Is your dog is ready to conquer his next title? Or does he worry about the dog next door? Do you struggle with a reactive dog who seems to be part rocket and part rock-head? Do you wish you knew how to keep your dog in the Think & Learn zone? Wonder how your dog can tell you when things are “just right” or beginning to be “not so good”? Wonder how to keep the drive and enthusiasm but also have some brakes and steering? All trainers struggle with the wide range of training and behavior issues that have their origin in arousal, sensory stimulation and reactivity. Whether you’re an old pro or a new trainer, you and your dog will benefit from Suzanne Clothier’s approach to understanding arousal, reactivity, behavior and performance. Her Relationship Centered Approach is sensible, humane and effective. This seminar will help all handlers deepen their understanding of arousal, reactivity, how dogs think & learn (or don’t!) when aroused, perfect performance vs. perfect train wreck, and how to help their dogs be the best they can be. · The physiology of arousal – o understanding ANS(sympathetic, parasympathetic & enteric) o chronic stress & the damage it can do o productive & non-productive arousal o fear & anxiety & their effects on learning · The Elemental Questions – o The dog and his world o Sensory input & sensory sorting · The Think & Learn zone – o why your dog needs to be in this zone o how to see when he’s leaving the zone & how to get him back o understanding the Stimulus Gradient · What the dog can tell you o how observable behaviors reflect physiological changes o the power of volitional posture shifts · Putting it all together o Promoting, provoking or preventing – handler contributions o Being the best handler & team-mate for your dog

Sponsor: Paws and Cues

Speaker(s): **Suzanne Clothier

Contact: Kathryn Horn
 E-mail
 Phone: 510-638-7297
 Web