Treat/Retreat was developed by Suzanne Clothier in the early 1990s. For more than 30 years it has been helping shy, fearful, and socially awkward dogs around the world — not simply by making a nervous dog “okay” with people, but by teaching dogs a genuine skill set that promotes lasting confidence.
Treat/Retreat was developed by Suzanne Clothier in the early 1990s. For more than 30 years it has been helping shy, fearful, and socially awkward dogs around the world — not simply by making a nervous dog “okay” with people, but by teaching dogs a genuine skill set that promotes lasting confidence.Think of it like this: helping a dog get comfortable enough to accept a treat from a stranger is a bit like teaching someone with stage fright to sit in the front row. Important, absolutely — but it doesn’t yet prepare them to give the keynote. Treat/Retreat addresses the whole arc.
Key aspects of Treat/Retreat:
- Dog-centric — the dog sets the pace
- Force-free
- Does not use negative reinforcement
- Engages the SEEKING system to build genuine, generalizable confidence
Treat/Retreat works through multiple layers of social interaction: approaching, moving, interactions, groups, postures & gestures, humans as training equipment, and orchestrated greetings.
Two paths into Treat/Retreat: a focused quick-start for anyone working with shy or fearful dogs, or an intensive certification for the dedicated professional. Wherever you’re starting from, Treat/Retreat meets you there.
Treat/Retreat First Aid
For owners, shelter staff & trainers
Treat/Retreat Certification Course
For working dog training professionals
Treat/Retreat First Aid
Essential skills for anyone working with shy or fearful dogs
You don’t have to be a certified trainer to use Treat/Retreat well. Treat/Retreat First Aid gives owners, shelter volunteers, foster caregivers, and trainers a clear, structured foundation in the technique — enough to begin making a real difference for the dogs in your care.
This is not a watered-down version of the full course. It’s a focused, carefully designed introduction that gives you the core principles and practical skills to get started with confidence.
What’s covered
- Why Treat/Retreat works — the underlying principles
- Understanding safe and unsafe zones
- The roles of handler and helper
- Body language and treat tossing technique
- Reading the approach sequence
- Troubleshooting common problems
- Working with new people
This course is for you if…
- You have a shy, fearful, or socially awkward dog and want to help them — not just manage them
- You work in rescue or shelter settings and meet worried dogs regularly
- You’re a trainer who wants a solid grounding before committing to full certification
- You’ve heard about Treat/Retreat and want to understand what it actually involves
Treat/Retreat Certification Course
For training professionals ready to go deep
The Treat/Retreat Certification Course is an intensive Master Class designed for working dog training professionals. Over 150 lessons — written and video — take you through the complete Treat/Retreat methodology with the depth that makes the difference between knowing a technique and truly mastering it.
From the anxious dog to the overly aroused one, you’ll develop the skills to improve the quality of dogs’ lives across the full spectrum of social challenges.
What’s included
- 150+ written and video lessons
- Extensive footage of real dogs at every stage
- Regularly scheduled Zoom sessions with Suzanne
- 18 months of course access
- Certification on successful completion of 3 case studies & written test
- Listing as CTRI on Suzanne’s website
CEUs available
- IAABC: 32 CEUs
- PPAB: 36 CEUs
- CCPDT: 30 CEUs
20% nonprofit discount for 501(c)3 rescues & shelters. Needs-based scholarships available. Review certification requirements →
The course is evergreen — begin whenever you’re ready.
Compare Your Options
Not sure which path is right for you? Here’s how they stack up.
| First Aid | Certification | |
|---|---|---|
| Who it’s for | Owners, shelter & rescue staff, trainers | Working training professionals |
| Format | Self-paced online course | Master Class + live Zoom sessions |
| Depth | Core fundamentals | Complete methodology |
| Certification | — | ✔ CTRI listing on Suzanne’s site |
| CEUs | — | ✔ IAABC · PPAB · CCPDT |
| Credit toward cert | ✔ Full course fee credited | — |
| Access period | Self-paced | 1.5 year access |
What Our Students Say
The technique itself is a game-changer and I feel privileged to have learned such a powerful and flexible tool to help families with dogs who struggle around people. Seeing the changes in the dogs as they learn and progress is humbling and joyful. It changes lives!
Sarah Whiffen — Canine Behavior & Training Advisor
Watching the dogs transform as they discover skills they never knew they had — phenomenal! If you’re in the business of helping dogs, you need this course.
Cindy Knowlton — CPDT-KA, CNWI, CCA, TRCI
I especially like the information that concentrates on the importance of understanding SEEKING. This is SO GOOD!
Christine Fox
This course in just the first module has proven that when we put the ownership on the learner (dog), we have a positive outcome. I’ve learned so much about the SEEKING system too.
Brooke Dickhart
Powerful change through easy to follow protocols! Awesome course.
Shanthi Steddum
These introduction subjects have been enlightening. I particularly enjoy the discussion topics and opportunities to get Suzanne’s comments and guidance.
Bobbi Burgmann
Ready to Begin?
Choose the path that’s right for you.
Everyone
Treat/Retreat First Aid
Core fundamentals for owners, shelter staff, foster caregivers, and trainers. Enough to begin making a real difference — right now. And if you decide to go further, your fee is credited toward the full certification course.
- Self-paced, start immediately
- No professional background required
- Credit applies if you upgrade to full cert
Professionals
Treat/Retreat Certification Course
An intensive Master Class for working dog training professionals. 150+ lessons, live Zoom access with Suzanne, and full CTRI certification upon completing 3 case studies.
- CEUs: IAABC, PPAB, CCPDT
- Listed as CTRI on Suzanne’s website
- Or 3 × $340 payment plan
- Nonprofit & scholarship options available
Treat/Retreat Certified Instructors
Look for the official Treat/Retreat logo. These trainers have earned their Treat/Retreat Instructor Certification (TRCI). They’ve worked through the complete methodology, passed a written exam, and demonstrated their skill across three full case studies. When you work with a certified instructor, you’re getting the real technique — not a well-meaning approximation of it.
This listing grows as trainers complete their case studies. We currently have trainers from multiple countries in the certification pipeline.
Kelsey Bennett
I advocate for your dog by helping you understand their perspective and build skills that support a calm, cooperative partnership. I believe dogs deserve to be seen as individuals, and that meaningful change comes from shared responsibility, clear communication, and trust built together.
Annika Browne
Annika provides private and group dog training throughout the Seattle and Greater Eastside areas, offering joyful, effective coaching to help dogs and owners build the skills for their best lives.
Cindy Knowlton
Cindy offers private lessons and online coaching thoughtfully focused on building dog/human relationships in a way that makes sense to both ends of the leash.
Shelly Korobanik
Shelly at Pooch Partners offers in-person, remote, and self-study training, plus behaviour consultations and modification programs for dogs of all ages and breeds. Goal: inspire and empower through games-based concept training.
Suzanne McGaugh
Jennie Murphy
Jennie owns and operates A Rock Solid Dog, offering private one-to-one coaching for all dogs of all ages. Her specialty is helping owners whose dogs struggle with emotional needs, improving relationships through force-free and humane methods.
Janine Proulx
Gentle Touch Ottawa Dog Training. Specializing in one-on-one training with a custom, gentle touch for your best friend.
Pat Rapaport
Pat’s mission at Hole in the Wall Dog Training Academy: to develop or further a fun and enjoyable relationship with your dog. A well-behaved dog is a good dog — and positive, reward-based training gets you there faster.
Verena Sutherland
At Reward Your Dog Training, Verena uses a research-backed, ethical approach with rewards-based methods, focusing on teaching your dog skills while coaching you to become the best trainer for your dog.
Liz Weir
Liz specializes in Treat/Retreat for shy, fearful, or socially awkward dogs, and offers private coaching and behavior consultations built on mutual understanding and respect for both ends of the leash.
Kelsey Bennett | TRCI, FPPE
Raise Good Dogs | Skokie, IL
kelsey@RaiseGoodDogs.com | 847.321.5657
I advocate for your dog by helping you understand their perspective and build skills that support a calm, cooperative partnership. I believe dogs deserve to be seen as individuals, and that meaningful change comes from shared responsibility, clear communication, and trust built together.
King County, WA
Browne Dog Training
brownedogtraining.com
annika@brownedogtraining.com
Annika Browne provides private and group dog training throughout the Seattle and Greater Eastside areas, offering joyful, effective coaching to help dogs and owners build the skills for their best lives.
Cindy Knowlton, BA, CPDT-KA, CCC-CI, CNWI, CCA,TRCI
In Millersville, Maryland, Cindy offers private lessons, and online coaching thoughtfully focused on building dog/human relationships in a way that makes sense to both ends of the leash.
Shelly Korobanik at Pooch Partners in Vernon, BC offers in-person, remote and self-study training, plus behaviour consultations and modification programs for dogs of all ages and breeds. Our goal is to inspire and empower you through games-based concept training to transform your dog into your perfect canine companion.
Facebook @poochpartners
250.308.5457
Pat Rapaport, KPA, CPDT-KA, TRCI has a mission at her Hole in the Wall Dog Training Academy: to develop or further a fun and enjoyable relationship with your dog. A well-behaved dog is a “good” dog. We will train you how to get the most from your dog. A well behaved dog is a “good” dog. Positive reinforcement with reward training has been proven to speed up the process of learning. Your goals are met and your dog is successful. Aversive techniques and fear based methods are not part of our philosophy.
Liz Weir, CPDT-KSA Shelburne, VT
Verena Sutherland
Reward Your Dog Training
Portland, OR
(503) 995-0892
verena@rewardyourdogtraining.com
At Reward Your Dog Training in Portland, OR, Verena believes in utilizing a research-backed, ethical approach, using rewards-based methods of training that set both you and your dog up for success. Verena focuses on teaching your dog skills and also coaching you to become the best trainer for your pup. Classes,
