP) reflects her deep understanding of how to provide age-appropriate challenges to create puppies that are connected, confident, coordinate and capable. EPP has been put to use in multiple guide & service dog organizations and with private breeders to maximize the critical early puppyhood development.
She lives on a working farm in upstate New York with husband John Rice, and their considerable animal family.