TTouch Demo at Escondido Humane Society

Rollin wears a 1/2 wrap and gets some TTouches

Escondido Humane Society has many volunteer run programs for the dogs.  One of these programs is Canine Good Citizen (CGC) training run by my friend Marsha.  Marsha leads a group of dedicated volunteers in working with the dogs to help them become more adoptable and a Canine Good Citizen at the same time.  I was asked to do a Tellington TTouch demonstration for the CGC class and was honored to participate. 

We have had some serious weather here this past week with heavy rains and significant thunder.  The day where we had the heaviest thunder the shelter took in about 20 dogs in one day! 

The reason I bring this up is there is a young boy named Briggs that is very energetic but was totally out of character yesterday.  He was jumping and spinning all over the place.  He had no focus at all.  Marsha and I teamed up to see if we could help him "come back into his body".  I tried the Balance Leash Plus with him but still that wasn't enough.  After doing touches and getting Briggs into a Thundershirt, and the Balance Leash Plus he was able to focus on my wand and walk nicely.  Later he waked fine with another volunteer without all his "gear" on.  It was enough to bring his focus back.

It is typical for a dog to still have emotional and hormonal concerns 3 days after a major event such as Thunder or a scrap with another dog.  If anything happens to upset them during the 3 day period the clock starts all over again.

We had a wonderful turn out for the demo and everyone learned about touches, wraps and ground work.

The group learned the important role that TTouchs plays in releasing tensions and fears.

Patriot is happy to let me show how to put on a body wrap. The wraps help a dog know where their body parts are and also help to send new sensations and information to the brain.  Body awareness goes a long way to building a confident and emotionally stable dog.

Bean came to us from a very bad situation and has has some trust concerns.  She is in a loving foster home learning how to relax and trust.  Bean was very comfortable allowing me to do touches along her mouth and face. 

She is also quite happy in a Thundershirt!

Callie is is unsure of new things but got to try her paw at the Confidence Course.  With encouragement she was able to go through one and a half times.  Then she was done.  For Callie that was enough.  It was a taste and we don't force or push the dogs beyond their ability.  Next time I'm willing to bet it will be easier for her.

The Confidence course seems to know just what each dog needs.

Callie can build her conficence

Rollin can learn focus, calmness and self control

I believe everyone there learned a few things that will help them with their fosters and with all the dogs at the shelter.

If one or two people can give a shelter dog a mindful TTouch when they greet them or pass by their kennel it can make a world of difference.