Dog Training Seminar
Hosted By
Prairie Dog Pet Mercantile

Building a relationship with a dog sounds simple: be positive, generously reward the behavior you want, communicate clearly and consistently. But in reality, that can be a challenge. Should you never say no? Do you just allow a dog to be a dog and do as they please? How do you set appropriate boundaries while helping your dog feel safe and trusting?

The RCT™ approach helps handlers understand that when clear permission is included in all communications, that clarity helps eliminate confusion and conflict. This evening workshop is an exploration of how you can provide your dog with important information of permission, and how to do it without being permissive nor having to deprive your dog of activities they enjoy.

Explicit permission involves deliberate signals that the dog can hear, feel, see. When you give explicit permission, you gain a great deal:
   • Clarity for both you and the dog about what is intended and permitted.
   • Control over behavior, especially behavior driven by strong motivations.
   • Encourage cooperation
   • Enhanced awareness of what matters to your dog

This evening seminar with Suzanne will introduce you to one of the core concepts of RCT™ to help you develop a deeper understanding of your dog and your relationship.

Buy Tickets Now

The wonderful moment in a life shared with dogs occurs when we can see that things are “just right” for our dog. Like Goldilocks sliding into a bed that’s not too soft, not too hard, we are glad when we see our dogs are enjoying life, able to learn, comfortable in the moment, and connected with us.

But those “just right” moments can be hard to find.

What do you and your dog struggle with? Is your dog a growing pup, an annoying adolescent, a recent rescue? Are you are working on specific issues? Suzanne can help. Even if your dog is:
   • A shy Sally
   • A loony Lacy
   • A reactive Rex
   • A worried Wally
   • A fearful Fluffy

Whatever your experience – first time owner or long-time professional - Suzanne will give you new ways to observe and assess. You’ll also learn sensible solutions and practical information to help you and your dog create more “just right” moments.

Do you need different training equipment? Better treats? A new instructor? New techniques? Should you train more or maybe less? Why is your dog still struggling even after so many classes? Will she grow out of it or do we have a problem that needs help? Is it something you’re doing?

Suzanne’s RCT™ approach has helped dogs and handlers around the world with humane and effective techniques. With her guidance, you will learn to channel your inner Goldilocks to learn what is too much or too little what it looks and feels like when things are “just right.”

Suzanne’s co-instructors will be selected demo dogs. Depending on the dogs selected, we’ll be diving into:
   • The Think & Learn Zone
   • Thrills or Chills? Helping Shy, Fearful, Anxious or Reactive Dogs
   • Is It Me? Handler Habits & Communication
   • Triggers & Thresholds
   • If/Then Training – Mapping the Solutions

Join us for a fascinating day of learning from an internationally respected trainer. Suzanne’s work is grounded in science, balanced with heart and humor, and reflects a lifetime with animals. (We promise there will be no porridge, hot or cold or otherwise. Also, no bears.)

Buy Tickets Now

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 do you ever wonder if maybe you’re not quite getting the message? Or if you’ve misunderstood your dog? Often, what we think is bad behavior is actually communication.

Do any of these behaviors ring a bell?
   • Jumping up
   • Barking
   • Ducking away
   • Not working with us unless they see the treat or toy
   • Shutting down
   • Refusing to cooperate
   • Pulling on leash

This seminar will focus on understanding new ways to understand what our dogs are communicating to us. Using selected demo dogs, Suzanne will cover:
   • The Elemental Questions
   • Why? When? How? Who? Understanding Behavior & Training Challenges
    • Observation Skills
   • The Geometry of Body Language
   • What Movement & Posture Can Tell Us

Suzanne’s easy and humorous teaching style will open your eyes to what each dog can tell you, when you know how to see and listen.

Buy Tickets Now