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Edie Jane Eaton

Edie Jane Eaton

The world lost a bright light in September of 2022. We are still in shock that our wonderful colleague, teacher and friend Edie Jane Eaton passed away suddenly after a short illness. We are dedicating the 2022 “Cell-ebration” in her honor and memory. We wish she could have joined us in person.

Edie Jane came to TTouch in the 1980’s on the suggestion of her Feldenkrais teacher. After one demo she was hooked and would become one of our beloved instructors.

Edie Jane was a phenomenal teacher and had a knack for balancing rational, concrete thought and her intuition and spirit. She was driven by curiosity for knowledge and possessed a calm, kindness that put everyone she met at ease. Well-spoken and full of wry observations, Edie Jane loved the natural world, a geologist by training, and had a thirst for adventure, she could count rally car racing as a hobby!

As a friend, she was fun, full of life and always interested in learning more. She had an eye for detail like no other. Edie Jane took many groups to Botswana on safari, horseback and otherwise, and loved the magic of the African bush. Her latest trip had been in May of this year and by all accounts it was spectacular.

We will miss Edie Jane more than words can describe. She changed the lives of so many people and animals over the decades she shared the Tellington TTouch around the world and she was an integral part of the development of the work. Her pivotal analogy of “Shedding Some Candlelight on Resistance” will continue to be shared in her memory.

Her family shared her obituary here.

We have been comforted with the wonderful stories and thoughts shared in our community as we have remembered Edie Jane. We will never forget her and we hope that she knew how life changing she was for so many.

About Us > Research & Studies

Human 2017 Impact of TTouch® Pain Severity of Patients with Angina Pectoris

Impact of TTouch® Pain Severity of Patients with Angina Pectoris
Sadegh Mahdavi Pour and Ali Akbar Vaezi

Introduction: Heart pain may cause change of vital signs, increasing of the heart oxygen need and increasing of mortality of patients with heart diseases. There are many on-medicinal methods for pain control, such as massage, and massage if continues by stimulating thick fibers and local provocation of endorphins prohibits pain transfer, so this study was conducted with the aim of determining the impact of frontal chest massage by the nurse on pain severity of men hospitalized patients. 

Published in the World Journal of Pharmaceutical and Medical Research   www.wjpmr.com

Read More

Horse 2001 Trailer Loading Study

Loading stress in the horse:
Behavioural and physiological measurement of the effectiveness of non-aversive training (TTEAM) for horses with trailer loading resistance.


This study was conducted by Stephanie Shanahan when she was a student at the University of Ontario Veterinary School at Guelph, Ontario, Canada. The research was funded by a grant from the Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation for Research targeting the Improvement of Animal Welfare. Stephanie won the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior's 'Award for Student Excellence in Applied Animal Behavior Research'. Permission to post from Journal of Applied Animal Welfare Science.

Abstract

Resistance to trailer loading in the horse is a common source of stress and injury to horses and their handlers. The objective of this study was to determine whether non-aversive training based on Tellington-TTouch Equine Awareness Method (TTEAM) would decrease loading time and reduce stress during loading for horses with a history of reluctance to load.

Ten horses described by their owners as "problem loaders" were subjected to pre-training and post-training assessments of loading. Each assessment involved two seven-minute loading sessions during which heart rate and saliva cortisol were measured. The training consisted of six 30-minute sessions over a two-week period during which the horse and owner participated in basic leading exercises with obstacles simulating aspects of trailering. Heart rate and saliva cortisol were shown to increase significantly during loading as compared to baseline (P<0.001 and P<0.05, respectively). Reassessment after training showed a decrease in loading time (P=0.01) and reduced heart rate during loading (P=0.001). Seven good loaders were also subject to loading assessment for physiological comparison. Increases in heart rate during loading were significantly higher in the good loaders (P<0.001). Non-aversive training simulating aspects of loading may effectively reduce loading time and stress during loading for horses with a history of resistance to loading.

As most of you know, in the summer of 1999, I conducted research retraining horses with trailer loading problems using TTEAM. So I'd like to give a general outline of what I did and what I was trying to do. In a later issue, I will present some of the interesting case studies that came out of the research.

Horses who are reluctant to load into a trailer are not difficult to find. In fact, it is one of the most common behaviour problems horse people are familiar with regardless of the breed of horse or discipline they are involved in. Unfortunately, trailer-loading accidents are also a common cause of injury to horses and their handlers.

My intention in this project was to scientifically ascertain the effectiveness of a TTEAM training program at improving willingness to load. I also wanted to know if the stress of loading would be measurable physiologically and furthermore, if TTEAM training could measurably decrease loading stress.

We started with 12 horses who, according to their owners, were difficult to load. The horses included a Shire/Thoroughbred yearling, two and four year old Quarter Horses, Arabian crosses, Canadian broodmares and a few thoroughbreds. The oldest horse in the study was 20 years old.

In the initial assessment, the horse had two seven-minute opportunities to load, one with the owner and one with an independent handler who did not know the horse or the purpose of the study. We measured heart rate and took saliva samples to measure cortisol before, during and after the loading. We performed this assessment with all the problem horses as well as with 8 horses who were considered to be good loaders.

In almost every case loading time was not significantly different when the owner or the person unfamiliar with the horse was loading.

One of the "problem loaders" loaded readily and one of the good loaders did not load so we didn't use them in the study but we did work with both of them anyway.

After the assessment some horses started the training while others waited and had a second assessment before the training. This was done in order to keep the independent handler blind to the training status of the horse.

The training program was based on a wonderful article by Marion Shearer, "Prepare your horse to load", which was recently reprinted in the May-June 2000 TTEAM Connections. The sessions were every other day for two weeks. It is definitely beneficial for horses (and people) to have a break between sessions in order for the brain to integrate the new information. Every other day is better than every day. Some horses may benefit from more than two weeks of training while others might only need to be asked differently at the time of loading.

Here are some of the most important components of the program we used (for more information, I strongly recommend reading Marion's article):

Lower the Horse's Head

Many of the problem loaders had naturally high head carriage. When they were concerned their head would go even higher making it difficult to negotiate getting into a trailer. This is a normal reaction for horses, a part of the flight response. They are raising their head to shift their weight back which lightens their front end so they can turn around quickly and get away from what is scaring them. The problem arises when the handler has no way of asking the horse to lower its head. It appears that lowering the head actually changes the horse's reaction to a situation. When the head is lowered, a horse is able to move forward to approach and investigate what it is concerned about. This gives the horse the opportunity to realize that the situation is okay. With his nose in the air, a horse is neither going forward nor giving the situation a chance, he is asking to leave.

As part of our training we used as many different ways as we could think of to teach the horses to lower their head when asked. Some of the ways are listed here:

Leading position:

  • Putting the chain up the side of the halter

While standing:

  • A gentle signal and release downward on the chain, or "milking" of the chain
  • Stroking of the horse's chest and forearms with the wand

While walking:

  • Allowing the horse to walk into the wand which is held in front of the horse midway between the knee and shoulder

Body work:

  • Raising the back with the tips of the fingers pressing on the midline of the abdomen
  • Tail work
  • Mouth work and ear work

These may not lower the head directly but can be very useful to get the horse to pay attention and think about what you are asking when you are stuck

Since we only had a short period of time to work with and the owners were not familiar with TTEAM, we did not teach ALL the possible tools that COULD be useful when working with horses to improve their willingness to load. We focused on a few basic principles and were very happy with the results we got.

The training sessions involved the introduction of these TTEAM techniques at the pace that seemed appropriate for that particular horse and owner:

Leading positions

Cheetah: This was used as the BASIC leading position. The important principles were to habituate the owner to being further away and further ahead of their horse while leading. We emphasized that the horse would better be able to listen if they could see the person leading them. It was also an opportunity for the handler to learn to use the wand to more clearly communicate what they wanted the horse to do.

Dingo: This is considered a very important part of trailer loading problem solving. The horse must learn to go forward from a signal. It seems that horses understand the signal on the croup combined with the signal on the chain very well, but it is important for the handler to learn to coordinate this movement in a consistent manner.

Dance: It is believed that many horses are more concerned about backing OUT of the trailer than getting into the trailer. Imagine backing out of something and not being able to see or feel the ground behind you! Teaching a horse to back one step at a time and to negotiate backing over obstacles, inclines and off bridges makes the horse more willing to load onto the trailer as well as backing out more calmly and safely.

The obstacles we used were whatever combination of poles, planks, tarps and barrels was available. We tried to simulate the different aspects of what CAN be difficult for a horse when trailer loading:

1. Stepping over or onto something i.e. poles raised or piled, bridge, cavalettis

2. Stepping onto an unfamiliar surface that makes noise i.e. plastic tarp, plywood sheet, bridge

3. Walking into a narrow space i.e. poles raised on barrels, tarps hanging over the poles, plywood

4. Walking under a low roof i.e. an arch of wands, a Styrofoam pole, a rolled tarp

The horse would walk up to the obstacle and be asked to halt. If the horse's neck was above the horizontal, the handler would ask the horse to lower its head and then proceed with the obstacle. It is not necessary to stop EVERY time before negotiating an obstacle. It is useful, however, in order to make every step clear and intentional to practice stopping and moving forward in a controlled manner with the head lowered.

Some of the horses appeared not to know that their limbs were connected to their body. So we used the body wrap to help them get a sense of how they might coordinate legs and body as a unit. For the horses who could not step over a pole without tripping, the body wrap seemed to make a world of difference!

Body work

We also included one session of bodywork for each horse. We were focusing on touches that would help ground, calm and connect the horse. We started with an exploration of the horse's body, which the owners found FASCINATING. The reactions of the horse fit with the pattern of difficulties that they had with them on the ground and under saddle. All of a sudden they seemed to understand that the horse was not stubborn or difficult but tight or sore or habituated to a particular way of carrying itself.

The touches we used:

Grounding:

  • Python lifts
  • Leg exercises

Calming:

  • Ear work
  • Mouth work

Connecting:

  • Raising the back
  • Tail work
  • Lick of the cow's tongue
  • Noah's march
  • Zigzags

Results

Seven of the ten horses who completed the study loaded in the allotted seven minutes on the final assessment, a very significant improvement from the initial assessment. Three of these seven loaded instantly, in less than 30 seconds, and did so repeatedly during the 14-minute loading assessment.

Of the three horses who did not load:

  • one had fallen when the lead shank broke during the initial assessment
  • another owner had chosen not to participate in the training sessions
  • the third owner had been absent for the initial loading assessment and was so nervous at the final assessment that she was crying.

By analyzing the data we had collected, we were able to show that the heart rate and saliva cortisol increased significantly when a horse was asked to load. While after TTEAM training the willingness to load was significantly improved AND heart rate was significantly lower when they were asked to load. The saliva cortisol measurement was not sensitive enough with the small number of horses we had to show a difference after training.

Good loaders

One of the most interesting things we found was that the good loaders had a higher increase in heart rate when they were loaded onto a trailer than the problem loaders. We don't have a specific explanation for this. My guess is that even though these horses are obedient enough to load when asked, loading onto a trailer is still stressful, definitely more stressful than standing in the crossties! Conversely, the horse might associate the trailer with going somewhere exciting, like a competition or trail ride, and their excitement is reflected by the increase in heart rate.

We also noticed that the horses who moved around and whinnied the most while they were in the trailer had LOWER heart rates than the horses who just walked on and stood there. That was a real eye opener! How often we forget that freezing is a panic response!

  • "He was just standing there, quiet as could be, and all of a sudden, he just exploded!".
  • "He's not scared, he's just stubborn. He just stands there and doesn't move."

Just because an animal isn't showing overt signs of being stressed, it doesn't mean he is relaxed.

Discussion and further questions

When I told my childhood coach about my research project, her response was: "I think you should measure the stress of the handler instead of the horse". And I think there's some truth to that. I think a key component of the training program was the owner involvement. Learning to communicate more clearly what we want from our horses allows them to feel safer doing things that seem inherently unsafe, like getting into a trailer.

Will horses who have had a bad experience with a trailer benefit from this training?

In this training, we did not use a trailer at any time other than the assessments. There were specific orders that the horses should not spend any time near a trailer during the study. We did this in order to show that the fear of the trailer itself is often not the problem. When a horse is more confident about its coordination and balance and receiving clear communication from its handler, the trailer is suddenly no longer a problem. In some cases however, being in the trailer is much worse for the horse than loading onto the trailer. Some horses will load readily and as soon as they are in the trailer, their heart rate triples and they are sweating profusely. The response to specific exercises will vary from horse to horse because in each case, we don't know EXACTLY what the horse is concerned about. And there will be some situations in which this training will not be the answer.

What would happen if the good loaders went through the training program, would their heart rates be reduced?

Well, we don't know. It's possible. It is possible that doing TTEAM groundwork with these horses because of its many benefits unrelated to trailering may improve the horse's comfort with trailer loading by improving its balance and coordination.

What about using the Clicker? Why didn't you use a Clicker?

I didn't use a Clicker in this project because I wasn't very familiar with them at the time. Also, the more variables you introduce in research, the less meaningful it becomes. I have since spoken with MANY people (behaviourists, trainers, TTEAM Instructors) who would include Clicker and Target Training in a trailer loading program. I think it's a great idea. Definitely horses learn very quickly and enjoy learning with positive reinforcement!

Why didn't the saliva cortisol show a decrease after training?

We're still just in the beginning stages of applying the use of saliva cortisol to measure stress in horses. The number of horses and the interval of testing we used was not sensitive enough to be able to say whether or not there was a decrease. Though the increase during loading was significant, a lesser increase after training could not be demonstrated.

How significant was the bodywork in the training program?

Well there's no way of knowing this either since we did not have a group who received ground work without bodywork. But the owners definitely seemed to find it very important. If nothing else, it allowed them to look at their horse in a different way which is an essential part of learning to work with them differently.

Happy trailering, Steph Shanahan

NOTE: TTEAM is an acronym of "Tellington TTouch® Equine Awareness Method." Since this article was written, the brand name for all the facets of the TTouch® organization is Tellington TTouch®.

Events

TTouch® 3 Day In-Person Workshop with Maryse Perreault

TTouch® 3 Day In-Person Workshop with Maryse Perreault

Enjoy the positive, fun filled learning environment that looks at dog training in an all encompassing, whole, way.  This workshop can serve as an introduction to the Tellington TTouch Method for Dogs (and other Companion Animals) and build and refine the skills of more experienced students. 

Professionals dog trainers and casual dog lovers alike will benefit from the variety of practical techniques and unique approaches learned in this class! Develop and build on the fundamentals of Tellington TTouch Bodywork, Groundwork, and Observation skills.  These skills address the most common issues confronting dog owners, trainers, and other professionals; in a forward thinking, positive manner.

This is an ideal method to help enhance positive dog training modalities. Bring your own dog or work with one at the course.  There may be an opportunity to work with other species, such as horses, in a safe, confidence building way.

Can count to credit for Tellington TTouch Practitioner credits (6 credits), suitable for new and returning students

Tuition

3 Day Workshop $600 + HST Sale price $525 + HST Limited time only!

Can’t come all 3 days?

Saturday only: $225 + HST

Saturday and Sunday: $450 + HST

NB All prices are in Canadian dollars, and HST = 13%

Learn more about the Facility and Accommodations.

We recommend that you purchase flight and hotel insurance for each event for which you register.

All prices are quoted in Canadian Dollars.

ttouch.ca

Tellington TTouch® for You & Your Horse

 Intro with Lindy Dekker – April 2024

$279.00
Live Interactive Sessions with Lindy Dekker

Dates: Saturdays – April 13th, 20th, 27th & May 4th

Time: 9:00 – 11:30 SAST (17:00 – 19:30 – AEST;15:00 – 17:30 AWST;18:00 – 20:30 – NZST; 09:00 – 11:30  – CET) (taking into account the changes to Daylight savings in the different countries) via Interactive Zoom Sessions

Certification Credits: 8

Between the sessions you will take what you have learned and practice it with your own horses.  Take video for specific feedback to share in the next class so you can refine and improve your technique.  (Live sessions are recorded in case you cannot make the live time)

LIVE ZOOM sessions for further guidance and discussion of course material.  Between the sessions you will take what you have learned and practice it with your own horses.  Take video for specific feedback to share in the next class so you can refine and improve your technique.

Details and Registration
Interactive & Online Tellington TTouch® for Horses

Interactive & Online Tellington TTouch® for Horses

course content

 

Join Tellington TTouch Method Instructor, Robyn Hood, as well as other guest instructors, and develop a deep level of understanding and skill that will transform how you understand, handle and train horses.

Enjoy the logical, linear, learning of online learning along with the inspiring and adaptive format that includes 36 hours of small, LIVE, Zoom sessions – all recorded for your convenience and on-going learning.

This course is the ideal option for anyone seeking an integrative and compassionate approach to horse training and management.  Whether you are a professional horse trainer or dedicated horse lover, this course will provide you with an incredible framework of philosophical understanding, observational skills, bodywork techniques, groundwork exercises, innovative tools, and work under saddle that can make what you already do well, be even better; all while developing a deeper, more trusting relationship.

The Tellington TTouch for Horses: Immersion Series can serve as your core curriculum for Tellington TTouch Online Academy Certification credits however it is also a fantastic learning opportunity for those wanting to add to what they already do well or expand their knowledge and skill set.

Register and gain access to an extensive, clearly laid out and detailed online course covering the material you would learn in at least two, 5 day hands on sessions.  This course can be done at YOUR OWN PACE, before or after the LIVE sessions.

Beginning in March enjoy, the first of twelve,  3  hour immersion session that will leave you inspired, empowered and excited to learn and practice.

Between sessions you will work on specific skills and assignments, if you are working towards Certification.  Sessions are recorded for future viewing or should you have to miss a live class.  Each session will be taught by Robyn or another one of our wonderful TTouch Instructors.

Enjoy the comforts of home, with your animal at ease, in this small, intimate group setting. Robyn will help coach you through specific concerns you may have and give you the tools to enhance your horse’s well being, behavior and performance.

This course can count  towards the Tellington TTouch Practitioner certification program for horses.  It is also suitable for riders and horse enthusiasts who are interested in the method to enhance their relationship and address a myriad of challenges without force or dominance.  All levels of experience and areas of interest are welcome.

Students will have access to online material to cover at their own pace.  The online portion of learning consists of a logical, linear, “Tellington TTouch for Horsess – Core Curriuculum”, which can be accessed at any time.

The online portion of the course includes:

  • The FULL Tellington TTouch for Horses Core Curriculum Course: Each consisting of several specific topics and lessons.
  • Hours “how-to” videos and lectures about each specific concept and exercise
  •  Lesson video assignments, to be completed by those pursuing certification
  • 24/7 access to all materials

The LIVE interactive portion of the course includes:

  • TWELVE 3 hour sessions of learning in an intimate, supportive, group setting over the span of 6 months
  • Class recordings for future viewing & review
  • Access to an interactive group chat and discussion page.
  • Expert feedback about your own animals
  • In class assistants co-teaching and supporting the group’s learning and questions.

Payment plan available, please email ttouch@shaw.ca for information.

ttouch.ca
Interactive & Online Tellington TTouch® for Dogs

Interactive & Online Tellington TTouch® for Dogs

course content

 

Join Tellington TTouch Method Instructor, Robyn Hood, as well as other guest instructors, and develop a deep level of understanding and skill that will transform how you handle and train dogs.

Enjoy the logical, linear, learning of online learning along with the inspiring and adaptive format that includes 36 hours of small, LIVE, Zoom sessions – all recorded for your convenience and on-going learning.

This course is the ideal option for anyone seeking an integrative and compassionate approach to understanding, handling and training dogs.  Whether you are a professional dog trainer or dedicated dog guardian, this course will provide you with an incredible framework of philosophical understanding, observational skills, bodywork techniques, leash work exercises and innovative tools that can make what you already do well, be even better.

The Tellington TTouch for Dogs: Immersion Series can serve as your core curriculum for Tellington TTouch Online Academy Certification credits but is also a fantastic learning opportunity for those wanting to add to what they already do well or expand their knowledge and skill set in canine wellness and management.

Register and gain access to an extensive, clearly laid out and detailed online course covering the material you would learn in at least two, 5 day hands on sessions.  This course can be done at YOUR OWN PACE, before or after the LIVE sessions.

Beginning in February enjoy, the first of twelve,  3  hour immersion session that will leave you inspired, empowered and excited to

Between sessions you will work on specific skills and assignments, if you are working towards Certification.  Sessions are recorded for future viewing or should you have to miss a live class.  Each session will be taught by Robyn or another one of our wonderful TTouch Instructors.

Enjoy the comforts of home, with your animal at ease, in this small, intimate group setting. Robyn will help coach you through specific concerns you may have and give you the tools to enhance your dog’s well being.

This course can count  towards the Tellington TTouch Practitioner certification program for dogs.  It is also suitable for dog guardians who are interested in the method to enhance their relationship.  All levels of experience and areas of interest are welcome.

Students will have access to online material to cover at their own pace.  The online portion of learning consists of a logical, linear, “Tellington TTouch for Dogs – Level 2”, which can be accessed at any time.

The online portion of the course includes:

  • The FULL Tellington TTouch for Dogs Practitioner Course: Each consisting of several specific topics.
  • Hours “how-to” videos and lectures about each specific concept and exercise
  • Study Quiz Questions at the end of each section for your own learning
  •  Lesson video assignments, to be completed by those pursuing certification
  • 24/7 access to all materials

The LIVE interactive portion of the course includes:

  • TWELVE 3 hour sessions of learning in an intimate, supportive, group setting over the span of 6 months
  • Class recordings for future viewing & review
  • Access to an interactive group chat and discussion page.
  • Expert feedback about your own animals
  • In class assistants co-teaching and supporting the group’s learning and questions.

Payment plan available, please email ttouch@shaw.ca for information.

ttouch.ca
Interactive & Online Tellington TTouch® for Horses

Interactive & Online Tellington TTouch® for Horses

Immersion Series with Robyn Hood & Guests

Join Tellington TTouch Method Instructor, Robyn Hood, as well as other guest instructors, including special sessions with Linda Tellington-Jones, and develop a deep level of understanding and skill that will transform how you understand, handle and train horses.

This course is the ideal option for anyone seeking an integrative and compassionate approach to horse training and management.  It will provide you with an incredible framework of philosophical understanding, observational skills, bodywork techniques, groundwork exercises, innovative tools, and work under saddle that can make what you already do well, be even better; all while developing a deeper, more trusting relationship.

Enjoy the logical, linear, learning of online learning along with the inspiring and adaptive format that includes 36 (up to 72 with both classes) hours of small, LIVE, Zoom sessions – all recorded for your convenience and on-going learning.

$999.00

Dates: Saturdays starting September 28, 2024
(Enrollment is open throughout this time period)

Time: 8:00 – 11:00 PT/ 16:00 – 19:00 GMT via Interactive Zoom Sessions
(Recorded in case you miss a session!)

AND/OR  (students may choose which session they attend)

Saturdays for Australia: 9:00 – Noon Sydney time/ Fridays:  14:00 – 17:00 PT

Full Details and Registration
Hands On -Tellington TTouch® for Dogs

Hands On -Tellington TTouch® for Dogs

When: July 5 to 7 (3 day option) or July 5 to 9 (5 day option)

What to Expect:

  • Learn the fundamentals and advanced techniques of the Tellington TTouch Method for Dogs and other Companion Animals.
  • Develop skills in TTouch Bodywork, leash work, and observation to address common dog behavior issues.
  • Enjoy a positive, low-stress learning environment suitable for both professionals and dedicated dog guardians.
  • Gain practical knowledge to integrate into your current training program for remarkable results.
  • Access opportunities to work with other species like horses in a safe, confidence-building setting.

Why Choose Us:

  • Flexible tuition options, including early bird discounts and deposit plans, make attending easy.
  • Receive Tellington TTouch Practitioner credits, adding value to your ongoing education.
  • Tuition includes access to our exclusive Online Course – “Tellington TTouch for Dogs – An Introduction,” extending your learning beyond the workshop.
  • Snacks, lunch, and refreshments provided for a comfortable learning experience.

These skills will empower you with a variety of innovative techniques and exercises to help address the most common issues confronting dog owners, trainers, and other professionals; in a forward thinking, low-stress, positive manner.

This is an ideal method to help enhance positive dog training modalities. Bring your own dog or work with one at the course.  There may be an opportunity to work with other species, such as horses, in a safe, confidence building way.

Pricing:
    3-Day Workshop: $775 plus 5% GST (Early Bird: $650 plus 5% GST until March 30, 2025)
    5-Day Workshop: $1175 plus 5% GST (Early Bird: $950 plus 5% GST until March 30, 2025)

Deposit option available: Secure your spot with a $200 non-refundable deposit and pay the remainder at the Early Bird price by March 30, 2024.

 

Full Details and Registration

Interactive & Online Solutions for Challenging Dog Behavior

Applied TTouch with Kathy Cascade May 2024

$179.00

About the Class:

Dates: Thursdays May 2, 9, 16, 23

Time: 9:30am to 11:00am (PST) via Interactive Zoom Sessions (recorded for repeated viewing)

Included Content:  Easy to follow, self-paced course, 6 hours of live sessions & personalized support. Includes many hours of video lectures and how-to video demonstrations.

Academy Credits: 4 & 10 CEUs for PPAB

For Details and Registration
Tellington TTouch® Training for Dogs

Tellington TTouch® Training for Dogs

 

 

This Workshop is Full. If you'd like to be added to the waiting list, contact us here

 

Three-day Workshop: May 9-11th, 2025
Instructor: Linda Tellington-Jones

Schedule:
Day 1: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM (Arrive by 9:45 AM to get settled)
Day 2: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Day 3: 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Tuition: $595
Deposit: $300 due at registration to hold your spot. Balance due by April 11th, 2025.
Early-bird Discount: Pay in full by March 28th to receive $55 off.

Please note: If you pay your deposit with a credit card, any remaining balance will be charged to the same card 30 days before the start of the workshop unless you have paid in full or informed us of a different payment method.

Three Ways to Register:

Online: Register Below
Phone: Call our office to pay with Visa, MasterCard, American Express, or Discover.
PayPal: Send payment to forum@tellingtontraining.com.

Cancellation Policy:
Organizer Cancellation: If the session is canceled due to unforeseen circumstances or insufficient enrollment, all payments will be refunded.

Participant Cancellation: Cancellations made more than 30 days before the workshop will receive a refund minus a $100 administrative fee. No refunds for cancellations made within 30 days of the workshop, but funds can be applied to another training within one year of the cancellation date.

Animals Attending the Training: Dogs and other companion animals are welcome. Notify us when you register as there is a limit on the number of dogs. Complete and submit an Animal Profile Form one month before the workshop.

If bringing your dog:
Only one dog may participate per day due to space constraints.
Bring a crate, x-pen, or mat, water bowl, food & treats, proof of vaccinations or titer, an ID collar, lead, and any head halter or harness.

Guidelines to help us maintain good relations with our training facilities and partner hotels by:

  • Respect facility and hotel animal policies.
  • Safely contain your animal when unsupervised.
  • Leave facilities and hotel rooms in their original condition.

What to Wear: Comfortable clothing suitable for bending, stretching, and sitting on the floor.

Meals: Meals are not included. Bring your own lunch and snacks. Water, coffee, and tea will be available. There will be a one-hour lunch break each day.

Travel Information:

Airports:
Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) - 36 miles
Baltimore Washington International Airport (BWI) - 58 miles
Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) - 52 miles
We recommend that you purchase trip insurance for your flight, hotel, etc.

Accommodation: For nearby hotels, visit Hotels.com or check Airbnb.com or VRBO.com.

Additional Information: Frederick, MD, is only 15 minutes away, offering dining, arts, shops, and entertainment. Enjoy outdoor activities like rock climbing, canoeing, and mountain biking. Washington D.C. and Baltimore are about a 50-minute drive from the training site.

For more information about Fox Haven Farm
$595

TTouch® for You and your Horse

TTouch® for You and your Horse with Linda Tellington-Jones in Hawaii

Three-day TTouch® for You and your Horse December 8th – 10th, 2024
TTouch for your Horse, Dog and You - Demo December 7th, 2024

Instructor:  Linda Tellington-Jones

3 day Horse class Schedule:
Day 1: 10:00 AM-5:00 PM
(Arrive by 9:45 AM to get settled)
Days 2: 9:00 AM–5:00 PM
Day 3: 9:00 AM–3:00 PM

1 day demo schedule:
10:00 AM – 4:00 PM

TUITION:

1 day TTouch for your Horse, Dog and You demo (see Dec 7th): $125 if you are participating at the 3 day horse class your tuition for the demo is discounted at $75.

3 day TTouch for You and your Horse class tuition: $695
We highly recommend that you participate at the demo on Saturday December 7th since you will get a wealth of information about the TTouch Method and it will enhance your learning experience during the 3 day class.

A $300.00 deposit is due at the time of registration to hold a space in the workshop. The balance is due November 3rd, 2024.

Please note, if you pay your deposit with a credit card, any balance due will automatically be charged to the same card thirty days before the start of class unless you have already paid the tuition in full or let us know that you wish to use a different payment method.  

Three ways to Register:
• Online - Use form below
• Call our office to pay with your Visa, MasterCard, American Express, or Discover card
• You can also pay through PayPal. Our account is forum@tellingtontraining.com.

Cancellation Policy:  Tellington TTouch Training reserves the right to cancel a session if necessary because of circumstances beyond our control or when enrollment is deemed insufficient. In this case, all payments you have made will be refunded – whether deposit only or the full tuition amount.

Participant Cancellation Policy:  For cancellations made more than 30 days in advance of the training, a refund will be given minus a $100 administrative fee. No refunds are given for cancellations made less than 30 days prior to the start of the training, but you may apply this money to another training that must be attended within one year of your cancellation date.
        
Animals attending the Training:  At this class you will work with the horses from Hoku Lio Stables.

Meals:  Meals are not included in the tuition.  Please bring your own lunch and snacks. Water, coffee, and tea are provided. There is a one-hour break each day for lunch.  

Traveling to the class:

Airport:      Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL)

We recommend that you purchase travel insurance for your trip.

Accommodations:
Please contact Karin O’Mahony if you like accommodations close to the venue
808-224-7296        hokuliohawaii@gmail.com

Additional information: The daytime temperatures are comfortably warm, averaging in the high 70s and low 80s. Evenings are slightly colder and dip into the 60s, especially along the beaches.

Equipment:
TTouch Wand, a 4 ft white dressage whip.
TTouch Zephyr lead.
The wand and lead are essential items for a Tellington TTouch training. If you have them, bring them with you. If you do not have a wand and lead, they will be available for sale at the clinic.

If you have any other TTouch equipment, i.e., TTouch driving lines, Balance Rein, Lindell or ace bandages, it would be very helpful to have them on hand.
Please be sure your items are well marked for easy identification.

Equipment, videos and books will be available for purchase.

Recommended Reading:
Before attending the training, we suggest you read Linda's book, The Training and Retraining Horses the Tellington Way Book. This book may be purchased through our Online Store on our web site: www.ttouch.com or call 866-488-6824 to place your order.

Application Form and Further Information:
Download the logistics here.

$0.00

Interactive & Online Tellington TTouch for Dogs

Live Interactive Sessions with Lindy Dekker

Dates: Saturdays – May 11th 18th 25th and June 1st

Time: 9:00  – 11:30 SAST (17:00 – 19:30 – AEST;15:00 – 17:30 AWST;18:00 – 20:30 – NZST; 09:00 – 11:30  – CET) (taking into account the changes to Daylight savings in the different countries) (10 hours total)

Certification Credits: 6

Learn trust-based, gentle, effective and supportive techniques from the comfort of home. This includes 10 hours of live, virtual, group instruction, which is recorded for future viewing, AND life-time access to a self-paced online study course.

Between the sessions you will take what you have learned and practice it with your own dogs.  Take video for specific feedback to share in the next class so you can refine and improve your technique.

(Live sessions are recorded in case you cannot make the live time)

 

For Details and Registration

Events > Past Events Archive

Interactive & Online Tellington TTouch® - Level 1

$399.00 – $699.00
Join Tellington TTouch Method Instructor, Lindy Dekker and gain a foundation of TTouch skills!
October 7th, 8th, 10th, 17th, 24th and 31st.

Enjoy the logical, linear, learning of Online Learning along with the inspiring and adaptive format of 20 hours, small, LIVE, Zoom sessions.

This session can count as your next step towards Certification as a Tellington TTouch Practitioner for Dogs this course can be counted towards certification.

Beginning on October 7th, enjoy a 5 hour immersion session that will  provide you with the tools to help your dog feel and be their best.

Between sessions you will work on specific skills and assignments, if you are working towards Certification.  Sessions are recorded for future viewing or should you have to miss a live class.  Each session will be taught by Robyn or another one of our wonderful TTouch Instructors.

Schedule:

Saturday October 7th from 10.00 – 15.00 hrs or 10 am – 3 pm CET

Sunday October 8th from 10.00 – 15.00

Tuesday October 10th from 18.30 – 21.00

Tuesday October 17th from 18.30 – 21.00

Tuesday October 24th from 18.30 – 21.00

Tuesday October 31st from 18.30 – 21.00

Enjoy the comforts of home, with your animal at ease, in this small, intimate group setting. Lindy will help coach you through specific concerns you may have and give you the tools to enhance your dog’s well being.

This course can count  towards the Tellington TTouch Practitioner certification program for dogs.  It is also suitable for dog guardians who are interested in the method to enhance their relationship.  All levels of experience and areas of interest are welcome.

Students will have access to online material to cover at their own pace.  The online portion of learning consists of a logical, linear, “Tellington TTouch for Dogs – Level 1”, which can be accessed at any time.

Details and Registration

Our Method for > Dogs > Success Stories

Animal Assisted Therapy

"Up until four years ago I did therapy visiting with my Golden Retriever in a residential home for the elderly. One of the ladies could not communicate with people using language; she had suffered a stroke and certainly had some dementia. This lady would hang around the neck of Jim (my Goldie) for as long as we would let her. Jim was very tolerant and would nudge this lady very gently.

"When this process had ended Jim would be totally exhausted and I would TTouch to help him recover. But the care workers always reported to me that for two days after Jim's visit this lady could interact with people more than she had been able to before our visit. What I found interesting was that this lady would recognize Jim but not me and she seemed to gain so much from the affection/touch shown by Jim towards her. This may be an example of how touch-starved ill people can be and the benefit that they can gain from simple touch.  Good luck with exploring the research opportunities."
–  Jeanette Atkinson, Practitioner in the UK

Our Method for > Horses > Success Stories

Older horses

"The TTEAM Newsletter is my “life line” to keep in touch with all the stuff you people get up to. Every now and again there is a surge of interest here in New Zealand, but for me it just keeps on getting better and better. Results mostly happen in minutes for me now, and people are amazed.

"I am always getting asked when I am going to compete my horse even though people cannot believe his age is 24 years old. Tellington Method had done so much for him.  He had an accident 12 years ago that left him quite crippled and without the Tellington TTouch method, he would not be with me. He has taught me so much and given me some amazing experiences and may lovely rides.

"Thank you for sharing TTouch with me and many other people too.  Animals, worldwide, love what the Tellington TTouch Method brings to them.  And never let us forget the great job Robyn has done for so long bringing the written word to all of us TTouch people."

   – Coral Boulton in New Zealand

"After seeing Instructor, Edie Jane Eaton’s demonstration, I have been using the Tellington TTouch exercises for two weeks and my l9 year old advanced dressage thoroughbred’s back is definitely more supple. And engagement is becoming elastic. He was stiff, and I have had problems getting him to use his hind-end to engage without getting stiffer in his back. No more!"

   – Philippa Morrell in the UK

Our Method for > Other Animals > Success Stories

Building Trust

Building Trust

By Missy Parker, Veterinary Nurse

"One of the most beneficial things I've seen in a long time for building trust and calming is the Tellington "TTouch" therapy system, developed by Linda Tellington-Jones.

"In my capacity as a Registered Veterinary Nurse, I have used TTouch to prevent dogs from going into shock (yes, it really does work!) until the vet could get there to help the dog. In my capacity as an obedience instructor, I have used portions of it in my greeting (and subsequent handling) behaviors with scared dogs (as well as with aggressive ones) to build up their trust in me while calming them in a class situation. I have also used portions of it when I'm wearing my "mom" and "wife" hats to "create an atmosphere more conducive to cooperation."

"I've never told the humans I've used it on that it was developed for animals.However, Baylor Hospital of Dallas, Texas (which is a teaching hospital) is now using it on their human patients - and telling them it was developed for animals - so maybe it's time for me to come out of the closet!

"I've seen TTouch work wonders in every case in which it has been used properly. Four particular cases come to mind. The first is a Shiba Inu who would "short-circuit" in my obedience classes when the stimulation level got at all elevated. With just five to ten minutes of TTouch from his owner before each class, the dog did so much better!

"The second: my client, a very competent middle-aged woman, had never owned a dog before she adopted a female GSD stray. My best guess as to this dog's story is that she was either from Schutzhund lines or a washout from a police dog program, then neglected severely for quite a while afterward. She had heartworms and callouses on every pressure point from, I believe, lying in a concrete-bottom kennel.

"Heidi (the dog) was the most accomplished kennel escape artist I've ever dealt with ... she escaped mine five different ways before I figured out how to keep her in - she had both removed the gate from its hinges and bitten the gate lock in half. I just love this dog because I have learned so much from her! When she first started coming to my classes, Heidi would roar in dragging Cathy (the owner) as though she were an embarrassing ball-and-chain to be completely ignored. Now, after a few months of class, TTouch, and good management, Cathy has a much nicer dog - who adores her. Like many other dogs I've seen on TTouch regularly, Heidi can be gently reversed when she goes into overdrive, and quickly, by the application of as little as two minutes of TTouch touches.

"The third: Silver is a toy poodle who was genetically predetermined to be a yappy, snappy, shaky mess. She is now a fabulous therapy dog, solid at CD-level obedience, a joy to her owner and to everyone else with whom she comes in contact. TTouch is used in Silver's daily life in general and, specifically, before and after therapy sessions with challenging clients. By the will of her owner, with a little help from me, this dog has gone from "sow's ear to silk purse." By the way, Silver has only 20% vision in one eye and about 40% in the other; she will eventually go totally blind.

"The fourth case is my husband, who has back trouble - the pain sometimes makes him very "crabby." TTouch helps him feel better and consequently elevates his mood, which has the effect of making everyone in my house feel better!

"In classes, I begin with the Tarantula/Plow techniques. Even “extreme” dogs seem to enjoy it so much and/or are so curious about what I'm doing that they momentarily interrupt their agenda to ... eat the people, eat the other dogs, die of fright, whatever. Then, when I have their interested attention, I move to Noah's March. If all's still well, I use the Lying Leopard. All of this is done while toning.

"Years ago, when I was in hard labor, a female Labor Attendant did it on me - and it worked then, too - although she had no idea that what she was doing would years later be called the TTouch. Her technique was a super light touch, Clouded Leopard all over my straining belly while she softly sang “Rock of Ages” to me! It was incredibly helpful at a very stressful and painful time.

"The effect of regular TTouch use seems to be cumulative if these techniques are used with a subject regularly, his or her body’s autonomic responses seem to take over faster and faster each subsequent time.

"So, from my experience, I heartily recommend TTouch as a great addition to your instructor’s toolbox...and thanks to Terry Ryan for the term!

"Next time you have a bad headache, try it on yourself - it works that way too!"

- Missy Parker thunderridgeinc@juno.com

Missy continued:

"Tellington TTouch was born out of Linda's extraordinary lifetime of work with horses, and has now been adapted to many species other than equine, including dogs, cats, hamsters, and many exotic animals. Linda's four years of study with Dr. Moshe Feldenkrais, originator of the Feldenkrais method for horses, led her to the development of TTouch.

"Although TTouch is not technically a type of massage therapy, that would start to describe it. Actually, massage is done with the intent of affecting the muscular system - the intent of TTouch is the reorganizing of the nervous system and activating the function of the cells. I can describe it best by saying that it is a way of laying your fingers gently on the skin and moving them, as well as the skin they are touching, in a circular fashion, making repeating one-and-a-quarter circles clockwise. During this touch, the practitioner breathes rhythmically - in for the first half of the slow circle and out for the second half.

"According to Linda Tellington-Jones, TTouch is so simple to learn that a person having had less than one hour of instruction might make major changes in the behavior and personality of animals, and might considerably speed up the healing of wounds, injury or stiffness.

"Anna Wise, of the Evolving Institute of Boulder, Colorado, did a biofeedback study of TTouch practitioners which showed that both the brain waves of the practitioner, as well as those of the patient, were dramatically affected during the sessions. The brain waves registered what is known as "an awakened state" typical of healers, swamis, advanced meditators, and yogis as measured in a study by Maxwell Cate at the Institute for Psychobiological Research in London, England.

"There are several variations of TTouch hand positions; the amount of pressure used in the touch itself and where the touch is applied on the animal's body can vary, too. For instance, to prevent shock in injured animals of many species, as well as to calm the thunderstorm-phobic dog, T-Touch is applied to the ears.

"To make it easier to remember many of the hand/finger positions, they have been assigned the names of various animals: "Tarantula,” "Clouded Leopard,” "Flick of the Bear's Paw." With the TTouch, a practitioner may use "toning," a type of soothing vocalization.

"The Tellington TTouch Guidebook for Dogs describes the intended results of TTouch: to activate neural pathways to the brain, increasing an animal's self image and awareness, thereby improving its self-confidence and coordination. It adds: one need not know anatomy to be successful with this therapy, since using the TTouch anywhere on the body can improve health and awareness. Through the activation of its unused brain cells, an animal becomes more willing and able to learn. The TTouch develops a "cell-to-cell" between animal and human, a oneness which is a very special inter species, non-verbal communication."

Our Method for > TTouch-for-You > Success Stories

Ear TTouch® on a Plane

"I was sitting fairly close to the front of the plane. The woman in the seat kitty-corner behind me complained of feeling ill. She felt nauseous and had pale, clammy skin. The nausea came on very suddenly sometime after we were aloft.

"The stewardess went looking for a Doctor. I got up and went back to her and asked her how she felt, etc. She was pretty uncomfortable and a little out of it. I asked her and her friend that was flying with her if it would be ok if I tried something that might make her feel better. They said "ok." I stroked long ear slides over both of her ears from lob to top of ear for a couple of minutes. She was starting to look and feel a little less nauseous and a little more clear-headed. By that time, the stewardess had returned with a Doctor that she had found in the back of the plane.

"To be honest, I don't remember exactly what the Doctor did, except maybe look at her pupils and probably take her pulse. I had moved back to my seat to get out of the way. He didn't stay with her very long; it seemed as if she was feeling better, so he went back to his seat. Maybe, a half hour to forty-five minutes later, the lady started feeling the same way again and she had her friend immediately ask me if I would try to help her.

"I went back and sat in the friend's seat and she took mine and I did more ear TTouches as well as some circles around the temple area. I still didn't work on her more than a very few minutes, but I did stay and talk to her and her friend. They thought that it had been something that she had eaten earlier.

"After a bit, she said that she felt much better (she wasn't as pale or clammy any more either). Sometime after I was back in my seat, the stewardess came and asked me what I had done. I told her briefly about TTouch®. She took my name and address for their records and a couple of months later, I got a nice thank-you letter from Southwest and a free ticket."

   - Tom Equin, Tellington TTouch® Practitioner for Companion Animals shadowhawk@nunntelwb.com

Our Method for > TTouch-for-You > Why TTouch-for-You

Effects for You!

If you've done much work with Tellington TTouch® Training, you have most likely discovered the benefits for animals - not only for horses, but also for dogs, cats, small critters, zoo animals and wildlife rescue. You may have discovered improvements in health and well-being, a reduction in stress, and often, miraculous changes in behavior. And in horses and dogs you will have been rewarded by enhanced performance and a more flexible, intelligent four-legged friend. Many, who work with the Tellington TTouch Method, report an unexpected deepening of relationship that gives you the feeling you are Dr. Doolittle with the ability to communicate without words, and understand each other in a way you didn't think possible.

However, what is often unrecognized or unspoken, are the effects on you! There is often experienced a transformation in the people using TTouch as well as their animals. We become more flexible and balanced mentally and physically, as well as emotionally. Many adults report a sense feeling of being smarter and more confident.

In classes of school children practicing TTouch on their companion animals, teachers and parents describe similar changes: improved ability to focus and concentrate (just like horses and dogs) with heightened confidence and more tolerance. Children with a tendency to lose their tempers or bully other kids increase self-control and another level of understanding that allows them to adapt and be less reactive. I believe TTouch teaches children what I call "compassionate empowerment®."

What causes these transformational changes in the two-leggeds? I believe the reasons are two-fold:

1. TTouch activates both hemispheres of the brain resulting in Whole Brain learning. The left side of the brain is commonly referred to as the logical side, and the right side is thought of as the creative or intuitive side, although in reality that is not so. The brain is actually an integrated whole. The left hemisphere is more linear and the right is oriented to spatial issues and understanding the big picture.

You wonder how TTouch affects the whole brain?

Each time you push the skin in a circle imagining the face of a clock, the intuitive side is engaged, because imagining or visualizing as well as the actual movement have to do with the intuitive. When you "see in your mind's eye" the numbers on the clock, the logical is activated because numbers have to do with logical thinking.

When you're practicing leading exercises imagining the "Elegant Elephant’s" trunk as the end of your "wand" or whip, the movement itself, and holding the wand and chain in both hands, affects the right brain. And the logical way of holding the wand and chain in two hands awakens the thinking side.

2. The second indication of this whole brain effect comes from the two studies I did in the summers of 1987 and 1988 in cooperation with Anna Wise of the Boulder Institute of Biofeedback. Working with a "Mind Mirror" developed by her mentor, British psycho biologist and biophysicist Maxwell Cade, produced some fascinating results. The Mind Mirror is an EEG that differs from the traditional EEG in that it used spectral analysis to simultaneously measure eleven different frequencies in each hemisphere of the brain. Unlike the normal EEG it has the unique ability to measure beta, alpha, theta and delta brain waves in both hemispheres of the brain.

We measured over a dozen students to determine their brain wave activity while being TTouched, rubbed, petted and massaged. Surprising was the fact that consistently, whether our students were being TTouched or TTouching a horse or a person, there was an activation of all four brain waves –beta, alpha, theta and delta – in both sides of the brain. When the person being measured was petted, stroked, rubbed or massaged, the relaxing alpha brainwave pattern was present, but never beta – the problem solving potential. Only with the circular touches were the beta brainwaves present.

So the next time you head out to the barn remember that TTouching your horse a few minutes a day can reduce your stress, clear your mind, deepen the connection with your horse and dog, and make you smarter. That's why the phrase "The Touch That Teaches" came into being.

Linda Tellington-Jones

 

 

TTouch & Heart Resonance & The Role of Intention

By Robin Bernhard LCSW, MED

The universality of Linda’s methodology is unique to TTouch. Linda didn’t have to develop different techniques to teach horses, whales, snakes, parrots, cats, dogs or humans. TTouch works for all species. Through touches that are universally understood, Linda and her students of TTouch, invite their animals to participate in harmonious mutual communication; cell to cell and heart to heart. In her book, Tellington TTouch, Linda states: “Instead of seeing the TTouch as something that I do to animals, which would create separation between us, I view the circles as a way to come into cellular harmony with them, a way of allowing my cells to speak to theirs. At a cellular level, no living thing is alien to any other, and so the sense of connections remains the same whether I’m working with a gerbil or a lynx, a kitten or an elephant.” Both the practitioner and the animal benefit from the mutual communication.

Linda believes that the TTouch practitioner’s intention for healing is communicated from the person to the animal (or person to person) on many levels. These intuitive ideas are now being scientifically documented by The Institute of HeartMath with new research about mind-body communication and the heart. Research at The Institute of HeartMath has shown that we can regulate heart rhythm coherence by holding positive feelings and intentions. Increased heart rhythm coherence produces more alpha brainwaves, enhanced awareness and improved cognitive performance. Alpha frequencies induce a state of tranquility, not unlike the tranquility experienced during TTouch, and interestingly, alpha brainwaves are associated with peak performance. The results of the research at the institute of HeartMath supports the hypothesis “that the changes in brain activity that occur during states of increased psychophysiological coherence lead to changes in the brain’s information processing capabilities. Results suggest that by using heart-based interventions to self-generate coherent states, individuals can significantly enhance cognitive performance.” It would be very interesting to see if TTouch enhances heart rhythm coherence. I suspect that it does.

The heart produces an energy field that can be measured for five feet in all directions. It is quite possible that all species are able to perceive influences from another being’s heart from a short distance. When humans communicate and touch is involved, the brain registers the heartbeat of the other in the EEG, physiological evidence that we are influenced by another’s heart rhythm chaos or coherence. Research has shown that horses are sensitive to the heart energy fields produced by humans and that humans are sensitive to the fields produced by the horse’s heart. The practitioner of TTouch knows well the experience of peace that comes while engaged in the practice of TTouch. Scientific knowledge about the energetic communication from the heart suggests that TTouch practitioners are energetically engaging their animal partners at the deep level of the heart. When the TTouch practitioner consciously holds the intention of healing and a compassionate attitude to generate heart rate coherence within the self, the person or animal being touched benefits from the calming influence of the energy field created by the practitioner’s heart. The research at the Institute of Heart Math suggests that the heart to heart engagement is reciprocal and thus, we have the beginnings of scientific documentation for the experience of healing intention, compassion, respect and positive regard that is part of TTouch practice.

There are more neurons running from the heart to the brain than from the brain to the heart. Some research suggests that the heart directs brain regulation and not the other way around. Linda has stressed the importance of holding a compassionate attitude coupled with the desire to support healing as the correct mind-set for the TTouch practitioner to allow the heart to influence the work. The research on the power of the heart from The Institute of HeartMath documents the scientific basis for what Linda understood intuitively about the heart’s influence on TTouch outcome and the mutual benefit for the practitioner and the animal when the practitioner intentionally generates a genuinely positive heart felt connection between the self and the animal during a TTouch session.

On the other hand, forceful methods generate fear and impede “thinking” as the horse moves into its instinctual fight/flight survival mode. During fight/flight activation, thinking is shut-down in favor of split-second non-thinking reflexive reactions that the horse can’t control. It is often in this fear driven state that horses can’t meet the demands placed upon them, for which they are frequently punished and pushed further into fear, pain and freeze responses. Instinctual reactions may be activated through a dominating relationship, and animals can be managed through such training methods. TTouch does not elicit instinct driven behavior mediated by the limbic system, rather Linda seeks to calm the limbic system and stimulate learning that is mediated by the cortex through a relationship infused with a heart-felt connection.

Shop > Horses > Books

Training & Retraining Horses the Tellington Way

Training & Retraining Horses the Tellington Way

Get a SIGNED copy of Linda's new book.

$34.95

Worldwide > Animal Ambassadors International

1991 Green Chimneys

TTEAM News International Vol 11 No 3 Pp.6-7

For three years I have promised Dr. Sam Ross that I would make it to Green Chimneys to share the Animal Ambassadors International® and TTEAM work with his children. Dr. Ross and his wife, Myra, run the most wonderful organization just north of New York City which is a farm school for children with learning and behavioral disabilities who come mostly from the inner cities. They have a really large staff and about 130 acres on the farm that I visited plus other homes for adults.

This visit was organized thanks to TTEAM practitioner Marnie Reeder who met Myra Ross at the Delta Society co-sponsored Human/Animal Bond Conference in Saskatchewan this May. Since I was teaching the advanced training in Wyoming, I asked Marnie to represent Animal Ambassadors International®, which she did and really connected with Myra at the conference. Marnie had originally planned to come with me but at the last minute could not make it.

I began by working with about seventy children between the ages of seven and sixteen with their teachers out on the lawn. I first worked with a fifteen year old Scotty dog of Dr. Ross’s who is somehow managing to hang on in his little body. He looks almost as though someone winds him up in the morning and he stiffly goes on his rounds of inspection of all the children. I worked on his ears and did little python lifts on his legs which are quite stiff and arthritic and showed the children how they could gently work on him. Later I saw three of the children sitting very quietly with him doing tiny Raccoon circles all over his little body.

I also worked on their miniature pony foal up on a picnic table and asked if there were any volunteers among the children who would like to experience the various TTouches as I used them on the animals. We had a number of brave boys and girls who volunteered. Then we brought out two of the horses so that about ten children at a time could come up and practice the Clouded Leopard and Lick of the Cow's Tongue TTouches. Of course there were several breaks during the morning period because I kept sessions short, but we finished the morning by having the children in small groups with their teachers in a circle practicing the Tarantula's Pulling the Plow and the Lick of the Cow's Tongue on each other. At lunch time in the community dining room a nine-year-old boy came dashing up to me and without a word reached out with a big smile on his face and did a quick circle on my arm and dashed off.

In the afternoon I worked with Dr. Ross' favorite horse who was the terror of the therapeutic riding program. He is a very strong bodied and strong minded Haflinger who had the unpleasant habit of simply taking his head away from the volunteer and marching off in the direction that interested him. He was not exactly cooperative in the riding program. I demonstrated the Elegant Elephant and some of the other ground exercises with him and then later rode him in the balance rein. He was completely different. The next day several of the children came to me and told me how proud they were that they had been able to lead him with the wand and chain without him dragging them around and he seemed very cooperative and happy.

Several Vietnamese pot-bellied pigs reside at Green Chimneys. Due to lack of time they had not been handled and consistently squealed and screamed when approached to be moved from place to place. By working them with the wands from about a three foot distance I was able to quiet them and keep a contact. I am looking forward to hearing how their instructors manage to carry on with the pigs.

Another highlight of my visit was working with three young nine year old boys with a Scotch Highland yearling heifer, who is supposed to be show able but couldn't be led. She was described by the boys as being mean and wild. I first observed them working with her and then showed them how to quietly do the circles on her head and her horns and up and down her legs. When we went to lead her which I was told was impossible, I discovered that the calf halter they had on her was really uncomfortable. They had a chain under her chin and when she would pull it would hurt her and the halter would twist around and dig into her. I tied the halter under the chin with some twine and put the chain over the nose as we usually do with the horse and attached a second rope on the other side. Between the wands and the Homing Pigeon position we were able to lead her in and out several times without difficulty.

The boys were really pleased and empowered by their success and by the fact that the heifer was no longer afraid. I love the picture of the one little boy stroking her legs with the two wands. Normally she kicked and wouldn't allow them to touch her legs.

Martha Jordan, Sally Morgan and Carly Buckley came to observe and assist with the children. Martha got some really nice shots of the interaction. I had another small therapeutic riding group with four adolescent boys, one of whom does not like the pony he rides because she attempts to bite him on the foot every time he is in the saddle. I had the children work on her body and on her face and ears. For the first time she did not put her ears back and attempt to bite him when he rode her.

NOTE: TTEAM is an acronym of "Tellington TTouch Equine Awareness Method." Since this article was written, Linda decided to use a brand name for all the facets of the TTouch organization. Currently, that is Tellington TTouch® Training.

1988 Animal Ambassadors International - Pilot Program in Idaho Schools

I've just been through a remarkable experience. It actually began last fall, when I did a pilot program introducing Animal Ambassadors International® and TTEAM to elementary school children in my home state of Idaho. The TTEAM portion of the program was exciting and well received. We could see a wonderful thing happening: children becoming more responsive, more caring. We did not so much teach the children as awaken something they already had within themselves, something that can be very beautiful in a child. I say "we" because it was the animals who were the teachers. The TTouch was the connection that made it possible, but I was as surprised as anyone at some of the "lessons" the animals taught us.

We also demonstrated how an Animal Ambassadors International unit can be used to teach natural history and science. Each child chose an animal to befriend, protect, and learn more about. Many of the children also wrote a poem on behalf of their animal.

The content was rich, the program was successful and yet something was missing: the cross-cultural element Animal Ambassadors International began as an international celebration of the importance or animals in our lives. Linda Tellington-Jones invited American children to send pictures of their pet to her to take to Russia. Many children responded. The pictures were displayed in Gorky Park and the Russians were deeply touched by this expression of friendship.

I tried to introduce an international awareness into my school program, but it just didn't have the energy of the other elements of the program. In trying to analyze it and discover what was blocking the flow I realized pretty quickly that it was myself. I could not project interest in what I knew so little about. I could not make it real for them.

Fortunately a chance came to remedy the situation a little bit. On January 5, Linda organized an Animal Ambassador day for 15 Russian children who made a whirlwind tour of the US with Youth Ambassadors. Out of this experience grew the past two days and some exciting suggestions from teachers that I can hardly wait to pass on. But first let me describe what we did and what happened.

Most of the children had had at least a brief introduction to TTEAM last fall. A few had earned Animal Ambassadors International certificates. So it was a heartwarming reception I got from these children when I returned. The age range was 7 through 13, with most being 8 or 9. They were quite a bit younger than the Youth Ambassadors. But I was to find out they still responded to the Youth Ambassadors as one child to another.

I began by telling them about the Russian Youth Ambassadors in San Francisco. I told them everyday things, for example some of the comments the Russians had made about our food in the Youth Ambassador newspaper, "The Bridge." We looked at a globe to see what an immense country Russia is, and I talked about how the Soviet Union is actually many countries in one. We traced on the globe to find a Russian city exactly opposite us, only to find a city with a name we couldn't pronounce. After a few minutes' discussion I put on a record of Russian music -- explaining"balalaika" as best I could -- and then I taught the kids the dance the Russians had done the night of the concert at the Dakin home in San Francisco.

Fun? The teachers couldn't stand it. Soon teachers and aides -- everybody -- was whirling around. Nobody wanted to stop. The kids could do the difficult steps so easily it was amazing. We all had a grand time. This happened in class after class. In one class it was super because after we stopped the dancing one child said, "I wish we could write to some Russians." What a lead-in. We left the Russian musician and they wrote their letters.

The next day was thrilling because the kids had been doing some thinking on their own. They wanted to know about the Russian alphabet, why we spell their country U.S.S.R. and they write it C.C.C.P. One boy wanted to write his letter not about animals at all but about stopping nuclear warfare. I told him to give it a try if he wished, but he decided on his own that maybe his first letter should be about animals because he really had a super animal story to tell. Last fall he had adopted wolves as his totem animal and this winter he had had a chance to help a wolf. He would save nuclear disarmament for another letter.

It's important to remember that some of these letters are from kids who have never written a letter before. Many of these kids are what they used to call "under-achievers." They don't try. Well, today they tried. They tried so hard. I think they did a beautiful job. I hope it comes across how genuine and honest these letters are. The kids were not being creative, they were just being. They put their hearts into these letters and they did it in their own way, trying to be neat and readable, trying to spell the words correctly to make it easier for the Russian child who would read it. I'm not sure the Russians will understand what kind of dog a "cocker spaniel" is, but otherwise...

I wish I could put into words how important I feel this program is. These kids are not the privileged, some come to school in rags. They may never have another chance to make this connection. Yet in 10 years most of them will be voters. Will they still care about wolves and nuclear disarmament, and will they still be capable of signing "Your best friend" in a letter to an unknown Russian?

NOTE: TTEAM is an acronym of "Tellington TTouch Equine Awareness Method." Since this article was written, Linda decided to use a brand name for all the facets of the TTouch organization. Currently, that is Tellington TTouch® Training.

1986 Awarding the First Animal Ambassadors International Certificates to Russian Ambassadors

TTEAM News International December, 1986 Vol 6 No 5 Pp. 3-5

One of the highlights of my October trip to Moscow was awarding the first Animal Ambassadors certificates. In Moscow a translation to Russian had been prepared so I took 100 blank certificates to have them printed in Russian, but the Club Healthy Family thought it would be nicer to receive them in English. Many of the same children who participated in the very first meeting for Animal Ambassadors International® attended the gathering. I had thought I would give certificates to all the children who had chosen their animals to protect, but the club adults felt they should have to earn them and are making a proposal for me to consider on my next trip.

We did agree, however, that two of the children there had earned them and the first certificate was given to the 10 year old boy who had chosen a type of tiny snail to protect. His sister received the second certificate, and interestingly enough had chosen horses as her animal.

I was so pleased to show the certificates to our American Ambassadors in Moscow, Arthur and Donne Hartman, who have followed the unfolding of the concept since the beginning. Ambassador Hartman was very pleased with the name Animal Ambassadors. He chose the fox as his animal (one of my totems, as those of you who have seen my fox ring know) and Donna Hartman chose the bear.

At the meeting I had with the Club Healthy Family one of the adults, who is a teacher, asked some important philosophical questions about animals. "What should a child do if they find a stray or injured animal on the street?" I was reluctant to give an answer without more thought so I answered that it was a question which needed consideration. On Friday afternoon I taped an answer to be translated for their club.

I find it always best for me to answer from a personal base of experience instead of from the theoretical. I often see stray animals on the streets and have no opportunity to take them with me. To turn away and ignore them would be a way of protecting my feelings of helplessness or sorrow, but I do not think that is a good idea. That kind of reaction tends to harden our hearts. I like to take some minutes of my time and sit and visit with them. It may mean momentary pain, but then that is a part of the path to appreciation of joy.

I have been greatly influenced by the philosophy of The Little Prince who advises that it is much better to have a friend and leave him than to never have experienced that connection. Khahil Gibran's chapter on Sorrow and Joy has influenced the past 25 years of my Life. As I remember it, "The self-same well from which your sorrow flows, will also flow your joy." When I read these words during a very challenging time in my life I was exhilarated. "Come on tears," thought I. "The more sorrow I experience, the deeper this well will some day be filled with joy."

I have not been disappointed. Realizing that an experience that may hold sadness can also nurture appreciation of Joy is a gift worth receiving.

The image of a small dog on a cold night in Tblisi, Georgia in the southern part of the USSR, often finds its way into my mind. I saw her huddled up on a piece of newspaper late one night as I was returning by foot to my hotel. I squatted an the deserted, windy street and visited for a long while, gently working on her ears, talking to her and doing the TTouch over her whole body to strengthen our connection and companionship. I wrestled with the possibility of taking her with me somehow, considered the difficulties of getting her veterinary papers through friends in Moscow and realized it was impossible for me to keep her since I am on the road constantly. I mentally flipped through the names of friends who might be willing to adopt a Russian animal ambassador.

The difficulties finally became too obvious and I resigned myself to simply enjoying our camaraderie. I think of her frequently and send her my love through thought-form. I can be as strong a connection as a physical touch, with practice.

NOTE: TTEAM is an acronym of "Tellington TTouch Equine Awareness Method." Since this article was written, Linda decided to use a brand name for all the facets of the TTouch organization. Currently, that is Tellington TTouch® Training.

1990 TTEAM and Special Education

TTEAM News International October, 1989 Vol 9 No 3 Pp. 21-23

Bonnie Lieuwen of College Station, Texas attended a workshop with TTEAM Instructor, Copper Love who encouraged her to write about how she had been using TTEAM in her special education classroom.

FOCUS: As a special education teacher I am most concerned with my students increasing their focusing skills. As we all know, if a person can focus & concentrate their focusing skills then they can expand academically, emotionally, socially, and physically. Sort of like a snowball effect, expanding in their skills, independence, and self-esteem. In my thirteen years of experience, this was the first year that I taught at the elementary age level (ages six - ten). Due to the students' handicaps, young ages, and extreme amount of energy, focusing was not one of their strong qualities. I tried many different techniques to increase their focusing skills with very little growth for the effort that was expended. It was not until I began using some TTEAM techniques that I started to see notable growth.

Other areas that I saw results from using TTEAM with the students were: body-awareness/use/carriage, relaxation, and decrease in hyperactive behavior. Increase in socialization, increase in behavioral self-control, increased awareness of self, others, and the environment, increase of following directions skills, decrease in aggressive behaviors, increase of willingness and enjoyment of being touched and touching others, the skill of waiting, increased feelings of acceptance, increased feelings of bonding and trust between student and teacher, and more I'm sure.

In special education there are so many variables and different specialists that work with these children (speech, adaptive p.e., physical/occupational therapists, counselors) and everyone has good input into the growth of these children. It is always difficult to pinpoint the most effective techniques and many times it is a combinations of everyone's input. But I do know that when I began using TTEAM, I began seeing exciting changes and other people (plus parents) were reporting these changes too. I will not be working with these students next year so I will have no idea of the lasting effects in their growth. Please remember these are only my observations and feelings. It is my gut feeling that TTEAM had a crucial positive effect on these children.

In the following paragraphs I will briefly tell you about the TTEAM activities and adaptations I used and the five students that received the most TTEAM energy. The time span was about two months, but not on a daily basis. In fact I found myself becoming very frustrated that I did not have the time I wanted to spend doing TTEAM. I saw the benefits and ached with the thought "if I only had more time to spend individually with each student."

In a school setting I thought it might look odd to use my horse wand so I substituted the wand with a drum major's baton. I found it worked well because it has the two white rubber ends and I could remind the kids to look (focus) at the white tips (we called then marshmallows). There are many stick things that would work well (is conductor baton, a painted stick, etc.) I just happened to have the baton.

With the baton we did:

  • open the gate
  • walk, turns, backward walk, run
  • wave to stop
  • dagger; this was especially for "J" who I will tell you about later.

Obstacles: I used sticks that were about 6 ft. by 1 inch (they were light weight and easy to arrange).

  • Labyrinth (varying the pattern)
  • cavaletti (arranged at different heights/distances)
  • star
  • the "pick up sticks arrangement

Other obstacles:

  • a tic-tac-toe design. I would use the baton to point to a square for the student to step into, this one worked very well for teaching them to focus on where the baton point, for increasing the awareness of space and feet placement, and for waiting in one place.
  • Box Lids. (I'm sure you have seen when stores cut in half, all the way around, a case of canned soda and each box part is about 2 inches high, well that is what I used). I would arrange the boxes on the floor in varying patterns and again I used the wand to point to the box I wanted the student to step into.

The boxes and tic-tac-toe were terrific for a group because I could direct one student and while the one student learned to wait in one space I could direct another, and so on. This really helped my students that were very compulsive in their movements, They had to think in order to control their bodies. It was a great exercise!

Other things:
Labyrinth - when the students became skilled in these (in the beginning they would plow right through the sticks, absolutely no awareness of the sticks or that they were plowing through) I made the addition of two labyrinth patterns. We used chairs with wheels and without. It was really neat to see the students expand from plowing through, to thinking their own bodies through, to having enough control to push a chair through the pattern.

Flashlight - After they had learned to focus on the baton I would sometimes use a flashlight beam instead of a baton. I would turn down the lights and shine the flashlight to direct them in the obstacle patterns. This is interesting: I had used a flashlight all year hoping to increase their focusing skills, but it was not until they had learned to focus on the baton that they finally were able to truly focus on the flashlight beam.

I did not get a chance to use the following ideas but I thought they might be good.

  • Rope: Take a long rope or several ropes to make varying obstacle designs.
  • Tires: Substitute the large tires (used with the horses) with bicycle tires or tubes, hoola -hoops, or some other light weight circular shapes.
  • Rag squares pattern.
  • Pulling a wagon
  • Varying the body movements through the labyrinth: while crawling, hopping and running.

And of course I used the wonderful "CIRCLES"!

Students: J., N. , K. , M. , C.

J. (10 yrs, he has a mental retardation handicap, very hyperactive) - when J. came to
my class in late October he walked with his shoulders hunched over, head down towards the ground, and his hands hold in a wrapped position on top of his head. His body language told that he was hiding within a shell. He did not talk, he only made a very occasional vocal sound (but he had Used words occasionally throughout his life). He was shy and withdrawn socially, would not focus on anything or anyone. He would not follow directions and when he was corrected on behavior he would fall to the floor with tantruming, crying and screaming. He frequently hit peers or tried to play too aggressively. He would often, just out of the blue, take off running away from staff. He was very hyperactive and easily over excitable.

I tried many techniques to improve his posture, nothing had much effect. In the month of February I tried doing circles on his shoulders, neck, and back. These areas were extremely tight, by my feel and by his own reaction. It was interesting that while doing the circles he would lower his arms but they would return minutes after I stopped doing the circles. Daily I did circles on his shoulders, back, and neck and daily the length increased that he would leave his arms down. At the end of March, after I had attended a TTEAM clinic, I began increasing circle time/ body areas and incorporating TTEAM activities. With the increase of TTEAM I began to do, J. really improved in all areas. His major growths were truly observable by the end of May. He walked upright, hands down with only an occasional verbal reminder, he learned to walk and stop which greatly helped staff because it decreased the number of times they would have to run after him. He made great leaps in his ability to focus and attend to tasks, and he began using words to state his needs i.e. water, bathroom, ball, play, others' names, bus, etc. Socially he became more aware of those around him and he was interacting non-aggressively. At lunch time all my students had a regular education student for a lunch buddy. Each of my students would sit with their lunch buddy at the lunch buddy's class table. Daily I watched J's interactions with the lunch class/ buddy become more calm and appropriate. He became more calm/relaxed and he definitely increased his ability to follow directions and to accept correction calmly. I feel sure the TTEAM obstacle activities had a great effect on his self-control, focusing, increased awareness of' his environment, and the decrease in his compulsiveness. J. loved the circles so much that he would take my hand and show me where he wanted circles, he also would try to do circles on others. It was a total joy to watch the growth he was making.

N. (6 yrs. mental handicap, slight degree of' cerebral palsy). M. had extreme baby behaviors: he refused to follow directions by excessive tantruming, hitting, spitting, crying, and throwing himself on the floor. He was extremely dependent on others to do things for him. Very low focusing abilities and very short attention span. When N. first came to my class in October I thought if this child learns to remain in his seat for five minutes it will be a miracle. Well N. passed that goal up by far. He made wonderful progress with a lot of physical guidance and verbal direction. He had already come a long way when I began doing TTEAM with him in the end of March. And once again I don't think it was coincidence that this student began to make progress more rapidly when I began the TTEAM. N. resisted the circles at first so I had to stick to the 'flick of the bear's paw" for the first week. After that he was very receptive to the circles and by the end of May he would ask for circles. I feel that N. made a lot of emotional progress in body awareness and use. It's as if he had discovered his body and its movements. N. also grew in independence and in following directions. I could see him improve and feel good about the TTEAM obstacles and learning these simple task directions seemed to carry over into following directions in other areas.

K. (7 years. Learning Handicap, hyperactive). K. was my speed student. He sped through everything just to get it done. His focusing ability was very poor. K. was in my room only in the morning so the only TTEAM I did with him was the Circles and the baton, open gate, walk, stop. I feel this greatly improved his ability to slow down and to focus. I would also let K. run in a circle around me plus focus on the baton and verbal directions. This seemed to be effective in releasing his excess energy, increasing his focusing, and increasing his following direction skills. K. seemed to react to the circles very emotionally. Some days he was very resistive to the touch. He was a child that did not feel comfortable with touch. Several times after I began circles on him he would have crying episodes (not within the circle session, but at later times). I took the circles very slowly with K. in case they were causing the crying. In time he became more receptive to the circles and the crying episodes ceased.

M. (10 yrs., Mental retardation handicap, very cerebral palsy, Used a walker to walk). M. came to my class the last month of school so he did not participate in a lot of' TTEAM. I observed some progress that I feel was a result of TTEAM. M. was not happy in our class when he first came. He had recently moved from another town where he was very happy in his class. I feel the circles helped him feel more trusting and bonded in our class at a more rapid speed than he would have without the circles.

C.* (9 yrs., regular education. student that was placed in my classroom due to severe emotional and aggressive outbursts within his regular classroom. C. is very intelligent, creative, and sensitive.) A teacher's aide worked with him in a partitioned off area of my classroom. I worked with him for 30 minutes a day. We worked on social/personal skills, breathing, guided imagery, and of course CIRCLES! C. loved the circles, especially on his face. He told me the circles made him feel relaxed and peaceful. We used the circles many times when he was feeling upset. Every time he would feel better and refrain from inappropriate or aggressive behavior.

I hope that I have at least been able to cover the highlights of what I feel TTEAM did for my students. I'm not sure who benefited the most from TTEAM - my students or me. I do know that now I have seen the benefits with my horses, with my students, with myself and I thank you for sharing TTEAM with the earth.

NOTE: TTEAM is an acronym of "Tellington TTouch Equine Awareness Method." Since this article was written, Linda decided to use a brand name for all the facets of the TTouch organization. Currently, that is Tellington TTouch® Training.

 

 

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