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Q. What Makes TTouch Different - and isn't stroking my dog going to get him to calm down anyhow?

There are many overlaps in a wide variety of techniques and it is great that so many people are now recognising the benefits of bodywork for animals in whatever guise for inducing calm and releasing tension. Whether you are working with a canine, feline or equine touch can be a very valuable tool.

The Tellington TTouch started as a training technique for horses and Linda recognised a link between posture, behaviour and performance over 30 years ago. As she was working with the light skin movements (this is where it differs from the majority of massage techniques as we are not working purely with muscle) she noticed that the 'problem' horses that she was working with were not only more consistent in their performance but also became easier to handle in their day to day life. Unwanted behaviours such as bucking, biting, napping, bolting diminished without the need to 'train' each behaviour out of the horse. When these techniques were then applied to other animals including dogs, the same results were noted albeit on a clinical and not a scientific level.

The groundwork exercises improve co-ordination and self-carriage and are an excellent way of starting to work with animals that are fearful of contact on their body. The ground work helps the dogs to settle quicker and are an excellent way of improving focus and giving the dog much needed physical and mental stimulation without increasing hyperactivity and over excitement.

TTouch is not just about the bodywork or the groundwork however. It is a way of looking at the animal as a whole and we take into account the environment, the diet and so on. The reality is however that even when these other factors cannot be changed such as in a shelter the effect of this unique training approach is just extra ordinary and the dogs are being stroked by the staff and volunteers already.

One aim is to improve co-ordination, which increases levels of confidence, and to improve physical balance which influences mental and emotional balance. These correlation's are understood by many working in the human field and from my own experience can say that the same does apply to our animal companions. More importantly perhaps, it also brings awareness to the owners of their own influence upon that animal. If a person is out of balance when walking a dog on the lead for example, that person is more likely to set up bracing in the dog and it takes two to maintain the pull. The way we approach, handle and interact with any animal will have a direct influence on his behaviour and ability to learn.

The beauty of TTouch is that it enables people to understand their dogs on a whole new level. It increases awareness of what actually may be going on for that animal in terms of posture and how his posture affects his behaviour, his responses to stimulus and his fears and concerns. It removes many of the labels so readily and often incorrectly applied to dogs and uses a variety of tools including harnesses, body wraps, and different ways of leading in order to help that dog to learn in a calm and focused way. When Ear Work was done on horses that were wearing heart monitors, it clearly showed that the gentle slides on the ear actually lowered heart rate and respiration thus reducing stress and enabling the horse to move out of the Flight Fight reflex. This is why it can be so valuable for animals that are going into shock. When an animal is in the Flight/Fight reflex it cannot learn. Neither can we.

I have a wide variety of canine clients and teach workshops in shelters, service dog training centres and for working dogs. The staff enjoy learning specific skills which provides a consistency for the dogs whether they are going on to new homes, coming into the kennels and or being handled by a variety of trainers/handlers and many vets, veterinary nurses, physiotherapists, shelter workers, trainers, behaviour counsellors dog owners and lovers world-wide enjoy the benefit that TTouch brings to the animals in their care.

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Q. What does TTEAM stand for?

TTEAM stands for Tellington TTouch Equine Awareness Method. It is a training system for horses that incorporates body work, ground, and riding exercises to help improve co-ordination, balance, and athletic ability whilst deepening further understanding between the horse and its carer. For more information go to the 'What Is TTEAM?' page of this website.

Q. What does TTACT stand for?

TTACT stands for Tellington TTouch Animal Companion Training. The method offers a positive approach to the care and training of animal companions, and is based on co-operation and respect for animals. The technique promotes optimal health and behaviour by eliminating fear and reactive responses using a combination of specific touches, lifts, and movement exercises.

Q. IIs TTouch of Value for Aggression?

Yes! Please click here for an article on TTouch and Aggression by Sarah Fisher

Q. How can I find a TTEAM or TTACT Practitioner in my area?

There are TTouch Practitioners in most areas of the UK. To find a Practitioner in your area, go to either of the following links: Companion Animal Practitioners or Horse Practitioners for a complete listing with telephone numbers, addresses and a regional map.

For Practitioners in Ireland please visit our TTouch Ireland website here.

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Q. How do I become a TTouch or TTEAM Practitioner?

There are professional certification programs for both TTACT (companion animals) and TTEAM (horses). The TTACT program is a two year course consisting of four training sessions per year, each lasting five to seven days. This program is for people who want to work professionally with dogs, cats, and other companion animals using the TTouch techniques. In this training system, participants will learn the skills needed to become a Certified TTouch Practitioner.

Linda Tellington-Jones and Robyn Hood head the teaching staff and are joined by other qualified instructors. Training session locations vary throughout the country, but always include opportunities to work with shelter animals, as well as private clients. New courses begin with an introductory week long session, and there is no obligation to continue with the full course. This gives individuals an opportunity to experience the work prior to making a decision to enrol for the two year program.

Full details on what the courses entail can be found on the Equine Practitioner Training Course Details page and the Companion Animal Practitioner Training Course Details page of this website.

TTEAM Trainings are held throughout the year over 5 or 6 days, at Tilley Farm. TTEAM (Equine) Practitioner Training clinics form part of the on-going Practitioner Training Programmes. New Participants are very welcome. If you wish to participate, please download the Application Form from the Tilley Farm website by clicking here, or you may contact Sarah Fisher at: 

Tel: 01761 471182
Fax: 01761 479082
E-mail: Sarah Fisher

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Q. How do I find out about TTEAM and TTACT courses?

Information about TTouch UK courses is available from this website - click here for Equine courses and here for Companion Animals.

Subscribing to the TTouch UK Online Mailing List is also a good way to keep informed. Information about the free mailing list can be found by clicking here.

Q. What is a Client Day?

As part of our Practitioner Training Clinic we invite members of the public to bring a dog to a Client Morning. This gives our Practitioners valuable experience in working with client dogs whilst overseen by the Instructor and qualified assistants. Practitioners in training eligible to work with dogs on Client Days have already attended a minimum of two, six day trainings. The sessions usually last around an hour to an hour and a half and we ask that the 'client' joins the group after the session to give us feedback on the session. We charge a nominal fee of £10.00 for each dog who attends the client morning giving you a highly cost effective way of learning how TTouch can be of help to your dog.

To book your dog in for a session please download the Client Day booking form from the Tilley Farm website application form page and send it in to our office.

Q.How do I get to Tilley Farm to attend a course?

Please refer to the 'Directions' page of the Tilley Farm website, for various routes.

Q. How do I subscribe to the free TTouch UK Online Mailing List?

The free TTouch UK Online Mailing List is available by email. Please go to the Online Mailing List section of this website for full details on how to sign up.

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Q. Does TTouch Only Work on Cats, Dogs and Horses?

No, TTouch is a useful tool for all animal species. To read about TTouch being applied to various other animals, please go to the Reptiles and Wildlife page.

Q. If I attend a 5 or 6 day course at Tilley Farm, where would I stay?

There are various types of accommodation available close to Tilley Farm. A list is available on the Tilley Farm accommodation page.

Q. What first book should I read on TTouch and TTEAM?

'The Tellington TTouch' by Linda Tellington Jones and Sybil Taylor would be a good first general book. It is available from Linda Tellington-Jones website or Amazon UK.

For TTEAM please refer to Sarah Fisher's book "Know Your Horse Inside Out", which is available to order from the TTEAM Merchandise page.

For Dogs, Sarah's books 'Unlock Your Dog's Potential', '100 Ways to Train the Perfect Dog' and '100 Ways to Solve Your Dogs Problems' are available to order from the TTouch Merchandise page.

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