Do you find yourself dreading what is supposed to be a relaxing walk with your dog?
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 dog be their BEST selves!
☑️ Enhance self-control
☑️ Develop good leash habits
☑️ Reduce anxiety & fear
☑️ Address reactivity
☑️ Support senior & special need dogs
☑️Develop trust & Communication
We can help!
The Tellington TTouch Method is a unique approach to animal training and care developed by internationally known trainer, teacher, and author, Linda Tellington-Jones. Based on understanding and respect for our animal friends, this gentle method promotes well-being and adaptive behaviour through an integrated approach that helps to reduce stress and build 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.
Attitude & Philosophy
Observation & Awareness
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 to what is being observed in that context, at that moment of time. Observation is not limited to our animals, but is used for ourselves as well as a road to self-awareness.
Bodywork
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 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.
Leashwork
Working on leash is one of the most important aspects of the Tellington TTouch work for dogs.
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 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.
TTouch Tools
Many different pieces of equipment are used to help enhance an animal’s 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 are “Body Wraps”. Contrary to many people’s first thought, these are in no way restrictive or tight. They do not force the body into any position, rather they remind the nervous system about where it is in space and seems 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 behavior in a non-judgmental way
➔ Notice a dog’s subtle body language for signs of stress or relaxation
➔ Use simple, relaxing body work 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 own 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 compliments 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 of 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 Method!