September 2020
Thank you from See Spot Grin
Every day, but especially during this challenging time, we’d like to extend our sincerest appreciation to all the Grinners and their colleagues who are out there on the front line, making sure our needs are taken care of. We hope you’re finding some time to take care of yourselves. Bless each and every one of you.
What’s Happening at See Spot Grin
ONLINE CLASSES
On Demand
Thurs, 6:00 pm
Weds, 2:00 pm
Mon, 6:00 pm
Tues, 11:00 am
Starts 10/1
Starts 10/8
Starts 9/2
Ongoing
Ongoing
IN PERSON CLASSES
Mon, 9:00 am
Thurs, 9:00 am
Sat, 9:00 am
Starts 9/14
Starts 9/17
Starts 9/19
The Clothier Animal Response Assessment Tool™ (CARAT)
There’s so much value in understanding who the individual dog is and what their preferences are so that you can personalize your training for the best results. To that end, I’ve been working hard behind the scenes to complete this latest certification and am proud to announce that I am one of only six trainers in the world to have achieved it!
WHAT IS CARAT?
CARAT is a novel assessment system that categorizes behavior traits in multiple components that are intuitive and practical, and was developed by Suzanne Clothier in 2007. The CARAT profile defines what lifestyle, job or demands might be most suitable for the dog in your life or one you might be considering, and what situations or expectations might be unfair, distressing or unproductive for that individual animal. CARAT can also aid in the creation of effective, humane training plans suited to that dog.
Why Did I Choose CARAT?
While existing temperament scoring systems lump together different traits into broad categories (“big buckets”), such as confidence/fear, dominance, distraction, aggression, excitability, attachment, separation anxiety, etc., these “big bucket” categories are relatively crude measurements that offer generalized patterns, and often a poor source for more detailed information about the individual animal. CARAT takes a more detailed view of the individual dog as a unique combination of many factors working together to influence, exacerbate, mitigate and enhance each other. In the profile created by the nuances and specifics of this complex interaction of multiple traits, an accurate picture is created of the individual, regardless of breed or age.
WHAT DOES CARAT ASSESS?
CARAT looks at these main categories and specifics of temperament traits:
CORE: Arousal, Resilience, Energy
SOCIAL: Sociability, Social Tolerance, Social Use of Space
SENSORY: Visual, Auditory, Kinesthetic, Olfactory
PERSISTENCE: Visual, Auditory, Kinesthetic, Olfactory, Predatory/Chase
INTERACTIVE: Patience, Biddability w/Familiar, Biddability w/Stranger
COMPLEX TRAITS: Social Confidence, Environmental Confidence, Self Modulation
HOW CAN A CARAT ASSESSMENT HELP YOU?
Whether you wish you understood your current dog a little better, or are looking for a new family member and want to be sure that he fits into your household and suits your needs, I can help. As a Certified CARAT Assessor, I can help you find the answers you’ve been wondering about, and I’m available for:
individual client assessments
potential adoption assessments
therapy dog assessments
litter assessments
Sneak Peek: Hersenwerk
I was delighted to discover Hersenwerk several months ago, as it fits in so beautifully with See Spot Grin’s emphasis on building confidence, independence and relationship. Hersenwerk, quite literally translates to “Brain Work” and incorporates home made puzzles using things you already have at home. It’s a unique concept developed in the Netherlands that fulfills the need of mental stimulation for your dog. Much like nose work, the focus is on independent discovery and problem solving, with handler support needed. Hersenwerk is about the process of enrichment rather than the end result of a finished behavior. It’s a beautiful way to build impulse control and cooperation with the handler in a very satisfying way for the dog.
I’m currently working on my mentor certification so that I can bring Hersenwerk to you and your dog, so stay tuned for another big announcement coming soon!
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