
We have been offering the annual Trainers’ Workshop here at Hawks Hunt Farm for many years. This is a fantastic event – real people, real dogs, real connections. Some lifelong friendships began at Suzanne’s events.
While the details of what we do changes from year to year, what stays consistent are the warm welcome, the shared enthusiasm for all things dog, and the willingness to learn and grow. For some, it’s their first opportunity to work closely with Suzanne for 3 amazing days. For others, it’s their way to renew and refresh by spending time in a quiet, beautiful setting and engaging with people who truly SEE THE DOG.
Who Can Attend?
This annual workshop is intended for those who are familiar with Suzanne’s RCT approach, and who want more! and who want to connect with other like-minded folks. A sense of humor helps, as does an open mind and a willingness to share, learn, question, play and interact with all (whatever the species!) with kindness and generosity.
As always, this workshop is limited to a maximum of 30 participants. Please register early!
WHAT WILL WE COVER?
This is always a bit of a mystery, as it depends a good deal on the group’s interests and needs, and what dogs we have available. (We always have loaner dogs from Suzanne’s personal stash!)
- RCT Skills – perfecting & teaching these foundation skills, how to incorporate them into your life and your work with clients.
- The Physical Dog – observing movement & structure, what a dog’s gait and postures can tell you about physical roots of training, behavior or performance issues. Equipment fit and use usually becomes a part of this topic too!
- Working With Reactivity – How “reactivity” became the buzzword is a bit of a mystery, but it is a huge challenge for so many handlers. Working on foundation skills, thresholds, triggers, transitions and setting up scenarios to help handlers & dogs make good choices and make progress. We can also discuss the structure of reactive dog classes, and how to help all involved succeed.
- Observation Skills – So many ways to help you become a keen observer of dogs and other animals!
- Assessment & Problem Solving – Moving past recipes to an informed, dog-driven training plan for meaningful change
- The Human Half of the Equation – hoping to have Joe Steinfeld join us again for a unique perspective on helping clients and dogs
FLYING IN?
We recommend that you fly into Albany International (ALB) which is about 75 minutes away, and an easy drive with a rental car. Syracuse (SYR) is another option, but 2 hours away. We do not recommend flying into the NYC airports and driving up, but hey, you do you! We are glad to provide a chair for you.
WHERE TO STAY?
Use our zip code 13452 to find your options! Our recommendations are: the Red Roof in Herkimer (30 min away) is dog friendly, though located right in town near railroad and the NY State Thruway. Options in Johnstown NY about 30 minutes away include the Holiday Inn is always popular (and the restaurant is pretty decent!), and there is a Microtel (mixed reports) and a Super 8 as well. We recommend that you avoid the motels in Palatine Bridge, and caution you to avoid the hotel in Little Falls. There are some B&Bs in the area though they usually do not accept dogs. AirBnB is another option locally that can be wonderful.
MAKE IT A GETAWAY
Bring a partner! The Mohawk Valley is a deservedly popular destination full of history and options. From crystal mines to Cooperstown’s Baseball Hall of Fame, breweries & meaderies, golf courses galore, the immense Adirondack Park, the Mohawk river & the Erie Canal, biking, canoeing, even crystal mining and more, your non-doggy partner can find plenty to do. Learn more here: https://mohawkvalley.today/about-us/ https://gemsalongthemohawk.com/area-attractions.php https://www.iloveny.com/places-to-go/central/attractions/
FEES: $1650 for 3 days. Payment plans available – email us for details. Breakfast, lunch, hot/cold drinks, snacks and Saturday dinner included.
Scholarships: Please email us for details & application.
- 2 (two) 25% Needs based scholarships available.
- 1 (one) 50% BIPOC scholarship