Tellington TTouch® Training

Tellington TTouch^® Training is a unique and complete system of understanding, handling, and influencing our animals and ourselves. Developed over four decades ago by Linda Tellington-Jones, TTouch^® has always been years ahead of its time. This forward thinking approach sees behavior as a means of communication rather than attitude or personality. Experience has taught us that beings cannot learn much if there is pain, fear, or fear of pain and that the nervous system can learn much more through non-habitual movement rather than simple repetition. One of our method’s core principles is: Change the Posture, Change the Behavior. Time and time again we have seen the powerful connection between physical, mental, and emotional balance. All the Tellington TTouch^® exercises start with changing posture and mindfulness as a means to affect behavior and cooperation.

The Tellington Method combines observations and philosophy, bodywork, ground exercises, and equipment to help animals find physical, mental, and emotional balance, as a way of enhancing communication, cooperation, and harmony. Our Method does not fit strictly into any traditional learning theory quadrant. It does not use the escalation of pressure to create behavior, nor does it rely solely on positive reinforcement. TTouch^® works to show animals what we want and make the steps as small and easy as possible to keep the learning process low-stress and logical.

One of the most versatile aspects about the Tellington Method is that it is not an “all or nothing approach.” Our philosophy and attitude is just as meaningful as the specific approach and techniques. Many people find that they can adapt their current program to include the mindfulness and respect that is paramount to the Tellington TTouch^® Method. This can result in long-lasting and effective results that build your relationship with any animal with whom you interact.

The aim is not to just train an animal to a specific cue for obedience, the aim is to help animals learn, and begin to have the self-control to act instead of simply re-acting to stimuli. Building this self-confidence and self-control means that an animal can adapt and adjust to a variety of situations and settings, even if they have not specifically been exposed to them prior. We do not use flooding, or encourage “learned helplessness” in animals. The role of the handler is not to be the alpha or dominant one, but rather enhance mutual trust and cooperation for a true partnership.

Whether you work with horses, dogs, other animals, or people, the Tellington TTouch^® Method really does shift and expand the way you go through the world. Discover what this method is really about for yourself at one of our world-class workshops or at home with some of our many books and DVDs or on our virtual learning channel.