When we start to recognize an animal’s behavior as a form of communication, everything changes. It becomes easier to stay calm, patient, and self-regulated—avoiding frustration or taking things personally.
A core principle of the Tellington Method is to “step into the animal’s hooves or paws.” This shift in perspective encourages us to ask:
What might they be learning in this moment?
How can I make my request simpler or clearer for them to understand?
Are there physical barriers—like tension, poor balance, or coordination—that might prevent cooperation?
The truth is, we can never fully KNOW what an animal is feeling or experiencing. But when we lead with empathy instead of dominance, we often see better results—not just in the moment but over the long term. Empathy strengthens trust, improves communication, and builds a deeper relationship.
Now, let’s be clear—empathy doesn’t mean abandoning boundaries. Safety always comes first! But it does open the door for more creative, flexible, and compassionate problem-solving. It allows us to meet the animal where they are, and guide them forward in a way that feels safe and collaborative.
Here’s a story that perfectly illustrates this:
Last year, a young mare came to our farm for boarding after spending time in training at another facility. She arrived with overgrown hooves and shoes that clearly needed to be removed. Normally, this mare was calm, curious, and cooperative. But the moment the farrier approached, everything changed. Her panic was immediate and intense.
Rather than force the appointment, we chose to pause and reassess.
The mare’s narrow build and lack of balance likely contributed to her fear. Later, we discovered that she had always been sedated for farrier visits. A particularly rough handling during one session left her anxious and defensive. Knowing this made her reaction completely understandable.
We took a gentle, step-by-step approach. Short, stress-free sessions. Food rewards. TTouch Body Wraps. TTouch Body Rope. Stroking with the Wand. TTouch Body Work techniques. For one challenging shoe, we even used oral sedation—an unheard of decision for us after decades of working with horses.
The key? We never turned this into a fight.
Even after the shoes were removed, we continued working to shift her perception of having someone handle her feet. After fewer than 10 short sessions, her demeanor completely changed. She stayed calm, recovered her balance without panic, and no longer tensed up when the farrier arrived.
The lesson here is simple: By recognizing her behavior as communication—not defiance—we could address the root of the issue. We didn’t ignore the problem, but we approached it with patience and empathy instead of frustration or force.
Next time you feel frustration rising with your animal, take a step back. Ask yourself: How can I shift their experience and create an environment where they feel safe and supported?
Animals don’t misbehave to challenge us. They react to their environment, past experiences, and physical limitations. Our job is to listen, adapt, and work together to create new possibilities—turning frustration into connection.
Learn more ways to improve your listening skills with one of our free mini-modules: https://learn.ttouch.ca/product-category/free/