Tellington TTouch for Dogs
by Eugenie Chopin
by Eugenie Chopin
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WHAT IS TTOUCH?
TTouch is a gentle and unique method of working with both health and behavioural problems in animals. Developed by internationally known animal expert, Linda Tellington-Jones, TTouch is based on cooperation and understanding. These revolutionary techniques promote optimal performance and health without fear or force. It utilizes bodywork, body wraps, respectful communication, a variety of equipment and groundwork exercises.
WHAT IS BODYWORK?
TTouch bodywork uses a combination of circles, slides and lifts to increase awareness and sensation, reduce stress and relax tension held in the body. This allows the body to function to it's full potential in the healing process. As the body comes into balance, we find that the mind and emotions follow! TTouch works via the neurological system of the body. Just as the brain sends messages to the body, the reverse is also true. Therefore, if there is tension in the body, there is a blockage of information to the brain. TTouch uses non-habitual movements to activate unused neurological pathways to the brain. This indeed turns uncooperative animals into willing partners. By stimulating different parts of the brain, we teach the animal to think and realize it has a choice of behavior!
WHEN WOULD ONE USE TTOUCH?
- For Improving behavior or temperament
- An older animal that is in pain [i.e. arthritis, hip dysplasia, etc.]
- Help injuries and surgery to heal more quickly
- To deepen the bond between you and your pet
- To improve you pet’s confidence, balance, agility or performance
- If your animal is fearful of thunderstorms and loud noises
- If your animal is getting near the end of it's life and you'd like to do something to alleviate the pain and help in the passing for veterinary care
- Anytime you just want to give more to your pet!
Getting a General Feel for where your Pet is holding his Tension and Stress
We know from science that we hold emotional issues in the cellular structure of our bodies. Animals do the same! Try an experiment with your pet and see if you can tell where he/she is holding his tension and issues. Do some long steady strokes over every part of your pet’s body. Is there any area where you can’t touch? Or that your pet gives an indication that he might be concerned or uncomfortable?
The signs you might get include:
- Moving away
- Sitting: especially when you get to the tail and hindquarter area
- Turning around to look at what you’re doing
- A calming signal [see Turid Rugaas’ book] such as yawning, licking of lips, scratching, chewing sniffing, etc.
- Fooling around! He’s trying to distract you!
- Growl or try to bite! Please be careful and pay attention to the information your pet is giving you.
And what does this tell you? It could be several things:
- Your animal could have pain in that part of his body. i.e. if he has arthritis
- He might have a memory of pain. Ever clipped a toenail too short and tried to go back again later? Or have a pet who was injured in the past but is still wary of that part of his body?
- Your pet could be holding emotional issues or stress in this part of the body.
Make sure you work from the mouth [including inside], to the ears, down the legs into the feet and toes and go all the way back to the but and the length of the tail. If you know how to do the circles then try that as well! (See basic circular TTouch). If you’re getting reaction in a certain area, try a softer pressure or a flatter touch. Sometimes the reaction will be very subtle and sometimes quite dramatic. Just know that this is the area where your pet feels unsafe and what we want to do is give him a NEW experience of this part of his body. You might gently try going into these areas more frequently until he is more comfortable with touch. Good luck and let us know how you do!
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DOING THE TTOUCH
The foundation of the TTouch method is based on circular movements of the fingers and hands all over the body. The intent of the TTouch is to activate the function of the cells and awaken cellular intelligence - a little like "turning on the electric lights of the body." The TTouch is done on the entire body, and each circular TTouch is complete within itself. Therefore it is not necessary to understand anatomy to be successful in speeding up the healing of injuries or ailments, or changing undesirable habits or behavior. There are many different touches, but numerous ones are based on a clockwise circular motion. The Clouded Leopard is the first one we teach because the techniques and principles used are basic to all TTouches. |
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To do the TTouch, imagine the face of a clock on your animal's body, half an inch to one inch in diameter. Place your lightly curved fingers at six o'clock on your imaginary clock, and push the skin around the face of the clock for one and a quarter circles. Place your thumb two to three inches from your forefinger and feel a connection between thumb and forefingers. When possible, support the body gently with your free hand, placing it opposite the hand making the circle. Maintain a steady rhythm and constant pressure around the circle and a quarter, whether the TTouch is light or firm, pay particular attention to the roundness of the circles.
After each circular TTouch you can either move to another spot at random, or you can run parallel lines on the body by making a circle with a little slide and then another circle. Both types of movements induce relaxation and improve self-confidence. By placing your free hand in a supporting position and making a connection between your two hands, this will keep the animal in balance and enhance the effect of the TTouch.
Most of the time, clockwise circles are the most effective for strengthening and rehabilitating the body, as well as improving self-confidence and performance. However, there are times when counter clockwise circles are appropriate for releasing tension. Practice the both directions and trust your fingers if they are moving in a counter clockwise direction.
Try these circles on yourself and friends and see how they feel!!! Attempt to keep the circles even and with the same pressure. Do this anywhere on the body of your pet. You might do some randomly or work your way down the body by doing a small slide between the circles. These are called connected circles. There is no right or wrong way. Just pay attention to the reaction you get. GOOD LUCK
After each circular TTouch you can either move to another spot at random, or you can run parallel lines on the body by making a circle with a little slide and then another circle. Both types of movements induce relaxation and improve self-confidence. By placing your free hand in a supporting position and making a connection between your two hands, this will keep the animal in balance and enhance the effect of the TTouch.
Most of the time, clockwise circles are the most effective for strengthening and rehabilitating the body, as well as improving self-confidence and performance. However, there are times when counter clockwise circles are appropriate for releasing tension. Practice the both directions and trust your fingers if they are moving in a counter clockwise direction.
Try these circles on yourself and friends and see how they feel!!! Attempt to keep the circles even and with the same pressure. Do this anywhere on the body of your pet. You might do some randomly or work your way down the body by doing a small slide between the circles. These are called connected circles. There is no right or wrong way. Just pay attention to the reaction you get. GOOD LUCK
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MOUTH WORK
Why do mouth work? It’s true that most of us never look into our dog’s mouths! We learn to do a quick inspection at puppy class to help facilitate later Vet needs, but seldom go there again. WELL I WOULD LIKE TO TELL YOU HOW GOOD IT IS FOR YOUR PET TO HAVE MOUTHWORK! Why? You may ask. The mouth connects with the limbic portion of the brain, which is the seat of emotions. The limbic system controls stress, anxiety and all of the related emotions that allow your animal to think rather than slip into “reaction”. By working in the mouth we can relieve a great deal of stress as well as induce feelings of “well-being”. |
When would you use mouth work?I must admit that I would use it on any dog or cat, but some of the main uses are for dogs who bite, chew, bark or whine too much. I would certainly use mouth work on any aggressive dog and often for fearful animals. The tightness of the mouth area will give you an indication of how concerned your dog is about you going there. I have previously discussed how to see if your animal will let you work in all areas of the body. For the mouth it might be a little trickier as most pets NEVER get touched there.
What to do:
Your best option is to have your dog sit in front of you so you can work from behind. This is essential when working with dogs you don’t know, but if it’s your own dog and you are comfortable with him, then just find a relaxed position for yourself.
Start by doing long and gentle strokes on the muzzle from the nose backwards being careful of the whiskers. You might even continue to the ears if your dog likes it. [For ease, I will refer to a dog, but this is also true for cats] Then try doing small circles on the muzzle of the dog. [Refer to the basic circular touch] Remember that the circles will be small and if your pet is very small you might have to use one or two fingers instead of all four.
If your dog wants to pull away you might support the head under the jaw and if he moves – GO WITH HIM! This is not about “holding” or forcing. Try doing circles from under and/or on top of the nose. Different dogs react differently to how they are held. Now try lifting the lip and see how tight it is and if your dog will allow you in the mouth easily. If so, do small circles on the gums all over the mouth. Be careful if the mouth is dry! It can indicate some nervousness and you’ll need to wet your finger in a bit of water. I can also often find saliva towards the back teeth even when the front of the mouth is dry.
TIP: Sometimes using this second hand with the 4 fingers under the chin and the thumb on top of the nose helps to calm the dog. This is not a tight hold meant to keep him in place or to hold the mouth shut, but rather a communication that “I need you to stay here and pay attention”. So always be gentle and never force the dog to stay in one position. Simply “hang on” and go with the flow!
People often say, “Oh my dog doesn’t like that”! If this is the case, then you have found one of his “stress holding points”. Well done! Remember there is always a reason why an animal doesn’t want you to into a certain area of the body! As in all parts of the body we want to make sure that there is no pain involved, so for puppies, they might be teething or for older dogs, they might have teeth that are giving problems. Just be aware and know that you can help them. WHAT IF YOUR DOG HOLDS HIS BREATH?? He might get anxious and not know how to relax. Mouth work can change that in minutes!
NOTE: If you are working on someone else’s dog be mindful of trying to sit behind the dog and not working with your face in his! Also as the mouth is often a big stress holder for many animals, start your touches somewhere else first and only go to the mouth when you feel the animal is more relaxed. GOOD LUCK!
What to do:
Your best option is to have your dog sit in front of you so you can work from behind. This is essential when working with dogs you don’t know, but if it’s your own dog and you are comfortable with him, then just find a relaxed position for yourself.
Start by doing long and gentle strokes on the muzzle from the nose backwards being careful of the whiskers. You might even continue to the ears if your dog likes it. [For ease, I will refer to a dog, but this is also true for cats] Then try doing small circles on the muzzle of the dog. [Refer to the basic circular touch] Remember that the circles will be small and if your pet is very small you might have to use one or two fingers instead of all four.
If your dog wants to pull away you might support the head under the jaw and if he moves – GO WITH HIM! This is not about “holding” or forcing. Try doing circles from under and/or on top of the nose. Different dogs react differently to how they are held. Now try lifting the lip and see how tight it is and if your dog will allow you in the mouth easily. If so, do small circles on the gums all over the mouth. Be careful if the mouth is dry! It can indicate some nervousness and you’ll need to wet your finger in a bit of water. I can also often find saliva towards the back teeth even when the front of the mouth is dry.
TIP: Sometimes using this second hand with the 4 fingers under the chin and the thumb on top of the nose helps to calm the dog. This is not a tight hold meant to keep him in place or to hold the mouth shut, but rather a communication that “I need you to stay here and pay attention”. So always be gentle and never force the dog to stay in one position. Simply “hang on” and go with the flow!
People often say, “Oh my dog doesn’t like that”! If this is the case, then you have found one of his “stress holding points”. Well done! Remember there is always a reason why an animal doesn’t want you to into a certain area of the body! As in all parts of the body we want to make sure that there is no pain involved, so for puppies, they might be teething or for older dogs, they might have teeth that are giving problems. Just be aware and know that you can help them. WHAT IF YOUR DOG HOLDS HIS BREATH?? He might get anxious and not know how to relax. Mouth work can change that in minutes!
NOTE: If you are working on someone else’s dog be mindful of trying to sit behind the dog and not working with your face in his! Also as the mouth is often a big stress holder for many animals, start your touches somewhere else first and only go to the mouth when you feel the animal is more relaxed. GOOD LUCK!
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EAR WORK
Why do ear work? One of the best places to start TTouching your pet is on the ears. You might wonder why and there are several reasons. The first being that they usually really like it! Watch you dog, he spends time every day trying to scratch deep down into his ears! So if you’re prepared to put you finger there, dogs are usually VERY grateful. So it’s always good to start bodywork in an area that your pet is happy with you touching. The next reason to work the ears is that it holds many pressure points for the immune system. It’s the logical place to go if your pet has any illness. There is also a pressure point for SHOCK near the tip, so if your animal has been hurt and you’re off to the Vet you might actually save his life by doing ear work and helping him not go into shock! Like children, our pets often get into scraps, cut something open in the garden or just have an accident that needs attention. |
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The next reason to work the ears is that it holds many pressure points for the immune system. It’s the logical place to go if your pet has any illness. There is also a pressure point for SHOCK near the tip, so if your animal has been hurt and you’re off to the Vet you might actually save his life by doing ear work and helping him not go into shock! Like children, our pets often get into scraps, cut something open in the garden or just have an accident that needs attention.
Whether it’s a dogfight, accident or even a road accident, it’s great to know there is something we can do on the way to the Vet and while waiting to be attended to. EAR WORK! Yes, I’m serious! There are pressure points near the tip of the ears that can keep your pet from going into shock. All of the ear work is good for boosting the immune system so don’t wait for an Emergency!
What to do:
Whether it’s a dogfight, accident or even a road accident, it’s great to know there is something we can do on the way to the Vet and while waiting to be attended to. EAR WORK! Yes, I’m serious! There are pressure points near the tip of the ears that can keep your pet from going into shock. All of the ear work is good for boosting the immune system so don’t wait for an Emergency!
What to do:
- Start by doing ear slides from deep inside the ear out to the tip. Do this on all points of the ear from the base upwards, both on the outside and inside
- Do small circles in the same direction from the base upwards in lines until you have covered the entire ear. For big eared dogs, you might hold the ear open with one hand and do circles with the other
- Take the whole ear in your hand and do circles in BOTH directions. A great “Non-habitual” touch.
- Do circles around the base of the ears. There is a meridian that runs from the outer edge of the eyes around the ears and down the front legs called the “Triple Heater” Meridian and it works with Digestion, Respiration and Reproduction. So working this part of the ears can help anything connected with these. An example is my golden, Angelique who used to get carsick. I cured her with ear work and a body wrap!
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THE TAIL AND HINDQUARTERS
The tail and (or) the hindquarters can often be a challenging place to work on an animal and there are several reasons why this might be so. The first is simply that we so often pet our animals on the head and maybe halfway down the back. How often do we go the whole way down he body and into the buttock area? So it might be that your dog (or cat, etc.) is simply not used to being touched there! But remember that we want animals to be aware of their bodies all over. It is also possible that this is exactly where dogs and other animals hold their tension and emotional issues. It is often said that dogs hold Fear in their Hindquarters. I have seldom met a dog that was fearful of loud noises, thunderstorms or fireworks that didn’t react is some way to being touched in the tail area or the buttock area. The reaction can vary from simply yawning (calming signal), to turning the head to see what you’re doing, to mouthing you, to actually growling and trying to bite your hand. Dogs will also often try to move away from you. If any of these things occur when you are touching you animal, you might want to do some gentle exercises in this area. |
Start by doing long strokes down the body of your dog. They are normally less concerned if they can feel you hand coming! Also by the time they realize that you’re there, you have already finished! Keep it firm and steady, but not too fast. You’ll want to do gentle lying leopard touches around the base of the tail as well as all around the buttocks and thigh area, both outside and inside the leg. For the actual tail, remember that the tail is an extension of the spine and giving a gentle tug is rather like traction. It can be a wonderful way of loosening the spine. BE SURE TO BE GENTLE AND MAKE SURE THAT THE TAIL IS GOING IN THE DIRECTION OF THE SPINE. I.e. if you have a GSD with a sloped back, your tail tug might almost be at a 45-degree angle towards the ground!
Then do a few circles with the tail in both directions. (Non-habitual movement for those who know about Feldenkrais) Then slide your hand down the tail a couple of inches and do again until you finally reach the bottom. For dogs with cropped tails, most have at least a stub that can be tugged and circled. And the probability of there being old trauma there from the amputation is high! Also, ever hear of phantom limbs? Many dogs react when you touch the air where the tail should have been! We actually know from modern instruments that measure energy fields that there is still an energy field where these limbs used to be so it’s not the imagination!
Also just do basic circles right down the length of the tail and remember to do Noah’s March afterwards. Or just a long steady stroke to consolidate. If your dog has a major problem in the tail or hindquarter areas, be respectful of his concern, but know that by helping him release tension in this area, you can make a major contribution to his overall confidence level and well-being.
Then do a few circles with the tail in both directions. (Non-habitual movement for those who know about Feldenkrais) Then slide your hand down the tail a couple of inches and do again until you finally reach the bottom. For dogs with cropped tails, most have at least a stub that can be tugged and circled. And the probability of there being old trauma there from the amputation is high! Also, ever hear of phantom limbs? Many dogs react when you touch the air where the tail should have been! We actually know from modern instruments that measure energy fields that there is still an energy field where these limbs used to be so it’s not the imagination!
Also just do basic circles right down the length of the tail and remember to do Noah’s March afterwards. Or just a long steady stroke to consolidate. If your dog has a major problem in the tail or hindquarter areas, be respectful of his concern, but know that by helping him release tension in this area, you can make a major contribution to his overall confidence level and well-being.
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TIPS FOR ARTHRITIS
Well the cold weather is well and truly here and many of our animals are feeling it in their joints! For those of you who know a bit about how TTouch works, there are a few things that you can do to help. And for those who know nothing I’ll talk a bit about lifts. We have a touch that we use on the leg of an animal called a “Python Lift”, which relaxes and stimulates circulation. Starting at the top of the leg, use the whole flat of the hand (the palm as well as the fingers) and lift the skin in an upward direction, hold for a couple of seconds; then holding the skin with the same pressure, return the skin to the starting point. Do this slowly and gently; if you use twice as much time in the release, you’ll get a greater degree of relaxation. This is normally used on legs and is great to do when the dog (meaning all animals) is standing, but for older dogs it’s also possible to do lying down. With any touch we like to use our second hand to support, balance or even hold a collar. |
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When lying down, you will find it necessary to hold the foot while lifting the skin on the leg so that the whole leg doesn’t lift with you! Be sure to start at the top and work your way down the leg. If your dog is lying down, you might then like to gently rotate the leg in circles going in both directions, keeping the circles small until it’s clear what your animal is comfortable with. If your dog is standing and you want to try leg circles, be sure to keep the foot directly under the body and the circles small. IF YOUR DOG HAS HD, OR TROUBLE STANDING DUE TO AGE OR INFIRMITY, PLEASE DO NOT DO THIS STANDING, as you might be putting more weight on 3 legs than is good for your dog. If in any doubt, only do lying down and then gently, carefully and SMALL!
Now having done python lifts on the legs, it is also possible to do lifts on the body. Sometimes lifts starting at the top of the spine and working your way down can release much tension. Again, keep your pressure very light to begin with. Your dog will tell you how much you can do. Just watch his reactions.
In general, do less; be gentle and very alert to your dog’s comfort. None of this should hurt or cause any pain. If your dog has trouble getting up in the morning, do 5 minutes of touches including some Zigzags or Tarantulas to wake up the body. Respect your animals need to have a warm place, preferably in the sun! And make sure that wherever your animal is sleeping, it’s warm and cosy with bedding!
If you want to try circles, try doing connected circles from the top of the head, down either side of the spine, and ending either at the tip of the tail or down the legs into the toes. We do a circle, then a slide to the next spot, circle, slide, etc. This has the effect of connecting the nervous system of the body. It takes information from one end of the body to the other and can go so far as to open unused neural pathways. You can do this down various parts of the body. Remember that animals who are out of balance because of pain in one part of the body always hold tension and stress in another area, so be sure to work the whole body, not just those areas that you “think” are affected! I nearly always find that animals who have mobility problems hold a lot of tension in the NECK area, so have a good feel and if your pet is tight, help him release tension with circles or just plain massage in the neck area! And don’t forget Ear Work! This is always good for the immune system and seems to stimulate the whole body.
There are of course many other things you can do for your pet. For Danilo, who is now about 12 (now 17), we use something I originally received from Dr. Gary Eckersley called “Joint Support”. It has many wonderful natural ingredients for arthritis. You can get it delivered to your door by phoning Di at 011 789 1348 or in other parts of the country by calling 011 789 1348 to find the rep in your area. This is a Human product that can be used by anyone in the family! I also recommend Homeopathic remedies that can be effective. Please go to a homeopathic Vet to be sure your animal receives what is needed as an individual.
Now having done python lifts on the legs, it is also possible to do lifts on the body. Sometimes lifts starting at the top of the spine and working your way down can release much tension. Again, keep your pressure very light to begin with. Your dog will tell you how much you can do. Just watch his reactions.
In general, do less; be gentle and very alert to your dog’s comfort. None of this should hurt or cause any pain. If your dog has trouble getting up in the morning, do 5 minutes of touches including some Zigzags or Tarantulas to wake up the body. Respect your animals need to have a warm place, preferably in the sun! And make sure that wherever your animal is sleeping, it’s warm and cosy with bedding!
If you want to try circles, try doing connected circles from the top of the head, down either side of the spine, and ending either at the tip of the tail or down the legs into the toes. We do a circle, then a slide to the next spot, circle, slide, etc. This has the effect of connecting the nervous system of the body. It takes information from one end of the body to the other and can go so far as to open unused neural pathways. You can do this down various parts of the body. Remember that animals who are out of balance because of pain in one part of the body always hold tension and stress in another area, so be sure to work the whole body, not just those areas that you “think” are affected! I nearly always find that animals who have mobility problems hold a lot of tension in the NECK area, so have a good feel and if your pet is tight, help him release tension with circles or just plain massage in the neck area! And don’t forget Ear Work! This is always good for the immune system and seems to stimulate the whole body.
There are of course many other things you can do for your pet. For Danilo, who is now about 12 (now 17), we use something I originally received from Dr. Gary Eckersley called “Joint Support”. It has many wonderful natural ingredients for arthritis. You can get it delivered to your door by phoning Di at 011 789 1348 or in other parts of the country by calling 011 789 1348 to find the rep in your area. This is a Human product that can be used by anyone in the family! I also recommend Homeopathic remedies that can be effective. Please go to a homeopathic Vet to be sure your animal receives what is needed as an individual.
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HOW DOES YOUR ATTITUDE AFFECT YOUR PET?
More and more I’m coming to understand how much our feelings, attitude and reactions impact on our pets, and their well-being, both emotionally and behaviorally. When I first had Danilo and he was starting to misbehave, I did ALL OF THE WRONG THINGS! I yelled at him, chased him and punished him! I did not know any better! We all get frustrated with a dog’s behavior and resort to harsh tones. When Danilo used to run out of the gate onto the street and then didn’t come back when I called; what did I do? When he did come, I scolded him! Needless to say, today I know better. The rule is: IF YOUR DOG DOES WHAT YOU WANT, PRAISE – PRAISE - PRAISE! This means that even though he was naughty about going out onto the street, [or whatever the problem might be] when he does come back, it is the desired behavior, so make him feel good. The truth is that often my yelling at him was a reinforcement of his bad behavior as all he wanted to begin with was attention! |
We do the same thing in other contexts. An example is when we feel sorry for a dog. I have many clients who chose to take a rescue dog. Perhaps it’s been mistreated, so what do we do? We feel sorry for the dog and fuss over it. This might make sense to our human emotions, but it makes the dog wonder why it’s human is so concerned. The dog in turn becomes wary and unsure! Feeling sorry for an animal doesn’t empower it! We have the same problem when we go to do work in shelters. Our first impulse is to feel terrible about these animals. In fact, they are off the street, are being looked after both medically and physically and have a chance of finding a good home. What they need is self-confidence and to feel good about themselves. When this happens, they are more balanced in mind and spirit and have a better chance of being a well-adjusted animal in a new home.
What if our pet is sick or injured? Think what you would do if it were your child. Would you sit with a child, cry and fuss or would you be strong for your child and help him to feel like he’ll be well soon! A positive attitude and the intention of helping the healing process [whether mental or physical] can have a dramatic effect. I think what I’m trying to say is that your pet will pick up on your energy what ever it is! If you are feeling sorry for your pet, he’ll probably be feeling the same way. And a “poor me” attitude is NOT a healing one.
If your dog is misbehaving and you can’t control the behavior, walk away from it and it loses what it wants: the attention! And needless to say: GET BACK TO TRAINING!
What if our pet is sick or injured? Think what you would do if it were your child. Would you sit with a child, cry and fuss or would you be strong for your child and help him to feel like he’ll be well soon! A positive attitude and the intention of helping the healing process [whether mental or physical] can have a dramatic effect. I think what I’m trying to say is that your pet will pick up on your energy what ever it is! If you are feeling sorry for your pet, he’ll probably be feeling the same way. And a “poor me” attitude is NOT a healing one.
If your dog is misbehaving and you can’t control the behavior, walk away from it and it loses what it wants: the attention! And needless to say: GET BACK TO TRAINING!
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FEAR OF THUNDER STORMS & LOUD NOISES
One of the opposites of fear is confidence or assurance. When our pets are fearful, how can we teach them that the fear is unwarranted? There are many ways via animal behavior that can help such as desensitizing an animal to certain things like loud noises. The problem with playing a tape of thunder is that it doesn’t take into account the change in the atmospheric pressure, which triggers many animals. I can only tell you that I am getting many phone calls and emails from people who are having success with their pets who have been traumatized by thunderstorms. The answer is a combination of bodywork [touches], ground exercises, which boost the self-confidence of the dog, and a body wrap. If you haven’t been to a clinic and experienced the body wrap, I suggest you put a T-shirt on your dog and secure it around the belly with a piece of elastic. Even try cutting a hole for the tail so that it can go over the buttock area. We find that many animals that are fearful of loud noises hold tension in their hindquarters and if you can release this, you will start to see a change in attitude from you pet. |
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The idea of the groundwork is to bring more awareness into the body of your pet. If you do simple exercises at a slow pace, the body learns to be perfectly balanced. Try setting up a simple maze in your garden or see how well your dog picks up his feet over poles and different textured surfaces. If he has any problems, do some long strokes down his body into his feet as well as circles and lifts on his legs. Remember, it “Can’t Hurt, and it Might Help”!
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To learn more about how TTOUCH can help your dog contact:
Eugénie Chopin, Guild Certified TTouch Practitioner II for Companion Animals
Email: echopin@icon.co.za
Tel: 011-884-3156
Fax: 011-783 1515
PO Box 729, Strathavon 2031
Johannesburg, South Africa
www.ttouch.co.za
Eugénie Chopin, Guild Certified TTouch Practitioner II for Companion Animals
Email: echopin@icon.co.za
Tel: 011-884-3156
Fax: 011-783 1515
PO Box 729, Strathavon 2031
Johannesburg, South Africa
www.ttouch.co.za