photo: yannick974
Have you heard of Tellington TTouch or TTouch? I was first introduced to it when we hired our amazing dog trainer (and behaviorist) Shannon Finch. She gave me a worksheet showing different techniques and displayed each one. On each training session, she asked me to show her my technique and would make adjustments until I got it right.
Tellington TTouch is great for dogs for several reasons, but personally, it helped me bond with our dogs, because it’s relaxing and reduces stress. Even today, if I sit on the floor, Rodrigo will come and sit in front of me (his back to my front) for his TTouch.
What is Tellington TTouch (TTouch)?
Tellington TTouch was developed by Linda Tellington-Jones and the technique has been shown to be an amazing way to “improve behavior, enhance performance and health, and teach a dog to learn willingly. It helps establish a deeper rapport and more effective connection and understanding between humans and their animals.” ~ Tellington Touch Training
Tellington TTouch is easy to do and requires no specialized knowledge of a dog’s body. It’s completely gentle and non-confrontational, which is why it’s such a fantastic way to release tension and (in my opinion) bond with your dog.
Tellington TTouch is a great companion to dog training. When we adopted littermate puppies, we were warned that…
- They would bond to each other and not to us.
- They would fight with each other constantly.
- They would be nearly impossible to train.
I used the Tellington TTouch as taught to me by our dog trainer and was amazed by how we were able to help our dogs relax after a training and/or play session. I began using TTouch on them in the morning when they woke up, after a training session, and sometimes in the evening to settle them down. TTouch also came in handy during thunder storms; in fact, Rodrigo comes to me during a storm or fireworks automatically and I begin the TTouch.
What TTouch can do for you and your dog
The TTouch method can…
- Address physical and behavioral issues, by balancing mind and body; improving a dog’s ability to learn
- Relieve anxieties, fears and compulsions in your dog
- Increase bonding between a dog and their human
- Help animals who are recovering from surgery; when the mind and body are in better balance, it is able to heal more quickly
- Enable dog owners to take an active part in their animal’s comfort
- Relieve stress in dog owners as well
- Help to create a calmer atmosphere at home
By reducing our dogs’ stress, we help them make better behavioral choices.
Now it’s YOUR turn! Do you practice Tellington TTouch?
Thank you to the TTouch practitioners who took the time to help me write this article…
Jenn Merritt, CPDT-KA, Certified Professional Dog Trainer, Tellington TTouch Companion Animal Practitioner
Sarah Hauser, Tellington TTouch, Reiki and Bach Flower Remedies for Pets and People
Linda Troup, TouchNpaws & MakeNscents
Marsha T Wallace, MD, TellingtonTTouch CAP, IN GOOD HANDS
January 16, 2013 at 1:43 pm
How interesting, I’ve never heard of this before. It does look very relaxing for both parties though.
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Ann Paws recently published..Wordless Wednesday: The Girls Have Found Their Dates!
January 16, 2013 at 4:57 pm
OMG it IS. I did this with our littermates and it built such an amazing bond. We used to do it every morning.
Twitter: thefurmom
January 16, 2013 at 4:01 pm
I’m with Ann. I’ve never heard of it either but looks fantastic. I have lil rub down sessions every now and again with my boy but they are few and far between. Thanks for sharing this with us!
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Brenda recently published..Wordless Wednesday: Nappy Time
Twitter: PibblesNMe
January 16, 2013 at 4:58 pm
It is so awesome for them. I sit on the floor and turn on a program and Rodrigo automatically comes and sits in front of me; he knows what’s coming. He loves it. Sydney scootches in to be next. It’s great to settle Blue down; he gets so hyper sometimes.
Twitter: thefurmom
January 16, 2013 at 4:25 pm
Way back when I brought my Flat Coat Bruno to a weekend seminar on massage and T-Touch was one of the methods demonstrated…I have been using it on Gizmo to relax him and get him ready to be groomed which is something I’m working on this month for the Train Your Dog Challenge
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Gizmo ( recently published..SHOW OFF YOUR DOG’S WAIST–Almost Wordless Wednesday
Twitter: GizmoGeodog
January 16, 2013 at 4:28 pm
Thought I’d add that I’ve always used Reiki on dogs and found ti effective as well
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Gizmo ( recently published..SHOW OFF YOUR DOG’S WAIST–Almost Wordless Wednesday
Twitter: GizmoGeodog
January 16, 2013 at 4:59 pm
I would love to take another seminar; just to brush up on it and learn more. I’ll have to call our trainer.
Twitter: thefurmom
January 16, 2013 at 7:10 pm
Hi Kimberly,
I was fortunate enough to attend a TTouch seminar for horses in Dallas, GA one year that Linda taught herself. Usually her practioners teach them as she is often traveling internationally working on Olympic level horses. She autographed several of her books for me. Check them out – they’re worth having.
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Gail Gardner recently published..Bloggers Have a Higher Calling; Will You Accept Yours?
Twitter: GrowMap
January 16, 2013 at 8:05 pm
I definitely will, thank you, Gail
I only know the basics and that has helped our dogs so very much.
Twitter: thefurmom
January 17, 2013 at 5:52 am
Great idea for both dog and owner.
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Bailey recently published..Wordless Wednesday: Where Are the Keys?
January 17, 2013 at 6:31 am
I think so too, Bailey
Twitter: thefurmom
January 22, 2013 at 8:43 pm
This sounds like a great idea for Buster and Ty. I wonder if there is a class or maybe videos that would make it easy to learn. I like that you had a trainer who could correct your technique as you were practicing – that would be perfect!
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Amy recently published..Pet Travel Hazards: Overstimulation
January 23, 2013 at 6:26 am
Our trainer offers classes throughout the year and I plan to take our pack to see her this summer. She has a great property with mules and horses – our dogs love it. There is a TTouch channel on YouTube with 9 videos: http://www.youtube.com/feed/UCYvnTImU1C346_grvgZdZug
It’s much better to have someone to work with, because there’s a trick with pressure, but at least it’s a start
Twitter: thefurmom