TTOUCH AND MY
FEAR-AGGRESSIVE DOG
February 2008 - Hi Sarah,
I just wanted to email you to tell you about
my cocker spaniel, Bella, and what a difference TTouch has made to her.
Bella was attacked on 3 or 4 occasions in her
first year, by staffies and bull terriers, both on and off the lead, and in the space of a
few months went from being really friendly with other dogs to being really tense and
snappy. It escalated to the point where she would snap at any dog who came anywhere near
her and I tried all kinds of things to help get her over it - clickering worked to an
extent but then any incident where a boisterous dog would bound up to her would set her
back months and months. I knew that I was getting really tense on walks as well which I
knew wasn't helping her at all.
I had one of the TTouch books ("getting
in TTouch…") which I've had for a while and decided to give it a go as it
couldn't do any harm. I'm probably not doing half the touches properly at all but have
been giving Bella massages since November and gradually she has come to really, really
enjoy them to the point that I get requests from her 3 or 4 times a day! She holds lots of
tension in her shoulders and if I massage them she will push her whole body weight onto me
as hard as possible to get me to really loosen them up for her. She loves the body lifts
and also the Python TTouch (she literally grunts with pleasure at that one!).
Anyway there was no change in her behaviour
for the first month or so, but gradually over the last few weeks we have really noticed a
difference. She began having the odd day where she'd actually say hello nicely to dogs who
came up to her (we'd think it was a fluke as it would maybe be a small dog, but then she'd
also say hello to a big lab and previously this hadn't happened). But then she'd still
have real off days where it was just like before. But for the last 4 weeks when we have
taken her out, she has met lots and lots of strange dogs and has consistently been far,
far more relaxed. Before, she would only stand nose to nose with another dog, with her
tail up, curling her lip and then snapping if the dog didn't walk away quickly enough. She
would never allow another dog to sniff her and wouldn't want to sniff the other dog
either. But now she is spending long periods of time saying hello, bum sniffing all round
and wagging her tail. She has done this for 4 weekends on the trot now (during the week we
go to a park where she knows everyone so it's different but at weekends we go to a bigger
park full of unknowns).
Even dogs that bound up to her will now maybe
still get an air snap but then she will actually cut that short and stop and say hello
nicely instead.
It really is like watching her turn into a
different dog and I am convinced it is the massage which has done this - I'm actually
planning to go on one of your courses now so that I can learn how to do it properly.
But I just wanted to say thank you - it has
improved Bella's life a lot so far and I am definitely keeping it up.
Best wishes
Claire
Top of page
HERBIE
Garry and I came on the TTouch workshop on
26th October, 2007. We brought Herbie with us.
We were having difficulties with Herbie and
our cat Dylan. Our previous dog had been very accepting and gentle with Dylan but Herbie
was a 'different kettle of fish' and sadly our cat was feeling unable to even enter the
house (this we felt guilty about).
Having attended your fantastic workshop I have
set about applying some of the TTouches, especially in the presence of Dylan. Although
Herbie still gets a little 'excited' when he hears the cat flap, things have improved
dramatically. Dylan has also gained confidence, because he now realises that Herbie won't
actually hurt him. Here are photos of the 'harmony' which now exists!! Sue
Click on image to view larger version |
Click on image to view larger version |
Top of page
FEEDBACK FROM A CLIENT WHO
VISITED TTOUCH PRACTITIONER MARGARET FISHER P1
At the age of 3 years, our dog Jasper began responding to
loud noises - thunder, gun shots, etc. He would go to the darkest corner of the house he
could find, scratch and dig at the floor with his tail firmly tucked between his legs. For
such a normally happy-go-lucky dog, this was miserable to see. It developed further to his
exhibiting the same behaviour when the skies darkened (as if a storm was coming) or if the
lights flickered. We tried several avenues to overcome this: cajoling, petting, even
ignoring him, as well as using essential oils, homeopathic remedies and Bach Flower
remedies - all to no avail.
Having seen 'Talking to Animals' we felt we really were in
a 'nothing to lose' situation. Margaret Fisher has visited Jasper twice - and even after
her first visit we saw improvements. There have been one or two minor hiccups, but overall
the change in him when there are gunshots is amazing - he still reacts (but not as
severely), but each time we use TTouch and within a very short time he yawns, relaxes and
lays down to sleep. I have no doubt that as time goes on and we continue to use TTouch on
a regular basis Jasper will regain his confidence! Thank you Margaret!
Top of page
CASE HISTORY - BY TONI
SHELBOURNE P2
'B'
Golden Cocker Spaniel
4 years old
Male
Background
I was contacted by B's people after he had bitten their
toddler. The couple where very distressed about the incident but felt very strongly that B
wasn't an aggressive dog but bit due to apprehension not out of nastiness. B had bitten
before but it was felt it was always when he was cornered or perceived he was in a
threatening situation. He had received a vet check to ensure there were no medical
problems and B's people felt it wasn't linked to cocker rage syndrome.
He was rescued at 18 months. The history known was that B
had spent long periods of time alone whist growing up and had not had much socialisation.
First impressions
My first impression of B was of a sweet natured but anxious
dog. He constantly moved around, not quite knowing where to settle. From the detailed back
ground that B's people gave me, it was clear that they had achieved a tremendous amount
with him already. They where extremely sensible, patient and wanted the best for B. They
where, however, understandably nervous for their toddlers safety.
On initial assessment B had hot spots on his flanks, his
legs were cool from half way down, his face and ears were warm and he gave off very subtle
calming signals and used fool around to tell us to back off in fearful situations. He also
wasn't very keen on me touching his feet, tail and face.
I worked B using 2 leads, (the homing pigeon), for safety.
I introduced the clouded leopard TTouch, which he accepted well. He was anxious about tail
work so I just dipped in and out. I wanted to do python lifts on his legs to ground him
and although anxious about this he did allow me to do some. B loved ear work and
apparently they already used this to calm him in stressful situations. Mouth work he was
fussy with so only managed to dip in to this area and then only on the outside of his
mouth. All the time I had to be aware that B's calming signals where very subtle. He would
blink, do half yawns or just stiffen under your hand slightly. His tail would also wag
very fast which was clamped tightly against his body.
I managed to work on him for about 20 minutes and then
discussed options with B's people. We decided on crate training so B would have a safe den
to take himself off to in times of stress. I taught them the TTouches I had been using.
A week later
I returned a week later to a much more relaxed dog. He was
happy with the TTouches and friends as well as B's people had noticed a difference in him.
His new crate was waiting to be put up and we discussed the best place for this to go,
which we decided was in a quiet corner of the lounge.
I worked on B with ear work, clouded leopard, lick of the
cows tongue, python lifts, tarantula pulling the plough, tail and mouth work. He was still
slightly wary of tail and mouth work but generally more relaxed about it.
I went on to body wrapping. He accepted a half wrap well
and we were able to quickly proceed to a full wrap. He fooled around a little but settled
well and after 5 minutes of wearing it he lay down and went to sleep.
After letting him rest for a while we fitted a new harness,
one which didn't tighten when he pulled into it and took him out side to do some ground
work. This he coped with well. He did freeze a couple of times but we where able to
encourage him to move with wand work and TTouches.
2 weeks later
When I arrived B was asleep in his crate. He was happy and
relaxed and had started to associate the crate as a safe, quiet place he could go to when
things where a bit hectic. His people had sensibly encouraged him to go to his crate when
he wanted to sleep. The door of the crate wasn't shut so B could get out if he wanted to.
This really helped him see the crate as his safe area and not as a negative thing or
punishment.
B had had a couple of slight incidents since my last visit
but they had been much less extreme. One was a slight nip to one of his people and another
was a growl and back off from a family friend. On the whole though they were pleased
because B had never given a warning before or in fact backed off. Usually if he felt
threatened he would just bite.
This week B accepted all the TTouches well. He was still a
little fussy around his mouth though so I put on a loose elastic face wrap. Once this was
on I was able to do a lot of work in and around his mouth while he lay quietly on the
floor. I also put him in a T-shirt, which he loved and in fact took himself off to bed in
it.
A month later
When I returned a month later I returned to a completely
different household. Everyone was calm and relaxed. B had changed so much; not only
emotionally and behaviourally but physically as well. His eyes and face where softer, he'd
put on weight and there was no tension in his body when you touched him. He was so chilled
out that it was hard to get him up in the morning, he just wanted to sleep in his crate.
He's stopped endlessly pacing and following his people around and has set himself a
routine, which allows the toddler and himself to have some space from each other. B just
seemed a completely happy dog. It was amazing to think that 2 month previously this dog
was just a few steps away from being euthanized.
B still receives at least 2 sessions of TTouch a week from
his people as well as continued TTouch throughout the day instead of general petting. He
continues to get a combination of Bach flower remedies in his water. He also wears his
T-Shirt when he gets anxious.
B and his people are incredible; It amazes me how much you
can achieve if you put your mind to it. This family now live in harmony and feel they have
the right tools to deal with any problems that arise in the future.
NB: 3 years on and there is a new baby in the house. B's
attitude to this baby is relaxed and calm. He is happy to be petted by the new baby, under
supervision of course, but will take himself off to his crate when things get too much.
Every year I get a text message from B's people thanking me for another year of happy life
with B.
Top of page
A DOG WITH CONCERNS ABOUT
GETTING IN THE CAR
Dear Sarah
I am pleased to report that Daisy is improving all the time
jumping into my car. The process was taking at least 30 minutes just to get her front feet
in but following your instructions it is now taking just a few minutes. She whines when I
first start the engine then quickly settles down. The car rides always end with an
enjoyable walk.
Thank you once again for all your help and advice. Please
give my thanks to Tina. Best wishes Debbie and Daisy
Top of page
A TOUCH OF MAGIC?
My "younger dog," Mia, a spayed
bitch of 6 years, is a rescue dog, which I acquired when she was 13 months old. We, John
and I, always thought she was very pretty but as thick as two short planks - a page three
girl of the Schnauzer world! She never seemed a very happy dog, her tail always tucked
down, very nervous - particularly of tall men and black dogs (other, strangely, than
fellow Schnauzers) and completely unable to play. In other words, she appeared to be the
complete antithesis of Zoe, our beloved 8 year old that we have had since she was a puppy.
Walking the two of them became an absolute
nightmare because Mia started to become increasingly aggressive towards other dogs and
this started to rub off on Zoe who is normally the most placid of creatures. I came to
dread taking them out and I am sure that the "girls" sensed this and behaved
even worse.
In desperation, having heard a talk on
homeopathic treatment for animals at an SGSRS meeting and having taken advice, I started
Mia on a course of treatment. This definitely seemed to produce an improvement in her
behaviour towards other dogs but, unfortunately, the improvement did not last. A further
course of treatment improved matters again but for only a short period.
I tried to think what else I could do for what
seemed to me to be an increasingly unhappy and miserable Mia but came up with no bright
ideas. Meanwhile, her behaviour was getting worse and, horror of horrors, I even began to
ask myself whether it would be kinder to put her out of her misery.
However, at the November SGSRS meeting we had
a talk on "The Tellington Touch" - primarily a form of massage for animals
designed to influence their behaviour. I was extremely impressed by what I heard and
arranged to have an individual session with Toni Shelbourne who had given the talk.
On the appointed day, we spent two hours with
Toni who first took a history of Mia (so far as we knew it!) and sought to establish what
we hoped to achieve with her. Then she began her magic, massaging Mia and demonstrating
precisely what one should be doing on an ongoing basis. Toni also advised that we should
put Mia in a harness when walking with a double-ended lead attached at one end to the
harness and at the other to her collar. Mia was totally relaxed throughout and kept asking
for more and, wonder of wonders, for the first time ever began to wag her tail! As Toni
had warned, Mia was very tired by the end of the session but the tail kept wagging.
Back home Mia is a totally different dog. She
seems much more alert and relaxed and, generally, happy. Behaviour when walking is very
much improved, although there is still some way to go. At least, I don't dread the morning
walk any longer. I am continuing the massage as instructed but I intend to book another
session with Toni in the New Year.
Top of page
RA
As part of the Practitioner Training Programme
in South Africa we visited the SPCA in Midrand. This is a wonderful shelter that does
incredible work in a country that like so many others sees horrific cases of animal
neglect and abuse.
Irma Wouters, a participant in the programme,
selected a gorgeous white cross bred dog to work with on our first visit. He was new into
the shelter and was very nervous. The dog was petrified of having someone in his run. He
sat pinned up against the wall and was not remotely interested in his surroundings. His
ears were down and his tail was tucked firmly between his legs. He had the most soulful
eyes imaginable. I have seen many sights in my time and this is a common one. There is a
limit to how many animals you can fit into your life, as everyone involved in welfare work
knows, but sometimes you come across an animal that truly touches your heart on the
deepest level imaginable. This dog is one of those beings. And this is his story.
Session One
Irma worked with another Practitioner and
after sitting with the dog for a while carefully observing his calming signals just did a
few TTouches with the back of her hand to help initiate contact and to reduce the stress
and anxiety. Slowly the dog began to relax a little. The participants also introduced the
half body wrap which can help dogs settle and gain in confidence. The session was kept
quite short with a plan to work with the dog during the second visit.
Nervousness and anxiety is obviously common in
shelter dogs but TTouch can dramatically reduce the time it takes for dogs to adapt to
their new situation. It can also help them overcome a variety of issues thus greatly
increasing their chances of being rehomed.
TTouch can also help with gait irregularities
and helps dogs gain self-confidence through a combination of ground work and body work and
this fabulous dog has been a perfect example of how powerful this simple, safe and
effective technique can be.
Session Two
Two days later we went back to the shelter and
already a vast difference in the dog was noted. This time the dog was happy to have people
in his run and was happy to come out of his kennel on the lead.
Once out, more observations could be made.
This gorgeous dog obviously had some physical problems for what ever reasons and could not
co-ordinate his legs at all. His back was crooked and he had a large raised area over the
shoulders. His legs were consistently crossing each other and he would regularly collapse
on to his wrists and fall over, but the joy on his face and the shine in his eyes at being
out walking and investigating the grass said it all.
He was out for over an hour and was lead over
the ground work obstacles wearing a half body wrap in between body work sessions. Working
dogs over different surfaces and through patterns of poles laid on the ground greatly
increases the brain-body connection and improves physical awareness. Combined with all the
other options available to TTouch Practitioners I feel there is great hope for this dog
and was so delighted when Irma decided to keep re-visiting the shelter to work with this
amazing dog. He has the most incredible temperament and really deserves the chance of
living a long and happy life in a new home. If quarantine had been abolished here for dogs
coming into the UK from South Africa he would be sitting at my feet right now. Before we
left Irma wanted to give the dog a name and picked Ra.
Follow Up Sessions written by Irma Wouters
Session Three
Today Ra only stood on his left wrist 3 times
in 1.5 hours. The first time was because he was so excited about leaving his kennel, the
second because a huge Great Dane started barking at him and he got a fright (the Dane is
in one of the runs where we had the playground set up), and the last time was when he was
really tired and I had just moved him to his new kennel. The "bump" in his spine
between his shoulders also seemed to have normalised a bit.
With all Ra's fooling around, I only managed
to get the half wrap on him on Saturday, but we did quite a bit of labyrinth, textures and
paintbrush on his feet and legs. Springboks seem to quiet him down just enough for a few
touches and then he NEEDS to go exploring for a bit again.
Session Four
Once again, he was hyperactive and doing the
helicopter stunt on me quite a bit. I managed a full wrap and noticed that his front legs
still seemed to cross over each other while walking. For all my trying he allowed me to
put little wraps on his wrists - didn't manage the hindlegs, will try those next time. On
the way back to his kennel, his front legs seemed to move forward instead of across. Also,
today he didn't walk on his wrist once, although his wrist action is still clumsy and
slow. I've been slowly trying to introduce him to the shelter staff - he's still quite
scared of strangers, but it's good for him to know that these people won't harm him. He's
befriended the two dogs in the middle run next to the lawn where we were working last week
and when the Great Dane barked at him today again, he cocked his leg and aimed for the
tyre against the Great Dane's fence - as if to say "I'm not scared of you and you'd
better remember who I am!" Needless to say, the Great Dane was quite stunned by this
move!
What amazes me is the amount of love that
beams out of his eyes. He truly is a wonderful being!
Session Five
Ra is still improving bit by bit. It's as if
he knows when I arrive, since he's always "waiting" at his kennel door when I
come around the corner! Clever boy isn't he?
As far as his walking/running/jumping goes,
he's now walking on his pads (hindlegs) and his front legs point forward instead of
across. When he runs, it's still as if he uses both hindlegs at the same time instead of
the usual one by one and his wrist action is still a bit clumsy.
He does an incredible amount of fooling around
which becomes less the longer he's been out walking and working in between. I don't want
to push him too hard, but in the end we have to settle down and do some "work"
in every session! He's a magic boy though - so much love in that little face! All the
people at the shelter (visitors and staff) to whom I've been introducing him think he's
wonderful! Children just love him to bits!
Ephraim (the guy who knows all the dogs at the
shelter), has noticed a vast improvement in Ra too! He says that initially Ra would not be
visible when they fed him and he would only eat once all the staff have left the area,
never mind his kennel, but now he comes out to eat regardless of people in the area!
Ephraim also says that Ra is now ready to be rehomed but only to a very nice gentle person
who's willing to take good care of him.
These changes have taken place over the course
of two weeks. We will keep posting new information as it comes through and of course if
you are reading this from South Africa and are looking for a dog to be your best
friend....
Top of page |
