March 2011 - The Clothier Animal Response Assessment Tool (CARAT™) was developed by Suzanne Clothier in close conjunction with Guiding Eyes for the Blind, which was a testing site for both the Clothier puppy evaluations and the Clothier In-For-Training (IFT) tests. Susquehanna Service Dogs attended a CARAT™ workshop at Guiding Eyes for the Blind in April 2008 and since then, we have used our knowledge of this tool in our evaluations, seeing a dramatic improvement over our former methods of assessment. Both Guiding Eyes for the Blind and Susquehanna Service Dogs feel that CARAT™ has helped tremendously not only in the formal evaluations but also in our ability to “see” behaviors in the dogs and put it into an established framework of shared language and knowledge. It has helped us to better understand each dog as an individual and to make better choices about each dog’s role during puppy and adult testing.

Susquehanna Service Dogs is hosting the Assistance Dogs International North American Trainer’s Conference on November 8-10, 2011. This year’s conference will focus on the Clothier Animal Response Assessment Tool (CARAT™), presented by Suzanne Clothier, the creator of CARAT™. 

CARAT™ offers a new way of looking at dogs. Its unique scoring system allows guide and assistance dog organizations to create a much more accurate profile of a dog, helping them to make informed and effective assessments of their dogs in order to maximize success.

Read more about CARAT™ and the North American Trainer’s Conference.

This year’s North American Trainer’s Conference will be held at Sylvan View Retreat Center at Camp Hebron in Camp Hill, Pennsylvania. Camp Hebron is located in a beautiful area and is very dog friendly.

The number of attendees is limited by the rooming space at the camp, so please register soon to reserve your space. All attendees must be affiliated with programs that are members or candidates of Assistance Dogs International. The conference costs $440, which includes the conference, room and meals.

Individuals will be sharing a room, and each room has a private bathroom. Camp Hebron is a place of modesty, and no alcohol or smoking inside is allowed. Although cell phone reception is limited, a pay phone is available. Rooms do not have a television or internet access.

One dog per attendee is welcome. Please bring only dogs that are not aggressive. At the camp, dogs are not allowed on the beds or furniture. SSD can provide crates if requested.

Pick up from the Middletown International Airport in Harrisburg can be arranged.

Check in begins at 5 p.m. on November 7.

Registration Options

• Register online
• Download a printable registration form

Contact

Nancy Fierer
717-599-5920
nfierer @ keystonehumanservices.org

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