Tellington TTouch Specialist - Supporting Dogs and their Guardians

Curious to learn more? Call Katharine for a free chat: 07369 251682

Give your dog the gift of relaxation and well-being with a personalised TTouch session.
 
Are you looking for a gentle and effective way to help your dog feel calmer, more confident, and physically comfortable? Tellington TTouch offers a unique approach to addressing a variety of canine concerns, promoting overall well-being through the reduction of stress and tension.

What can TTouch help with?

  • Anxiety and Calming: TTouch's gentle movements can help soothe nervous dogs, promoting a sense of peace and relaxation.
  • Promoting Overall Well-being: By releasing tension and bringing awareness to the body, TTouch helps your dog achieve better physical, mental, and emotional balance.
  • Reduced Touch Sensitivity: Ideal for dogs who are wary of being touched, TTouch can build trust and create a more positive association with physical contact.
  • Confidence Building with Grooming: Make brushing and drying a less stressful experience by introducing TTouch techniques to build confidence and reduce sensitivity.

If you'd like to learn more or schedule an appointment, please click the WhatsApp button to message Katharine, or email at info@caninesupport.co.uk

Frequently Asked Questions

During a TTouch session, you can expect a calm and gentle approach tailored to your dog's individual needs. Each dog is unique, and we'll work at their pace.
Here's a general outline:

  • Initial Adjustment: Some dogs may take time to adjust to the gentle touch, especially if they are nervous or sensitive. Patience and a gentle approach are essential. 
  • Free Work (Optional): Depending on your dog, we might begin with a simple Free Work activity. This involves your dog using their sense of smell to find food hidden amongst equipment I'll bring. This helps them engage their senses and relax. 
  • TTouch Bodywork: We'll then move on to the TTouch bodywork itself, using gentle circular movements and specific touches. These techniques help release tension, improve body awareness, and promote relaxation. 
  • TTouch Body Wraps (Optional): Depending on your dog's comfort level and needs, I might also use TTouch body wraps. These wraps can offer a new sensory experience and enhance your dog's awareness of their body. 
  • Choice and Breaks: Your dog will always have the choice to walk away or take a break. We'll pause frequently to allow for processing time. These breaks are also an opportunity for us to discuss any other concerns or issues you might be experiencing with your dog. 
  • Individualised Approach: Throughout the session, I'll be observing your dog's body language and adjusting the techniques as needed.

The goal is to create a positive and relaxing experience for your dog, promoting their overall well-being. You should expect a calm, gentle, and respectful approach that prioritizes your dog's comfort and consent.

TTouch sessions take place in the comfort of your own home. This allows your dog to be in a familiar and safe environment, which is especially important for nervous or anxious dogs. It helps them to relax and feel more comfortable during the session, allowing for a more effective and positive experience. We are pleased to offer this service throughout Somerset and Devon.

Yes, TTouch is suitable for dogs of all ages, from puppies to senior dogs. Its gentle and adaptable nature makes it a valuable tool at every stage of a dog's life:

  • Puppies: TTouch can help puppies develop body awareness, build confidence, and learn to accept touch in a positive way. It can also be beneficial in managing puppy energy and promoting relaxation.
  • Adult Dogs: TTouch can help adult dogs manage stress, improve focus, and address behavioral issues. It can also be used to enhance physical comfort and flexibility.
  • Senior Dogs: TTouch is particularly beneficial for senior dogs, as it can help alleviate discomfort associated with aging, improve mobility, and provide gentle comfort.   It can also help to ease anxiety associated with cognitive decline.

Regardless of age, we always tailor each TTouch session to the individual dog's needs and physical condition. If your dog has any specific health concerns, please feel free to get in touch to discuss them before hand.

Yes, TTouch can be incredibly beneficial for nervous rescue dogs. Many rescue dogs come with past experiences that can lead to anxiety, fear, and touch sensitivity.

TTouch's gentle movements and focus on building trust can help your dog:  

  • Reduce anxiety and stress: TTouch promotes relaxation and a sense of calm. 
  • Increase confidence: Gentle touch and positive interactions can help your dog feel safer and more secure. 
  • Build trust and improve touch sensitivity: TTouch can help your dog learn to associate touch with positive experiences. 
  • Improve body awareness: Helping them to feel more comfortable in their own bodies.

However, it's important to remember that every dog is an individual. We'll work at your dog's pace, and I'll adapt the session to their specific needs. It's also vital to ensure that your dog has a safe and secure environment at home.  If your rescue dog has significant behavioural issues, it's always recommended to consult with a qualified veterinary behaviourist in conjunction with TTouch sessions. We can work together to create a holistic approach to your dog's well-being.  Please feel free to contact me if you have any specific concerns about your rescue dog.

Yes, it's essential that you are present during the TTouch session. Your presence provides your dog with a sense of security and familiarity, which is crucial for them to relax and benefit fully from the session.

Here's why your presence is important:

  • Comfort and Trust: Your dog feels most secure when you are nearby. This helps them to feel more relaxed and receptive to the TTouch work. 
  • Observation and Learning: Being present allows you to observe your dog's responses and learn about their body language and how they react to different TTouch techniques. This knowledge can be valuable in your interactions with your dog outside of the session. 
  • Reinforcement: Your presence helps to reinforce the positive association with the TTouch experience. 
  • Communication: I may need to ask you questions about your dog's history, behaviour, or any specific concerns, and your input is invaluable.  

While both TTouch and massage involve physical touch, they are distinct approaches with different goals. TTouch is not a massage.

TTouch:
  • Focuses on gentle circular movements and specific touches that activate the nervous system and connective tissue.
  • Aims to release tension, improve body awareness, and promote emotional and physical balance.
  • Works on a subtle level, often using light pressure.
  • Is designed to influence the nervous system, helping to change patterns of tension and fear.
  • Is a method of working with animals that promotes wellbeing and behavioural change.
Massage:
  • Typically involves deeper pressure and kneading of muscles.
  • Aims to relieve muscle tension and promote relaxation.
  • Primarily focuses on the muscular system.
  •  Is a method of working on the muscular system to promote relaxation and relieve muscle tension.

In essence, TTouch is less about manipulating muscles and more about influencing the nervous system and connective tissue to promote overall well-being. It is a very gentle method, that can bring about very deep changes.

TTouch can be a beneficial complementary therapy for dogs with various health conditions. However, it's crucial to prioritise your dog's safety and well-being. Please understand that we are not able to diagnose injuries or illnesses.  

While we do not require formal veterinary consent for a TTouch session, we strongly advise that you consult with your veterinarian before scheduling an appointment if your dog has any existing medical conditions. This will ensure that TTouch is a safe and appropriate complementary therapy for your dog.  

TTouch should be considered a complementary therapy and not a replacement for veterinary care. It can work alongside conventional veterinary treatments to support your dog's overall health and well-being. Please contact us to discuss your dog's specific needs, and we can determine how TTouch might best support them in partnership with your veterinarian.