
Suzanne Clothier
Founder of CARPE CANEM INC.
We are excited to present Suzanne Clothier as a Virtual Speaker at the Dog People Evolution Conference 2025.
A renowned speaker and author, Suzanne’s groundbreaking book Bones Would Rain from the Sky has become a classic in the field. She is also known for her innovative tools, including FAT™, RAT™, and CARAT™, which help assess and improve dog-handler relationships. Suzanne's work has influenced guide dog organizations worldwide, and her insights will be invaluable to those committed to building deeper, force-free connections with dogs.
More About Suzanne
​Suzanne Clothier has worked with animals professionally since 1977. Her Relationship Centered TrainingTMapproach blends science and heart to create humane, effective and practical solutions for dogs and thepeople who work with them, whether professional working dogs or couch warming companions.
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In demand as a speaker at conferences around the world, she has taught on a broad variety of topics
throughout the US and internationally for groups as varied as Wolf Park, FEMA (Northeast Region Disaster
Dog Teams), Alaskan Dog Musher Association, Assistance Dogs International NA, Association of
Professional Dog Trainers, and University of MN’s SPEAK! conference.​
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An innovative trainer always seeking better ways to understand, assess and improve what we do with and for dogs.
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​Suzanne has published a variety of books, DVDs, online courses and training tools. Her ground
breaking book, Bones Would Rain from the Sky: Deepening Our Relationships With Dogs (2002) is
considered a groundbreaking classic in the field.
Guide and service dog organizations around the world have incorporated her Relationship Centered
Training materials, and her innovative assessment tools into their programs, as well as implementing her
Enriched Puppy Protocol for early puppyhood development.
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Her suite of assessment tools provide a powerful framework for trainers and organizations:
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• FATTM (Functional Assessment Tool) – functionality/welfare assessment across physiological, social
and cognitive dimensions
• RATTM (Relationship Assessment Tool) – handler/dog dynamics, rapid assessment plus ability to track
and compare
• CARATTM (Clothier Animal Response Assessment Tool) – temperament assessment on 6 categories,
21 dimensions
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A long time breeder of German Shepherds, 11 generations of her dogs have been successful in multiple
dog sports, Search & Rescue, therapy work, and as guide dog breeding stock. She lives on a working farm
in upstate New York with husband John Rice, and their considerable animal family.