What is the Tellington TTouch Method? 

It can hard to sum up in a sentence because it really goes beyond training and works to help beings feel better, so they are better able to learn and respond.

It's more than bodywork or groundwork technique; it is a fundamental attitude and approach for understanding and working with animals and ourselves based on empathy and kindness.

This integrative approach understands behaviour as means of communication rather than an individual attitude or intrinsic personality.

Experience has taught us that beings cannot learn much if there is pain, fear, or fear of pain and that the nervous system can learn much more through non-habitual movement rather than simple repetition.

One of the method's core principles is; Change the posture, Change the behaviour. Time and time again we have seen the powerful connection between physical, mental, and emotional balance.

All Tellington TTouch exercises start with changing posture and mindfulness as a means to affect behaviour and cooperation.

TTouch combines observations and philosophy, bodywork, ground exercises, and equipment to help animals find physical, mental, and emotional balance, as a way of enhancing communication, cooperation, and harmony. TTouch does not strictly fit into any traditional learning theory quadrant. 

It does not use the escalation of pressure to create behaviour, nor does it rely solely on positive reinforcement, although it works well with Clicker training.

TTouch works to show animals what we want and make the steps as small and easy as possible to keep the learning process low-stress and logical.

One of the most versatile aspects about the Tellington TTouch Method is that it is not an "all or nothing approach". Our philosophy and attitude is just as meaningful as the specific approach and techniques.

Many people find that they can adapt their current program to include the mindfulness and respect that is paramount to the Tellington TTouch Method. This can result in long lasting and effective results that builds your relationship with any animal you interact with.

The aim is not to just train an animal a specific cue for obedience, the aim is to help animals learn, and begin to have the self-control to act instead of simply re-acting to stimuli.

Building this self-confidence and self-control means that an animal can adapt and adjust to a variety of situations and settings, even if they have not specifically been exposed to them prior.

We do not use flooding, or encourage "learned helplessness" in animals. The role of the handler is not to be the alpha or dominant one, but rather enhance mutual trust and cooperation for a true partnership.

Whether you work with horses, dogs, other companion animals, or people, the Tellington TTouch Method will shift and expand your way of thinking in all areas of your life.

Taken from Tellington TTouch World

Link to explanation of how TTouch can help with stress.

I am a certified Professional Dog Trainer:  My website is: HeartfeltTouch Dog Training