St Johnsville NY – Annual Trainers’ Workshop

Summer sky over hay field

We missed you – did you miss us too?

With the pandemic behind us, we are glad to once again offer the annual Trainers’ Workshop here at Hawks Hunt Farm. Suzanne’s return to in-person workshops is such a welcome relief from years on Zoom – real people, real dogs, real connections. Just priceless!

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 30 participants. Please register early!

Ideas in the works:

  • Trail manners – how to set up handler & dog for success with carefully orchestrated practice on real trails! We may call for clients with this need and/or work with dogs present. This makes a terrific specialty class or workshop for your business.
  • Creating Reactive Dog classes using the RCT foundation techniques (Auto Check-in, Really Real Relaxation, Go Hunt & more), hands-on application of the stimulus threshold, leash handling, and principles from Connection, Cooperation & Control (developed by Suzanne & Cindy Knowlton).
  • Train a critter – your choice of our farm animals: Tam (horse), Cricket (pony), Bliss & Jolene (donkeys), Trillium & Lily (pigs). We can help you figure out appropriate behaviors and tricks, and set specific training goals.
  • Scent work & tracking with John, some scent discrimination games and Search & Rescue games (like Dress A Dummy)
  • Doggie Soap Opera – A return of Suzanne’s brilliant game for trainers
  • And more to be sure you leave with a well-fed brain, a relaxed body and a full heart (and probably new friends too!)

Unlike prior years, this workshop is only 3 days. And we will jam a lot into those days, so come hungry to learn, and of course ready to treat yourself to some amazing meals as well.

WANT MORE? Some folks just can’t get enough! You have the option to stay one or two additional days to continue working with the horses, donkeys and John & Suzanne in whatever way suits you. These two days are more relaxed, and include helping us with farm chores – many hands make for quick work, freeing us up to spend time with you!

Come for 3 days, or extend your stay for a total of 4 or 5 days (limited availability). Good food, great conversation, and of course, dogs, other animals, the beauty & peace of our farm and a break from real life.

FLYING IN? We recommend that you fly into Albany International (ALB) which is about 75 minutes away, and an easy drive. 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!

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 (which may be closed). 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 GET AWAY – 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 Adirondack Park, the Mohawk river & the Erie Canal, biking, canoeing 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; $1800 for 4 days; $2000 for all 5 days. Payment plans available – email us for details. Breakfast, lunch, hot/cold drinks, snacks and Saturday dinner included.

Scholarships: Please email us courses @ suzanneclothier.com  for details & application.

  • 2 (two) 25% Needs based scholarships available.
  • 1 (one) 50% BIPOC scholarship

Buy tickets for Trainers' Workshop June 2024

Date

Jun 28 - 30 2024