WHAT IS TTOUCH ANYWAY?
by Shannon Wilkinson

TTouch is the acronym for Tellington Touch, developed by Linda Tellington-Jones. It is a holistic method of working with animals that helps them learn more effectively and improves health and well-being. TTouch has been successful in helping animals with problems such as barking, chewing, aging-issues, overcoming fears and training difficulties. It helps boost confidence and deepens the bond between people and animals.

The cornerstone of TTouch is a light circular touch using the pads of your fingers. This basic TTouch is called the Lying Leopard. To do it, place your thumb and the pads of your fingers on the animal. Keep your thumb in place and gently move the skin in a clockwise circle. The circle starts at the bottom and continues around for one and a quarter turns. These circles work at a cellular level to aid in the release of tension and help the cells function optimally. It also stimulates the use of new neural pathways, which promotes learning.

To make the circular movement, it can be helpful to think of the circle as a clock and start at 6, go around the face until you pass 6 again and stop at 8. Gently lift your fingers and place them randomly on the dog for another TTouch. Remember to move the skin, not run your fingers over the skin or coat. Keep your other hand in contact with the animal - gently on his chest or on another part of the dog that is comfortable for both of you. If control is an issue, holding the leash is just as effective.

Another aspect of TTouch is ear work. This is a wonderful thing to do on a regular basis, and can be lifesaving in an emergency - to calm a stressed animal or comfort a scared one. The basic ear TTouch involves supporting the head with one hand, and gently stroking the ear from base to tip. This is easiest to do by holding the fingers under the ear and the thumb on top, gently sliding towards the tip of the ear. You can also hold the ear in a similar fashion and do small circular touches with your thumb. Working on the ears in this way, positively affects the whole animal.

Besides the touches, TTouch uses leading exercises, body wraps and other tools to build confidence, self-control and improve communication between animals and their people. To learn more about all of the aspects of TTouch visit the website at www.tellingtontouch.com. There are a number of books and videos available that share the evolution of TTouch and teach you how to use it. You can also attend a workshop or work privately with a certified practitioner in your area. A listing is available on the website.

Whether your animals have specific issues or not, TTouch is a wonderful way to work with them.

Shannon Wilkinson, TTouch Practitioner-in-Training and regular contributor to the Dog Nose News
shannonwilkinson@earthlink.net
www.takingcarenaturally.com