Treat and Retreat Dog Training

Treat and Retreat: An Overview of Suzanne Clothier and John Fisher’s Systems by Will Bangura, M.S., CBCC-KA, CPDT-KA, (Dog Behaviorist,) Certified Behavior Consultant.

Dog training is an essential part of responsible pet ownership. It involves teaching dogs new behaviors and reinforcing desirable behaviors through positive reinforcement techniques. While there are several approaches to dog training, the Treat and Retreat system is a popular method that has gained widespread popularity due to its effectiveness and simplicity.

The Treat and Retreat system is a positive reinforcement technique used to build confidence in dogs and encourage them to overcome their fears. The system involves rewarding good behavior with treats and gradually retreating to a safe distance to allow the dog to adjust to the situation. This technique can be used in various situations, including training a dog to walk on a leash, helping a fearful dog overcome their fear of strangers, and teaching a dog to stay calm during thunderstorms.

The origins of the Treat and Retreat system can be traced back to the work of British dog trainer and behaviorist John Fisher. In his book “Think Dog: An Owner’s Guide to Canine Psychology,” Fisher developed the Treat and Retreat system to help fearful dogs build confidence and overcome their fears. He believed that by rewarding good behavior with treats and gradually retreating to a safe distance, dogs could learn to associate positive experiences with situations that once frightened them. There is some debate over who originally developed the Treat and Retreat method. While some sources credit John Fisher as the developer, others credit Suzanne Clothier, who is also a renowned dog trainer and behaviorist. It’s possible that the method was developed independently by both trainers or that it evolved over time through collaboration and experimentation among many trainers. Regardless of who originally developed the method, it has become a widely recognized and effective positive reinforcement technique in dog training.

There are different interpretations and variations of the Treat and Retreat method developed by John Fisher and Suzanne Clothier, but some key differences between their approaches can be identified.

One key difference is in their underlying philosophy and approach to dog training. John Fisher was a proponent of positive reinforcement and rewards-based training, where dogs are taught through positive associations with good behavior. Suzanne Clothier also believes in positive reinforcement. However, her approach emphasizes the importance of the dog-human relationship and connection and focuses on understanding and meeting the dog’s needs to build trust and cooperation.

Another difference is the specific techniques used in their Treat and Retreat methods. John Fisher’s Treat and Retreat involves using treats to reward good behavior and gradually retreating from a trigger to allow the dog to adjust to the situation. Suzanne Clothier’s version of Treat and Retreat, called “The Consent Test,” involves introducing a trigger at a distance that the dog is comfortable with and then gradually closing the distance and offering the dog the option to move away or stay, thereby allowing the dog to choose whether to engage or not. The emphasis is on allowing the dog to set the pace and choose whether to engage rather than simply retreat.

Additionally, Suzanne Clothier’s Treat and Retreat method is often used in conjunction with her “Relationship Centered Training” approach, which emphasizes building a strong bond between dog and owner through mutual respect, trust, and communication. This approach focuses on understanding the dog’s perspective and emotions and meeting its needs in a way that fosters a strong, positive relationship.

While both John Fisher and Suzanne Clothier use positive reinforcement and Treat and Retreat techniques in their dog training, their underlying philosophies and specific techniques differ in terms of their focus on the dog-human relationship, allowing the dog to choose to engage or retreat, and meeting the dog’s needs.

The Treat and Retreat system is similar to other positive reinforcement techniques like clicker training and shaping. Clicker training involves using a clicker to signal the dog that they have performed a desired behavior and rewarding the dog with a treat. Shaping involves gradually rewarding the dog for behavior that approximates the desired behavior until the desired behavior is achieved.

Compared to other positive reinforcement techniques, the Treat and Retreat system may be more suitable for dogs that are easily frightened or anxious. It allows the trainer to retreat to a safe distance gradually and gives the dog time to adjust to the situation. However, like any training system, the effectiveness of the Treat and Retreat system will depend on the individual dog and its unique behavioral issues.

In this article, we will discuss the Treat and Retreat system in detail, including how it works, how to use it in different situations, and its advantages and disadvantages compared to other positive reinforcement techniques. By understanding the principles and techniques of the Treat and Retreat system, dog owners and trainers can help their dogs develop the confidence to face their fears and become well-behaved and happy pets.

History of Treat and Retreat System by Suzanne Clothier.

Suzanne Clothier is a well-known dog trainer who developed the Treat and Retreat system in the 1980s. She is known for her expertise in understanding dog behavior and her ability to work with dogs with behavioral issues. The Treat and Retreat system was developed to help dogs overcome their fears and build confidence.

Suzanne Clothier’s Treat and Retreat system uses positive reinforcement to reward good behavior. The system involves treating dogs when they exhibit good behavior, such as being calm or ignoring a trigger and then gradually moving away from the trigger to allow the dog to adjust to the situation. The Treat and Retreat system is often used to help dogs overcome their fears, such as fear of other dogs, people, or loud noises.

The Treat and Retreat system developed by Suzanne Clothier is similar to the system developed by John Fisher, but there are some differences. Suzanne Clothier’s system emphasizes the dog’s emotional state and the importance of building a trusting relationship between the dog and the trainer. Clothier believes that a dog’s emotional state is critical to its behavior and that training should focus on building trust and a positive relationship between the dog and the trainer.

Clothier’s Treat and Retreat system also emphasizes the importance of timing and consistency in training. She believes that the timing of rewards and the consistency of the training method are critical to achieving success with the system. Clothier also emphasizes the importance of using high-value rewards, such as food or toys, to motivate dogs to exhibit good behavior.

Suzanne Clothier developed the Treat and Retreat system in the 1980s as a way to help dogs overcome their fears and build confidence. The system is based on the principle of positive reinforcement. It involves giving treats to dogs for good behavior and gradually moving away from triggers to allow the dog to adjust to the situation. While the system is similar to the one developed by John Fisher, Clothier emphasizes the dog’s emotional state and the importance of building a positive relationship between the dog and the trainer.

History of Treat and Retreat System by John Fisher.

The history of the Treat and Retreat system dates back to the early 1990s when British dog trainer and behaviorist John Fisher developed this positive reinforcement technique. Fisher was known for his gentle and effective approach to dog training and his focus on using positive reinforcement techniques to build trust and encourage good behavior.

Fisher’s inspiration for the Treat and Retreat system came from his work with fearful and anxious dogs. He observed that many of these dogs had been traumatized by previous experiences and had developed a negative association with certain situations. Fisher believed that the key to helping these dogs overcome their fears is to create positive associations with the situations that frightened them.

To achieve this, Fisher developed the Treat and Retreat system. The system involved rewarding dogs for good behavior with treats and then gradually retreating to a safe distance to allow the dog to adjust to the situation. By rewarding good behavior and giving the dog time to adjust, Fisher believed that dogs could learn to associate positive experiences with situations that once frightened them.

Over time, the Treat and Retreat system gained popularity among dog trainers and behaviorists worldwide. Its simplicity and effectiveness made it an attractive approach to dog training, particularly for dogs with anxiety and fear-related issues.

Today, the Treat and Retreat system continues to be widely used in dog training. It has been adapted to various training situations, such as helping dogs overcome their fear of strangers, training dogs to walk on a leash, and teaching dogs to remain calm during thunderstorms.

In addition to Fisher’s work, the Treat and Retreat system draws on principles from other positive reinforcement techniques, such as clicker training and shaping. However, the gradual retreat component of the Treat and Retreat system makes it unique and particularly effective for dogs with anxiety and fear-related issues.

Overall, the Treat and Retreat system has a rich history of development and evolution in the dog training world. Its origins in the work of John Fisher and its widespread use today demonstrate the effectiveness of positive reinforcement techniques in training dogs and building trust and confidence.

How the Treat and Retreat System Works.

The Treat and Retreat system is a straightforward and effective method for training dogs to overcome fear and anxiety-related issues. It is based on the principles of positive reinforcement, which involve rewarding good behavior to encourage its repetition.

The Treat and Retreat system use treats to reward dogs for good behavior in a particular situation. For example, if a dog is afraid of strangers, the trainer might use the Treat and Retreat system to help the dog become more comfortable around people. In this situation, the trainer would reward the dog for remaining calm around strangers by giving the dog a treat.

Once the dog has been rewarded for its good behavior, the trainer will gradually move away from the trigger, such as the stranger, allowing the dog to adjust to the situation at its own pace. This gradual retreat is essential in helping the dog build confidence and learn that the situation is not as scary as it once seemed.

The Treat and Retreat system differs from other positive reinforcement techniques, such as clicker training and shaping, because it focuses on helping dogs overcome fear and anxiety-related issues. The gradual retreat component of the Treat and Retreat system allows dogs to adjust to the situation at their own pace, which is crucial for building confidence and reducing fear.

It is essential to note that the Treat and Retreat system should be used in combination with other positive reinforcement techniques, such as praise and affection, to create a well-rounded training program for the dog. Additionally, it is essential to use high-value treats, such as small pieces of cooked chicken or cheese, to ensure that the dog is motivated to behave well in the training situation.

The Treat and Retreat system is a powerful and effective technique for helping dogs overcome fear and anxiety-related issues. Its focus on positive reinforcement and gradual retreat makes it an ideal approach for dogs with fear-related issues. By using this system, trainers can help dogs become more confident and happy, leading to a more enjoyable and fulfilling life for the dog and its owner.

Using the Treat and Retreat System Step-by-Step.

The Treat and Retreat system can be used in various situations, such as training a dog to walk on a leash or helping a fearful dog overcome their fear of strangers. Here are three examples of how to use the Treat and Retreat system step-by-step:

John Fisher’s Treat and Retreat System.

Here are step-by-step instructions on how to use John Fisher’s version of the Treat and Retreat system for fear of people, fear of dogs, and fear of noise,

Overcoming a Fear of Dogs.

1. Start by exposing your dog to a calm, well-behaved dog from a distance that is comfortable for your dog. Reward your dog with a treat for remaining calm.
2. Bring your dog to a calm, well-behaved dog from a distance that is comfortable for your dog. Reward your dog with a treat for remaining calm. Gradually decrease the distance between the two dogs, rewarding your dog with treats for calm behavior and retreating to a safe distance if your dog becomes fearful or agitated.
3. Increase the duration of the interactions between the two dogs, rewarding calm behavior with treats and using retreats as needed to maintain a safe and comfortable distance.
4. Repeat the process with other calm dogs of varying sizes and breeds to continue building your dog’s confidence around other dogs.

Overcoming a Fear of People.

1. Start by exposing your dog to a calm, trusted person from a distance that is comfortable for your dog. Reward your dog with a treat for remaining calm.
2. Gradually decrease the distance between your dog and the person, rewarding your dog with treats for calm behavior and retreating to a safe distance if your dog becomes fearful or agitated.
3.  Increase the duration of the interactions with the person, continuing to reward calm behavior with treats and using retreats as needed to maintain a safe and comfortable distance.
4. Repeat the process with other calm and trusted people of varying ages, genders, and appearances to continue building your dog’s confidence around strangers.

Overcoming a Fear of Loud Noises (such as thunder or fireworks.)

1. Start by playing and recording the noise at a low volume from a distance that is comfortable for your dog. Reward your dog with a treat for remaining calm.
2. Gradually increase the recording volume, rewarding your dog with treats for remaining calm and retreating to a safe distance if your dog becomes fearful or agitated.
3.  Increase the duration of the exposure to the noise, continuing to reward calm behavior with treats and using retreats as needed to maintain a safe and comfortable distance.
4. Repeat the process with the noise at increasingly louder volumes and from different sources to build your dog’s confidence and reduce its fear response to loud noises.

Suzanne Clothier’s Treat and Retreat System.

Here are step-by-step instructions on how to use Suzanne Clothier’s version of the Treat and Retreat system for fear of people, fear of dogs, and fear of noise, along with a comparison to John Fisher’s steps:

Overcoming Fear of People.

Suzanne Clothier’s Treat and Retreat System.

1. Start by having a friend or family member stand at a safe distance from the dog.
2. When the dog looks at the person without any fear, reward them with a treat.
3. Move the person closer to the dog, but still at a safe distance, and repeat step 2.
4.  If the dog becomes fearful, retreat to a safe distance and start again at the previous step.
5.  Gradually decrease the distance between the dog and the person, rewarding the dog with treats when they remain calm until the person can be next to the dog without causing fear.

Comparison to John Fisher’s steps.

Suzanne Clothier’s system is similar to John Fisher’s in that both start at a safe distance and gradually increase the difficulty. However, Clothier emphasizes that the dog should never be forced to approach something that scares them and that the pace should be entirely up to the dog.

Overcoming Fear of Dogs.

Suzanne Clothier’s Treat and Retreat System.

1. Start by having a friendly, calm dog at a safe distance from the fearful dog.
2. When the fearful dog looks at the other dog without any fear, reward them with a treat.
3. Move the friendly dog closer to the fearful dog, but still at a safe distance, and repeat step 2.
4. If the fearful dog becomes agitated, retreat to a safe distance and start again at the previous step.
5. Gradually decrease the distance between the dogs, rewarding the fearful dog with treats when they remain calm, until the dogs can be near each other without fear.

Comparison to John Fisher’s steps.

Suzanne Clothier’s system is similar to John Fisher’s in that both use positive reinforcement to help the dog feel more comfortable around the trigger. However, Clothier emphasizes the importance of using a friendly, calm dog and ensuring the fearful dog is in control of the pace of the interaction.

Overcoming Fear of Noise.

Suzanne Clothier’s Treat and Retreat System.

1. Start by playing a low volume recording of the feared noise.
2. When the dog remains calm, reward them with a treat.
3. Gradually increase the volume of the recording, rewarding the dog with treats when they remain calm.
4. If the dog becomes fearful, lower the volume or stop the recording and start again at the previous step.
5. Gradually increase the length of time spent listening to the noise, rewarding the dog with treats when they remain calm.

Comparison to John Fisher’s steps.

Suzanne Clothier’s system is similar to John Fisher’s in that both start at a low level of exposure and gradually increase the difficulty. However, Clothier emphasizes that the dog should never be forced to listen to the noise and that the pace should be entirely up to the dog.

Overall, Suzanne Clothier’s Treat and Retreat system is similar to John Fisher’s in that both use positive reinforcement to help dogs overcome their fears. However, Clothier’s system places a greater emphasis on giving the dog control over the process and never forcing them to approach something that scares them. Additionally, Clothier’s system includes the use of a friendly dog as a trigger for socialization, whereas Fisher’s system focuses more on exposure to the trigger in a controlled environment.

The Treat and Retreat system is an effective and humane approach to dog training that emphasizes positive reinforcement and gradual exposure. Developed by John Fisher, the system has been widely adopted by dog trainers and owners to help dogs overcome fear and build confidence. The system involves rewarding good behavior with treats and gradually retreating to a safe distance to allow the dog to adjust to the situation. The Treat and Retreat system is similar to other positive reinforcement techniques, such as clicker training and shaping, and can be applied to a variety of training scenarios, including leash walking, fear of strangers, and fear of loud noises. By using this approach, dog owners and trainers can create a positive and supportive training environment that builds trust and promotes healthy behavior in dogs. Overall, the Treat and Retreat system is a valuable tool for anyone seeking to develop a strong and positive relationship with their furry friend.

References to Suzanne Clothier’s Treat and Retreat system.

1. Clothier, S. (1999). Bones would rain from the sky: deepening our relationships with dogs. Warner Books.
2. Clothier, S. (2009). Arousal, Anxiety, and Fear in Dogs. Retrieved from https://suzanneclothier.com/arousal-anxiety-fear-dogs/
3. Clothier, S. (2014). 4 Essential Elements for a Successful Relationship with Your Dog. Retrieved from https://suzanneclothier.com/4-essential-elements-for-a-successful-relationship-with-your-dog/
4. Clothier, S. (2018). The Power of Positive Training: Suzanne Clothier on the Grueling Work of Behavior Modification. Retrieved from https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/training/suzanne-clothier-behavior-modification/
5. Clothier, S. (2021). Understanding Arousal and Thresholds in Dogs. Retrieved from https://suzanneclothier.com/understanding-arousal-and-thresholds-in-dogs/

References to John Fisher’s Treat and Retreat system.

1. Fisher, J. (1992). Think dog!: an owner’s guide to canine psychology. F. Watts.
2. Fisher, J. (1997). The canine commandments: life lessons from dogs. Summersdale.
3. Fisher, J. (2002). The puppy listener. Pan Macmillan.
4. Fisher, J. (2007). Why does my dog act that way?: a complete guide to your dog’s personality. Collins.
5. Fisher, J. (2015). The Dog Vinci Code: Unlock the Secrets to Training Your Dog. HarperCollins UK.