Unlock Your Companion Animal’s Potential with the TTouch Method
Are you experiencing dread in what is supposed to be a relaxing walk with your companion?
Does your dog have separation concerns or anxiety in specific situations?
Do you have an older dog who you would like to keep healthy and comfortable?
☑️ Help your companion animals be their BEST selves!
☑️ Enhance self-control
☑️ Develop good leash habits
☑️ Reduce anxiety & fear
☑️ Address reactivity
☑️ Support senior & special needs companion animals
☑️Develop Trust & Communication
Why Choose the TTouch Method for Companion Animals?
We can help!
The Tellington TTouch Method is a unique approach to training and caring for companion animals. It was developed by internationally known trainer, teacher, and author, Linda Tellington-Jones. This method is grounded in understanding and respecting animals, promoting their well-being through an integrated approach that reduces stress and builds confidence.
TTouch is more than a form of bodywork, it is an entire way of training, handling, and understanding animals in a positive, non-threatening way.
This method is comprised of several different components. This method is comprised of several different components. Philosophy, Observation, Bodywork, Leashwork, and Equipment.
Key Components of the TTouch Method for Companion Animals
1. Attitude & Philosophy
One of the most important pieces that you will walk away with from a workshop is this tenant:
“Change your mind, change your animal”.
That is; how much our perception and labels, affect how we deal with a specific animal or behaviour. We look at behaviour as a means of communication rather than being the dog’s innate personality or attitude.
It is up to us to find the root cause of behaviour, because there is always a reason! The Tellington TTouch Method looks at the connection between physical, mental, and emotional balance.
We utilize a variety of exercises to improve posture and balance, which helps an animal feel safer, so they can be more self-confident, achieving mental balance; when an animal is self-confident they have better self-control and emotional balance. When an animal has better self-control, they can make better choices, acting rather than strictly reacting.
This means that the Tellington TTouch Method is not simply “training” a specific behaviour, but providing the animal with the education to adapt, cooperatively to different situations.
2. Observation & Awareness for Companion Animals
Sometimes combined with the heading, “Attitude & Philosophy”, observation has been a key piece to the Method since its inception.
As a way to understand behaviour, we use our powers of observation, visually and with our hands, to become “detectives” and work to understand underlying issues of behaviour from habitual patterns of tension and dysfunctional posture or limitations due to injury or loss of function.
This piece is not meant to label or judge the animal, it simply provides feedback on what is being observed in that context, at that moment. Observation is not limited to our animals but is used for ourselves as well as a road to self-awareness.
3. Bodywork Techniques for Companion Animals
The foundation of the Tellington TTouch Method is a specific form of light circular touches and strokes known as TTouch®. Mindful and gentle, this form of touch induces a state of relaxation and increased body awareness in companion animals and people alike.
The combination of the TTouch body work with unique movement exercises improves focus and attention, allowing optimal learning to take place.
By using a variety of other tools that also assist the animal to experience a sense of confidence in previously frightening or challenging situations, even the most difficult problems are often eliminated with just a few sessions.
The Tellington Method also provides people with a wonderful means of deepening the bond they share with their animal companions. Many techniques may resemble massage but the intention is not to directly manipulate the muscular-skeletal system. TTouch works with the nervous system to change physical patterns at some of the deepest levels through gentle, non-habitual movement. Many aspects of these techniques were inspired by the Feldenkrais Method.
4. Leashwork
Working on the leash is one of the most important aspects of the Tellington TTouch work for companion animals. Mindful work on the leash enables an animal to override habitual patterns of posture and movement and to learn without fear or force.
Helping a dog come more into balance on a leash reduces reactivity, leash pulling, and many other “issues” without force. Many of the leashwork exercises are unique to the Tellington TTouch method and help create consistent, comfortable, loose-leash walking without corrections or distractions.
Changing postural patterns through movement helps retain the effectiveness of bodywork as well as change behavioural patterns associated with pain or tension. Tellington TTouch exercises in the “Confidence Course”, using a variety of elements (including labyrinth, ground poles and surfaces) result in improved self-control, focus, self-confidence, cooperation, balance and coordination.
5. TTouch Tools
Many different pieces of equipment are used to help enhance companion animals’ balance and overall body awareness. These are used in exercises to support and encourage a functional posture and healthy way of going – without force or restraint.
One of these tools is “Body Wraps”. Contrary to many people’s first thoughts, these are in no way unrestrictive or tight. They do not force the body into any position, rather they remind the nervous system about where it is in space and seem to “reset” or at least reveal habitual patterns or tension and bracing.
In addition to the Body Wraps, the Tellington TTouch Method has developed a line of harnesses and leash tools that help encourage loose leash walking without harsh aversion techniques or excessive stress on the back and shoulders.
What will you learn?
➔ Interpret your dog’s behaviour in a non-judgmental way
➔ Notice a dog’s subtle body language for signs of stress or relaxation
➔ Use simple, relaxing bodywork techniques to support your dog and your relationship
➔ Support your dog to reduce anxiety and enhance self-confidence
➔ Incorporate leash exercises to create more harmonious on-leash communication
➔ Recognize and acknowledge how your state of mind will affect your dog
Why learn it?
TTouch offers positive solutions to common behavioural and health-related issues, including; inappropriate aggression, car sickness, separation anxiety, excessive barking, chewing, jumping up and leash-pulling in dogs, resistance to grooming, nervousness, shyness, thunder phobia etc.
It complements other types of training, especially positive reinforcement, and can enhance performance in agility, showing, and other performance activities improves general well-being and offers support for veterinary care.
In addition to all of the behavioural and physical benefits, TTouch also deepens the bond and understanding between people and animals.
Who uses it?
The Tellington TTouch Method is used by many animal professionals. The list includes groomers, pet sitters, trainers, animal behaviourists, shelter and rescue workers, breeders, vets, vet technicians, and competitors in agility, obedience, tracking, and many more.
Tellington TTouch Practitioners work with individual clients and teach one or two-day workshops. Of course, anyone who shares their life with animals can use the Tellington TTouch Method!