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CARAT™ Assessments

Note: During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have provided information about the risk of your pets getting COVID-19 and guidance for minimizing risk to your pets.
Even though we all want the COVID-19 pandemic to be over, Ann believes we still must be cautious. Ann is providing in-person dog training and consultation on a limited basis.

The Human-Animal Solutions formula:

Practice, Results, Peace of Mind

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“Developed by Suzanne Clothier in 2007, CARAT (Clothier Animal Response Assessment Tool) is a novel assessment system that categorizes behavior traits in multiple components that are intuitive and practical. It is the assessment system currently in use at Guiding Eyes for the Blind, one of the world’s largest guide dog schools. CARAT is used there to evaluate puppies, breeding stock, and dogs coming in for training.

CARAT takes a 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.

CARAT is unique in its recognition that a response to any given stimulus can either inhibit or activate the animal. Another way of saying this is that the animal may be attracted to the stimulus or may avoid it. The distinction between the two is critical in understanding the individual. For example, a dog who reacts quickly and avoidantly to a sudden noise is demonstrating a different response than a dog who reacts quickly and moves towards the same noise.

At all times, behavior is assessed according to how productive, functional, or adaptive it may be, with a full understanding that what may be productive, functional or adaptive in one context may not be in another context. For example, there would be great differences in the CARAT profiles for a successful guide dog, competitive agility dog, and a suitable companion for an elderly person with mobility issues.”

Ann completed five years of study and practice to obtain her credential as a Certified CARAT Assessor. Because of the wealth of information CARAT provides, she will often do a CARAT assessment during her initial assessment for behavior consultations. Ann can also do a CARAT assessment on a dog you are considering inviting to become a member of your family to help you choose a dog who is likely to fit well with your home and lifestyle.

Ready to start now? Contact Ann to obtain a CARAT assessment on your individual dog (or puppy), a litter, or your entire kennel. Download a Registration Form here.

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Testimonials

How do you manage to always be so consistently kind and understanding? I am in awe of your huge caring heart and your deep understanding of/sympathy for human behavior. I always feel safe telling you anything, knowing that you’ll listen and interpret my words in the best possible light.

You have been most patient, professional, and helpful in your remarks.

You created a great atmosphere for me. Thank you for making a safe place where I can talk about this.

You have a special warmth that makes one feel good about oneself. A true gift well used.

Thank you for the great class today. I really learned a lot! I’m glad I didn’t depend on just reading the book. The biggest thing I learned is that we are not yet ready. But we are learning!

Thank you for your time and gentleness with us today. Your time helping us all figure out how to do what we want is appreciated.

I just read your training outline after our session. It’s fabulous! You really need to publish this. Thank you, thank you.

What an energizing class on Saturday! Thanks for all of your effort and enthusiasm. Glorious and I are practicing and looking forward to The TEST!

Very amicable and articulate speaker. Well-organized materials and presentation.

Your dedication is obvious and honorable.

A big thank you for coming out and helping us with our continued efforts at learning to work with our dogs and practicing skills necessary to be able to visit. I really appreciate your efforts. It is difficult with all of the busy schedules that people have so I am extra appreciative of your time and efforts.

Thank you again for being such a huge help with my last training class. You are a natural instructor, and miracles like Conner’s amazing transformation would have never happened without your patience and input. I wonder if your students know how lucky they are.

I just wanted to say to you how much this class is giving to Mason and me already. I really find that it is a relaxing, learning time and a great time for me to ‘get in touch with my buddy’ in my very hectic schedule. It is also bringing me some inner peace as I look forward to being able to give of myself and my team to folks that are less fortunate and healthy than we are. It truly is a gift that we have to give.

Thank you so much for a wonderful therapy dog class! I learned lots and I think Penny & I both are better for it! Thank you, too, for encouraging me to look past my limitations! You’re great!

You are the best! I just do not know what is normal dog behavior. It took me this long to realize the potential for real harm to my toddler. Thank you for all of your help. You didn’t miss anything, and you have been fabulous in brainstorming new solutions. You are an excellent communicator and I love working with you!

Thanks so much! You’ll be pleased to know that is a question that had eluded not only me, but also my assistant, for several months! You’ve solved a long-standing mystery for us.

My administrator came to me after your presentation and said, ‘You hired the right person for this job.’

Your joy and comfortableness in working with community groups is so evident. You are gifted and awesome! I feel confident referring people to you.

It was a great pleasure to have some time with you. I am a great fan of your talents and good work.

I appreciate your gracious responses to me. Your willingness to step up to the plate and be there in an instant for staff reflects your commitment to the work and total support to the team. Thank you again, Ann, for being such a wonderful person to work with.

My Pomeranian, Bubba, had recovered from knee surgery and needed some exercises to help him improve his mobility. Ann gave me the guidance, knowledge and exercises to help Bubba on a great road to recovery.

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