Tellington TTouch
The Tellington TTouch is a teaching method for dogs and other animals that incorporates gentle handling techniques (body work) and guided exercises (ground exercises) as appropriate. TTouch helps improve co-ordination, balance and athletic ability, whilst deepening communication, understanding and respect between an animal and its owner.
Developed by Linda Tellington Jones, TTouch is used widely in many countries across the world by rescue centres, dog trainers, zoos, veterinarians, Behaviour therapists and pet owners.
TTouch techniques gently guide the animal through non-habitual exercises that can alter existing habitual patterns. As posture affects behaviour, many owners note that unwanted behaviour diminishes as the posture improves. TTouch teaches the animal to act, rather than simply react.
Body work
TTouches find areas in the animal’s body that indicate tension, fear of contact or discomfort. Specific movements, circular touches and skin lifts are used to improve circulation, release tension and promote a greater sense of body awareness. The changes that are seen affect behaviour, allowing your animal to be handled without provoking typical fear responses. Your animal can then learn new and more appropriate behaviours.
Ground exercises
TTouch leading exercises enable the dog to override old patterns of movement and behaviour without the use of fear or force. The groundwork improves co-ordination, confidence, focus, self-control, balance and co-operation. Animals find that they are more able to cope with situations that they might find concerning, and to learn a new way of responding.
It is not necessary to learn the whole TTouch philosophy to help the animals in your care. Learning just a few of the body touches by working with a trained Practitioner or attending a workshop can make a difference to an animal’s life.
