An introduction to T Touch

If you've never heard of Tellington TTouch, it was the brain child of internationally recognized animal expert Linda Tellington-Jones, Ph.D., and has become widely recognised in the UK thanks to Sarah Fisher and her team at Tilley Farm near Bath.

All behaviours are linked, and TTouch recognises a link between posture and behaviour. Observations are key to understanding the dog on a whole new level. Changes in the coat can often appear where there is an underlying tension in the muscles. The position of the ears and tail can give information about the dogs emotional state. The way the dog moves and holds his body position can also give vital information about physical balance.

TTouch can help to improve physical balance and well-being, release tight muscles, improve circulation, create a sense of calm, and increase confidence, through a combination of body work, ground work, and in some cases, specialist equipment.

TTouch can be performed on all animals, regardless of size, age, or breed, but in the case of dogs it can help with many common canine issues, such as aggression, anxiety, excessive barking, car sickness, leash pulling, and age-related problems.

The method is based on mutual respect and cooperation between animal and human. One of the method's core principles is "Change the posture, change the behavior."
TTouch can have an immediate, and often profound effect on behaviour and mood. When tension in the body is reduced all associated behaviours begin to diminish, and often disappear.

TTouch can help the dog to become more confident, more focused, calmer, less reactive, quieter, and easier to train. It can be used in the grooming salon, the veterinary clinic, animal shelters, or anywhere the dog may feel nervous and uncomfortable. It is a non-invasive, gentle hands-on therapy, which can work alongside veterinary care without interfering with other treatments.

So what is involved?

The method is simple and accessible to all. All TTouches are named after animals, to make them easy to identify, and all use a light pressure from either the fingers or the hand, according to where on the body the touch is being performed, and for what intention.

TTouch is a mindful technique. It is performed with the consent of the animal, and the animal's reaction to each touch is closely monitored. Circles, slides, and lifts, are the main groups of techniques, with pauses between each touch of the body to allow the animal time to process the experience.

For animals which are sensitive to touch, it can build trust and confidence as the animal learns to realise that the person giving the TTouch is listening to them, rather than imposing on them.