icawc 2012 sarah fisher tellington ttouch

The Forward Thinking Approach to Training, Handling and Rehabilitation

Photographs by Bob Atkins for David and Charles Ltd

Tellington TTouch

• TTouch was developed over 32 years ago by Linda Tellington Jones

• TTouch recognises a link between physical, mental and emotional well being

• This unique method can be applied to all animals regardless of their age

TTouch for Puppies• It is never too early to TTouch a puppy (or kitten)

• Many postural and behaviour traits are in place at an early age

• Investing even a small amount of time can help a young animal learn, and feel safe

• This will reduce the chances of problems developing later on

Handling• Forceful handling triggers panic• If a young animal is fearful of contact, this fear is

likely to grow as the animal matures• Sensitivity in the body caused by physical problems

can be one of the reasons that an animal becomes defensive around people and other animals

• All interactions should be positive and above all, safe

Getting in TTouch• TTouch is a kind and respectful way of handling

puppies and kittens

• The TTouches break down into three groups; circles, slides and lifts

• They teach the puppy/kitten to accept and enjoy contact all over his/her body

• TTouch helps develop confidence and self control

Abandoned Puppies• Puppies that are abandoned for any

reason may develop behavioural problems

• Hand rearing can create issues as the puppy does not have the opportunity to learn appropriate behaviour from its mother

• The same applies to pups that are taken away too early from his mother and siblings

Health Problems• Immune system may be compromised

giving rise to ear problems and so on• Gut sensitivities • Congenital problems such as deafness• Growing pains• Other physical problems due to poor

breeding and poor nutrition• Health problems can be the trigger for

undesirable behaviour

Hogarth

Hogarth

• Hogarth was a pup in a litter of eleven large breed puppies that were hand reared at a rehoming centre in the UK

• He showed mild Irritable Bowl Syndrome• He growled at times when handled or asked to move• He mouthed excessively and appeared to have

tantrums

Fear of the Known/Unknown• Some puppies may have been poorly handled• Other puppies may not have been handled at

all• Many puppies that have problems are

confused, stressed, fearful, frustrated or bored

Behavioural Problems• Timidity• Over exuberance• Inappropriate interactions with people and other animals• Fear of contact• Noise sensitivity• Resource guarding• Excessive chewing/mouthing

Labelling Puppies• There is no such thing as a ‘bad’ puppy• Puppies are not born knowing how to behave in

the world we have created for them• It is important not to label puppies (or any

animal for that matter)• Remember there is always a good reason for

unwanted behaviour

Dominant/Submissive• These two words are often used in relation to dogs• These words should not be used when describing

temperament• Dominance and submission ONLY applies to

specific behaviour around a resource• Even then, we must ensure that we understand why

the behaviour may have developed in the first place

Extrovert/Introvert• Take time to observe the animals in your care

• Some puppies are naturally more extrovert in behaviour, and others may be more introvert

• Often you will see a mix of both extrovert and introvert behaviours depending on the situation

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As a Training Tool• TTouch puppies are more mature on a

physical, mental and emotional level• They are easier to handle and to train• They are more adaptive to new situations• TTouch can help to increase a puppy’s

chances of being rehomed and remain in that home

• TTouch can be combined with clicker training

Ground Work

• Teaching puppies to negotiate different obstacles on the ground improves co-ordination and self confidence

• Remember there is a link between physical, mental and emotional balance

Deaf Puppies

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TTouch Puppies• TTouch has saved the lives of many puppies

over the years• When we help one puppy, they may well go

on to help another youngster in desperate need

• Three of my foster puppies will remain connected forever

Denzil

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Hogarth

In Short

TTouch Puppies Rock!

And so do all of you

www.ttouch.co.uk