- A version of this article was first published in the “TTEAM Connections” Newsletter, written by the late Edie Jane Eaton – one of our beloved teachers.
Can you imagine being afraid of the dark?
Trying to overcome this fear, you venture out of your house at night, leaving the front door open behind you. Bit by bit, you get further away from the comforting light of the doorway. But then the door closes, and you hear the click of the lock turning!
How brave do you feel now?
This analogy helps illustrate what many animals experience when confronted with fear. Whether in dog training, horse training, or behavior modification, the way we handle an animal’s fear can either help them build confidence or reinforce their anxieties. Many believe that exposing a fearful animal to an intimidating situation while providing treats or comfort will teach them that they are safe. While this might provide short-term relief, it does not always foster long-term trust and resilience. Instead, the Tellington TTouch Method (TTEAM and TTouch) offers a proven approach to helping animals develop the skills to cope with stress in a way that prioritizes safety and choice.
The Role of Safety in Learning: Insights from Tellington TTouch
For any learning to take place—whether in dog behavior training, horse behavior training, or even human education—certain conditions must be met. Modern research supports Abraham Maslow’s “Hierarchy of Needs,” which states that safety is a fundamental requirement before an individual can focus on learning, problem-solving, or self-awareness. This principle applies not only to humans but to dogs, horses, and other animals. When animals feel safe, they are more open to exploring and learning new behaviors.
An article from the New York Times Magazine titled An Elephant Crack-up (October 8, 2006) highlights how elephants, like humans, need both a sense of safety and freedom of choice to heal from trauma. The Tellington TTouch method embraces these principles, helping animals move beyond instinctive responses and develop confidence in a gentle, cooperative manner.
Tellington TTouch in Dog Training: A Case Study
One of the key elements of Tellington TTouch for dogs is allowing them the freedom to choose while ensuring they feel safe. I once worked with a very shy white German Shepherd during a dog training class. The technique I used, developed by TTouch instructor Kathy Cascade, focuses on helping dogs with separation anxiety and building their confidence through choice.
We set up a simple exercise: I threw treats on the floor to encourage the dog to step away from her person. The rule was that she could always return if she wanted. At first, she took a few cautious steps forward before retreating. On the second attempt, she only moved slightly. By the third try, she didn’t approach at all and instead lay behind her handler’s chair, facing away. To some, this might have seemed like a failure—but in reality, it was a breakthrough. The dog realized she had the freedom to choose how far she ventured.
The next morning, she surprised everyone by stepping confidently into the circle, eating the treats, and engaging with the class. This transformation illustrated how choice and security create an environment where learning can take place.
Tellington TTouch in Horse Training: The Power of Choice
A similar situation occurred with a police horse in South Africa. The horse struggled with separation anxiety, always wanting to stay close to another horse. Traditional horse training methods suggest forcing the horse to remain alone, reinforcing control over the animal. However, we took a different approach—each time the horse wanted to return to its companion, we allowed it to do so. Conventional wisdom argues this teaches a horse that it can “win,” but in reality, the opposite happened.
By giving the horse the freedom to return to its friend, we removed the element of fear. Over time, the horse became comfortable being on its own, and the rider no longer had to fight to keep it separate. This gentle, choice-based approach aligns perfectly with Tellington TTouch for horses, which focuses on reducing anxiety and enhancing cooperation.
Helping a “Rooted” Horse Move Forward
Another compelling example of Tellington TTouch in horse training involved a small Morgan mare who refused to move. Her instinctual response to stress was to freeze—what we call “growing roots.” Traditional training might have involved pushing or forcing her to move. Instead, we respected her need to feel safe.
I suggested that we allow her to stand still for a moment before gently encouraging movement again. At first, this approach took time, but with repeated attempts, she started moving willingly. By the end of the clinic, she walked forward with ease, looked brighter, and was even easier to catch. This simple shift—allowing the horse time to process and choose—resulted in a lasting behavioral change.
The Feldenkrais Connection: Learning Through Awareness
The Tellington TTouch method shares similarities with the Feldenkrais Method, a movement-based therapy that encourages self-awareness. Moshe Feldenkrais famously said, “When you know what you do, you can do what you want.” In both Feldenkrais and Tellington TTouch, the goal is not to force behavior but to help individuals (human or animal) become more aware of their actions. This heightened awareness leads to greater confidence, relaxation, and improved behavior.
Conclusion: Keeping the Door Open to Learning
Whether a dog hides behind its owner, a horse clings to a companion, or an animal freezes in place, providing a sense of safety and freedom of choice is crucial for overcoming fear. Tellington TTouch for horses and dogs ensures that animals have the opportunity to explore at their own pace, reinforcing trust and reducing stress. By keeping the door open between the known and unknown, we empower animals to step forward with confidence—one small, brave choice at a time.