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The
cornerstone of TTouch is bodywork including circular movements and
lifts all over the body. Although it might look a bit like massage,
the intent is different. The intent of TTouch is to work at the
cellular level to increase an animal's awareness and enhance his or her
ability to learn and focus.
In addition to the bodywork, animals may go thru a
Confidence Course (the Playground of Higher Learning) that
involves obstacles and ground exercises that promote balance and coordination,
concentration, obedience and willingness to cooperate. The work
also incorporates body wraps and other tools to aid in reaching these
goals.
There are dozens of TTouches – most have been given animal names to create
a visual image for each TTouch and make them fun and easy to learn. Each
TTouch is used for a different purpose. For example,
- Clouded Leopard TTouches (using the finger
pads) develop awareness of the whole body and release fear.
- Abalone TTouches (whole hand) promote relaxation
and trust.
- Raccoon TTouches (finger tips) help reduce
swelling and pain, and are useful for working in small areas such as
between paw pads.
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HOW
TO DO IT
The Clouded Leopard TTouch is one of the basic
TTouches. Imagine the face of a clock on your animal's body, with
6 o'clock toward the dog's paws. Place the pads of your lightly
curved fingers softly on the body at 6 o'clock, and your thumb 2 to 3
inches from the fingers. Using the fingerpads, push the skin in a circle
and a quarter (leaving the thumb in place) around the face of the
imaginary clock. Go past the point where you started and stop at
9 o'clock. Place your other hand lightly on the body for support and connection
between the two hands.
Maintain a steady rhythm around
the circle and keep a light pressure - not more than you would use to
push the skin of your eyelid in a circle. Pay attention to the regularity
of your breathing and the roundness of each circle in order to keep your
hand relaxed. If your dog does not enjoy the circles, you may be using
too much pressure, stiffening your hand, or holding your breath. Practice
on yourself, a friend or family member to find the light TTouch. Remember
the intent is to communicate with the cells rather than manipulating the
muscles. |
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| LEARN
MORE
The beauty in the work is its simplicity and the fact
that it's possible to make a difference in your animal's performance,
behavior or health from following the information in a TTouch book or
video. More focused results can be attained by attending a workshop or
by working with a certified practitioner in private sessions. A
few minutes a day can result in significant improvements in behavior and
health and well-being. Many people report an unexpected benefit
of relaxation and stress reduction in themselves as they practice Tellington
TTouch.
Since 1978 the Tellington TTouch Method has grown, and is now practiced
in 30 countries on almost every species of domestic animals. It
is used by companion animal guardians, trainers, breeders, veterinarians,
Humane Societies, zoos and in wild life rehabilitation programs. There
are over 500 hundred certified Tellington TTouch practitioners for companion
animals and horses in 12 countries. There are ten books in 11 languages
and 19 videos about TTouch.
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| Visit www.TellingtonTouch.com for more
information, a listing of TTouch practitioners, a schedule of workshops,
or to order one of the many helpful books or videos. |
