TTouch Your Pets

No, not a spelling mistake of Touch, but a way of communicating with animals via the sense of touch.

Known as the TTouch, or Tellington TTouch method, it is based on the circular movements of the hands and fingers over the animal's body. Created by Linda Tellington-Jones (PhD), the idea is to use the circular movements to stimulate the body's cells and create a sense of cellular awareness.

And a pet owner can use this technique to either enhance the life of their animal, to help with certain behavioural patterns, or to aid the healing process after an illness, or treatment.

It has been shown to work especially well with dogs, although some benefit can be gained with other animals, including cats.

But with dogs, the method can be employed to help with a dog pulling on his lead; excessively barking, or chewing; behaving aggressively; getting over excited; or, being car sick. It can also help with aging animals.

It is a method used by pet owners, breeders, vets and zoo staff.

For someone to use the TTouch, they should receive basic tuition in the method, but they do not require medical knowledge; it is more a state of empathy with animals that's important. To give an example, many dog owners already might be well aware that stroking a dog's ear in a particular way can calm it down.

So, in a sense, it's more of a state-of-mind, for both the pet owner and pet, plus the ability to combine a number of touch and movement exercises, that make this such a clever technique in the field of animal/human relations.

To give some idea of how TTouch works, there follows a brief description of what can be done, but always bear in mind that you must be very aware of the animal's nature that you intend to touch. Do not approach an animal that you do not know, or do not trust implicitly that they are happy with your presence.

Here are some of the basics. Always work in a quiet and calm environment and always work to one side. And always be aware of the animal's possible mood swing. The basic idea is to work together with the animal, rather than forcing it to do something against its will.

One technique is called the Clouded Leopard and involves moving your hand around in small circles, employing consistent pressure in a relaxed fashion with your finger tips. With fingers slightly bent and the thumb away, move your hand around an imaginary clock face for just over a full circle, using your middle finger as the lead. Work around the body and ensure you are moving the skin and flesh, not just the hair.

Keep relaxed yourself as the animal will sense if you are uncomfortable, or nervous. If the animal doesn't respond well, then try a different pressure, or leave the session to a better time.

And the other great thing about the TTouch technique is that the effects are accumulative over a 24-hour period, so a number of short sessions are better than one single long one.

So there you are then, the TTouch technique. A chance to treat your animal to some very special care.

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