Linda Tellington-Jones developed a way of communicating with dogs that combines massage-like touches, body wraps and physical manipulation to improve athletic performance, aggressive behavior, nervousness, fears, as well as medical problems, and injuries. Linda started this method with horses where her skills were called upon frequently for unruly, uncooperative, injured or aggressive horses. She later adapted T-touch for dogs.
T-touch for dogs can be performed by any owner and its benefits are amazing. Animals who start out frantic and hyper become relaxed while being treated. Tellington touch can also improve an animals ability to learn . It can be used for nervous dogs who are fearful of loud noises, people or other dogs. It can be used to help aggressive dogs relax and learn new alternatives to aggression.
So how do you get started ? Here are some examples of T-touch techniques to try on your dog:
The T-touch is based upon the circular movement of the fingers all over the dogs body. It’s function is to wake up cells and improve the flow of energy within the dogs body. To begin, imagine the face of a clock on your dogs body about 1″ in size. Curve your fingers slightly at the 6 o’clock mark and move in a clockwise circle one an a quarter times around the clock. Don’t bear down too hard as you make your circle, just enough to move the skin. Pick up your hand and move to a new spot and make another circle. You can do circles in a straight line or randomly all over the body. The benefits are equal, see what your dog likes. Remember to breathe as you gently work on your dog and keep the first sessions short, less than 5 minutes. Give him time to adjust to this new way of interacting with you.
Another type of touch that is useful in relaxing dogs is Ear T-touch. There are several different ways in which you can work the ears. The simplest is to get behind your dog, place the rest of your fingers under the earflap and slide the ear through your thumb and index finger. Experiment with the speed and pressure and see what effect it has on your dog. Another type of ear touch involves making circles at the base of the ear or all along the length of the flap with your fingertips.
T-touch principles work similarly to accupressure. The pressure of touch stimulates the body to heal itself, relax itself and otherwise improve the quality of life and health. No matter how clumsy you feel at first keep practicing in short sessions and gradually increase their length if your dog seems to be enjoying himself. You may find that spending time with your dog in this way is the best part of your day!
If you think you have to leave your dog indoors while you and your family enjoy the snow, think again. Dogs can be a great source of joy and adventure in cold climates. The great variety in the canine species means that many dogs can enjoy winter activities. You, your family, and your dog can share many kinds of cold-weather fun.
SNOW PROOF YOUR DOG
In northern climates throughout the world, dogs live and play outdoors quite comfortably in extreme temperatures. In many parts of the United States, however, dogs are used to living in climate-controlled homes. These dogs lack conditioning to cold weather, and need to be protected and acclimated to the lower temperatures. A good rule of thumb, then, is to be safe: slowly introduce your dog to the cold weather. Then, enjoy!
We humans put on warm clothes to venture into the snow, but most dogs can dispense with added layers. Large breeds and heavily coated dogs usually do just fine in the cold. It is extremely unlikely that these dogs will suffer frostbite or hypothermia on an outdoor jaunt, even in the coldest of weather, especially if you make sure to keep them moving. However, if your pet is a small, fragile breed with little body fat (such as Chihuahuas, Italian greyhounds, whippets, miniature pinschers, and so on), or just a small house dog that shivers in cold weather, I suggest that you purchase a warm winter coat or sweater made just for dogs.
LIVING OUTDOORS:
If you intend to house your dog in an outdoor enclosure in a cold winter area, take some common-sense precautions. If your dog will live outdoors for a period of time, make sure he has access to a shelter that is wind-free and dry. Use wood chips or straw for insulation in the enclosure. They’ll keep your dog much warmer and dryer than rugs or mats.
FROSTBITE: Some people worry that their dogs will get frostbite from running around in bare feet in the snow. Fortunately, dogs have remarkable collateral circulation in their legs and toes, which makes frostbite of these body parts rare. However, dogs can suffer from frostbite elsewhere, especially in the genital areas. If these areas are reddened, thickened, and not pliable to the touch, this is an emergency. Call a veterinarian immediately.
HYPOTHERMIA: Most dogs are quite resistant to hypothermia except under extreme cold conditions seen in the very northern United States, and in Canada and Alaska. Certain breeds of dogs, however, have coat textures that tend to cause snow to stick to their coat. These “snow balls” can melt next to their skin and significantly lower their body temperature. Inspect your dog’s coat from time to time to make sure this isn’t a problem.
SALT: Many people wonder if the salt dumped on urban streets to melt snow is a problem for dogs. In theory, high salt concentrations can cause irritation between a dog’s toes, and licking and swallowing a lot of salt can promote some gastrointestinal distress. Washing your dog’s feet after a walk should take care of most of the problem. If you have a lot of salt in your area, you may want to consider purchasing “booties.” However, it has been my observation that the salt is far more damaging to the vegetation than to the dogs!
We all know, dogs make excellent companions and are almost always content in doing whatever we are doing. Dogs will do just about anything with us, from taking a ride in the car to lounging around on the couch (which I know I do a bit too often) all afternoon. However, having a fur buddy gives you a great excuse to get out and exercise. You and your dog will both benefit by taking a brisk walks around your neighborhood or jogging along a park trail.
THE ADVANTAGES Walking or running with your dog does more than increase your physical and cardiovascular health, it can also help:
Boost your mood
Lower your blood pressure
Strengthen your bond with your pet
Keep you motivated to exercise regularly (your dog will bug you to stay on your routine)
WHAT YOUR DOG GETS OUT OF THE DEAL
Going for runs or walks with your pooch isn’t just good for you; it’s good for your dog too! Exercising keeps your dogs heart, lungs, joints, digestive and circulatory systems healthy.
I’m sure you’ve noticed your dog bouncing and zooming around the house in attempt to burn up their excess energy. Exercising with your dog will help expend excess energy and control your dog’s weight.
Regular exercise can also keep your pet’s not so fantastic behaviors in check.
It can help prevent the sometimes destructive behavior hyperactive or anxious dogs have, like chewing, biting and digging.
KEEP IN MIND Dogs can run (or walk) farther and faster than people, but that doesn’t mean your fur-baby should leap off the sofa and run for miles. Gradually build up the distance when beginning. Start with short walks/runs and slowly over time extend the distance to something you are both comfortable with.
Be careful to keep puppies from over exercising. Strenuous activity for long periods of time can damage their developing bones and joints. Follow the same rule with dogs that are older or recovering from illness or injury, it may be better to take it easy and exercise for shorter periods of time. Switch your half hour run to two 15 minute walks. Swimming is a great alternative for recovering pets.
Exercising in the middle of the day when the sun is at it’s hottest, can cause your pet to get heat stroke. The best times to run/walk with your dog is dusk, dawn or anytime after dark.
THE ULTIMATE REWARD
Don’t feel like exercising? It won’t just be your daily exercise that you’re blowing off, but your loving companions too. Exercising with your dog will keep you motivated to stay on track and get healthy together. Besides, what could be better than spending quality time with your best friend?
Tips for Protecting Your Dog’s Paws
In hot weather, walk you dog in grassy areas as much as possible to avoid burning of the paws.
In cold weather, consider having your dog wear booties to prevent contact with ice and de-icing chemicals (plus it’s really funny watching them get used to wearing booties).
Linda Tellington-Jones developed a way of communicating with dogs that combines massage-like touches, body wraps and physical manipulation to improve athletic performance, aggressive behavior, nervousness, fears, as well as medical problems, and injuries. Linda started this method with horses where her skills were called upon frequently for unruly, uncooperative, injured or aggressive horses. She later adapted T-touch for dogs.
If you think you have to leave your dog indoors while you and your family enjoy the snow, think again. Dogs can be a great source of joy and adventure in cold climates. The great variety in the canine species means that many dogs can enjoy winter activities. You, your family, and your dog can share many kinds of cold-weather fun.
We all know, dogs make excellent companions and are almost always content in doing whatever we are doing. Dogs will do just about anything with us, from taking a ride in the car to lounging around on the couch (which I know I do a bit too often) all afternoon. However, having a fur buddy gives you a great excuse to get out and exercise. You and your dog will both benefit by taking a brisk walks around your neighborhood or jogging along a park trail.
