Calming TTouches all over the body use only gentle pressure to reduce stress and improve an animal's well-being.
The Tellington Method of Training, Rehabilitation and Wellness: How Can TTouch Help Your Pet?
I am often asked, "What is TTouch?" and "What does it do?" Just over five years ago, my colleague and I were asking those same questions. After years of corporate life, we knew that it was time to refocus our lives. Although we had been involved with animal care and rescue work for many years, we wanted to make a greater difference in the lives of animals. I was essentially interested in holistic ways to help injured, sick, and special needs animals, as well as gentle, positive methods for modifying behaviors.
Then we heard about a method that was holistic in nature and positive in its reinforcement methods, which benefited seniors and special-needs animals and enhanced wellness. It was called TTouch — sounded too good to be true, and we were curious. After doing much research, we knew where our path was leading.
What is TTouch? What does it do?
TTouch, or the Tellington Touch Method of Training, Rehabilitation and Wellness, is a focused approach to animal care and behavior modification that provides a foundation for a gentler, more enjoyable, stress-free relationship with your animal companion. You can see significant change with even the most challenging behaviors, see improvement in overall wellness and quality of life, and it's a straightforward technique for pet owners to learn.
This revolutionary and gentle method can be used as a stand-alone training tool or in support of other training methods, for wellness care, and in support of veterinary care. The TTouch Method consists of circular TTouches, stroking and lifting TTouches, Body Wraps, Leading Exercises, and the Confidence Course.
Ear TTouch can be particularly relaxing for an animal.
World-recognized animal expert Linda Tellington-Jones originally developed TTouch for horses more than 30 years ago; about 15 years ago, she expanded the method to include companion animals; and today, TTouch for people is part of the Complimentary Healing Modalities curriculum at a leading University. Veterinarians, trainers, zookeepers, animal behaviorists, groomers, breeders, shelters, and pet owners around the world are using TTouch. Olympic teams have used it!
Often mistaken for petting or massage, it is neither of these. TTouch is a hands-on approach using only gentle pressure, just enough to move the skin, but not the muscles, in a circular direction. The intent is to "stimulate cellular function and awaken the innate intelligence" within the cells themselves — which we usually equate to "turning on the electric lights in the body." By using this method, we can increase an animal's self-image and awareness, which in turn can modify behavior patterns and deepen the relationship between our animals and us. The TTouch is non-invasive and can be done anywhere on the body. It is amazing to see how an animal can begin to realize improved self-confidence, increased awareness, better coordination and balance, and enhanced well-being in just a few sessions. As Linda herself has said, "It looks so innocent on the surface, yet [for the animal] it is an opening to a whole new world." TTouch teaches an animal to think instead of just react.
How can TTouch help your pet?
Sounds impressive, but how can gentle circles moving the skin do all these things? Well, the best way to tell you is to say that every TTouch Practitioner has experienced the effects ourselves. During training, we literally put ourselves in the "paws" of our animals to understand these effects. I personally have experienced pain relief and the wondrous tension-release that goes with it. And I have seen how each and every animal I have worked on responds. It also just feels good!
To give you some idea of what TTouch can do for your pet, let me tell you about one of our "clients" who was in need of behavior modification:
Wriggley was adopted in Queens and made the big move into a Manhattan apartment. Wriggley's person loved him and he loved her. But he had a few behavioral issues that she could have done without: pulling on the leash; being somewhat destructive; and demanding attention by using her arm, and those of her friends, as "corn-on-the cob!" We were called in to see if Wriggley could change his ways. I will tell you that I can attest to the truth of an arm being a corncob to Wriggley's teeth — that was his initial greeting. We immediately began our TTouch program with specific TTouches and Body Wraps designed to calm and relax Wriggley and alleviate his compulsion to bite and obsession for attention, and various leading exercises to teach him to walk more appropriately on the leash. Those were the primary goals. We also trained his person on the correct way to do the TTouch, use the Body Wrap, the proper training equipment to use, and how to do the leading exercises. By the end of our third session, Wriggley got a passing grade. Friends and people in his building group began to comment on the change in Wriggley; one person even commenting that Wriggley was "a whole new dog!"
Wriggley during one of his training sessions on the "Confidence Course."
Changes like this do not happen overnight. Wriggley's person made sure she scheduled the time to work with him. And it oftentimes takes a huge personal commitment — including a commitment of time — to modify certain behaviors, especially in some adopted animals who may have come from a life of fear, mistrust, and abuse.
Many behavioral issues have their roots in fear or pain, and animals may only react on instinct in these cases. We see especially how this can impact animals' lives in shelters. Behavioral issues are a key reason why dogs and cats are not adopted or "dumped" back into shelters, and why some of these animals never experience a "forever" home.
And for many animals, obedience training alone may not be enough. TTouch enhances learning ability and willingness to cooperate, reduces stress, promotes socialization and trust, in young and old animals, and rehabilitates "fear-biters."
Wellness is another benefit of TTouch. Senior and special needs animals can greatly benefit from the affects of TTouch. For example, animals with pain and stiffness of arthritis can become more mobile and have relief from pain with daily concentrated circular TTouches on the affected arthritic area, such as the back or pelvic regions. Doing specific ear TTouches can also boost the immune system, alleviate digestive disorders, and add vitality to your pet's life. I have even used TTouch to keep animals from going into shock on their way to emergency care — which can save their life — after an accident and injury.
It is important to note, however, that TTouch is not a replacement for good nutrition, exercise, and veterinary care, but rather supports the health and quality of your pet's life.
There are many different TTouch techniques and a TTouch Practitioner will design a program specifically to meet the needs of your animal.
As Linda Tellington-Jones says, "I believe animals come into our lives as special teachers. TTouch is like a language without words that allows us to communicate and understand our animal friends."
Having successfully used TTouch on many different species of animals, for a vast array of behavioral, rehabilitative, and wellness issues, on aging, disabled, and senior pets, I have seen their lives change for the better. And it is about the animals, after all. Needless to say, I am a firm believer in TTouch; I have found something that makes a difference to a whole lot of animals.
TTouch your pet — you'll be amazed at the results!
About the Author
Mary Bruce, along with her colleague, Peggy Marks, runs Mindful Tails, a company that provides TTouch and other services for dogs, cats, birds, small mammals, farm animals, and others. Mary is a Guild Certified Practitioner of the Tellington Method of Training, Rehabilitation and Wellness for Companion Animals, licensed Wildlife Rehabilitator, reiki practitioner, and member of the APDT. You can find Mary at the "Ask the TTouch Practitioner" booth at Mayor's Alliance/Maddie's Pet Adoption Festivals. She also works closely with a number of other animal welfare organizations, using TTouch in rescue and TNR work. In her work, Mary hosts lectures, demos, and workshops on TTouch for veterinary staff, trainers, and individuals, as well as working with private clients.
