Nope! It's not a typo. The Tellington TTouch (tee-touch) Method was developed by Linda Tellington-Jones in the 1970s. It is based on the idea that the way we touch and interact with animals can have a profound effect on their physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
TTouch involves gentle touches, lifts, and movements that are all designed to activate the nervous system to promote relaxation, and improve balance and coordination.
One of the concepts underpinning TTouch is the idea that the body is interconnected, and that by working with one part of the body, we can affect the entire body.
Practitioners use a variety of techniques to work with different parts of the body, including the ears, tail, paws, and even the mouth and tongue.
TTouch has been proven effective by scientific research and is used by animal trainers and vets all around the world, helping to build a foundation of trust (Schultz, 2017).
The method is also designed to help reduce stress and anxiety, improving behavior, and even reducing pain and inflammation.
By promoting relaxation and calmness, TTouch can help animals feel more comfortable and confident in their surroundings, leading to improved behavior and performance (Lloyd and Roe, 2014).
In her article, Schultz says that "TTouch can reduce the need for chemical restraint drugs for minor procedures." This means that vets will be able to avoid medically sedating dogs, which can sometimes lead to complications and anxiety. We all know how difficult a scared dog can be at the vet's!
And its not just dogs! Numerous studies have shown that TTouch can be effective in reducing stress and anxiety in many different species, including dogs, cats, horses, and exotic animals like elephants and dolphins!
Even though you might be skeptical (I certainly was), TTouch is a well respected method of working with animals. While it may not be appropriate for every animal or every situation, it is a gentle and non-invasive method of promoting relaxation and well-being that has helped many animals lead happier and healthier lives.
References:
Rikke Schultz (2017), Tellington TTouch in veterinary practice, Innovative Veterinarian Care Journal, February 2017
Janice Lloyd and Elizabeth (Lib) Roe (2014) Using TTouch to Reduce Stress and Enhance Learning when Training Guide Dogs, International Journal of Orientation & Mobility, Volume 6, Number 1, 2013-2014
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