TTOUCH helps increase levels of self confidence, self awareness and self-control. Developed by Linda Tellington-Jones, TTEAM and TTOUCH is used widely in many countries across the world by shelter assistants, dog trainers, zoos, veterinarians, therapists and pet owners. With its roots in the Feldenkrais method of Awareness Through Movement, TTOUCH techniques gently guide the animal through non-habitual exercises that can alter existing habitual patterns. As posture affects behaviour, many owners and carers note that unwanted behaviour diminishes as the animals posture improves. TTOUCH teaches the animal to act, rather than simply react. TTOUCH blends well with many other modalities and training methods. It is not necessary to adopt the whole TTOUCH philosophy in order to make a difference to an animal. Learning just a few of the simple body TTouches and movements can help make a difference to an animal’s life. TTOUCH is not a replacement for appropriate veterinary attention and should never be used as such. If you suspect that the animal in your care has a physical problem please consult your veterinary surgeon. A Veterinarian Defines TTEAM by Tom Beckett DVM Tom Beckett DVM has been practising veterinary medicine for over 20 years at his Camino Viego Equine Clinic in Austin, Texas. His assistant, Marnie Reeder, is a TTEAM Practitioner. Both are actively involved with the Humane Society of Austin-Travis County in Texas and treat animals for the Humane Society in a veterinary capacity. TTOUCH reduces the physical and mental stress created by human contact, handling, environment and other sub-optimum environmental conditions. It reduces chronic pain and poor functioning, which also cause stress. Injuries often leave a holding pattern of pain and impaired function in the injured area. This pattern persists below awareness long after healing is complete, blocks aware use of that body part and thereby creates stress on distant areas, which must overwork to compensate. Such chronic distress effects general health, ‘mood’ and behaviour. When pain or impaired nerve or muscle function disable a part of the body, TTOUCH induces the animal to activate any available alternate neuromuscular pathways to restore function. The awareness it brings often relieves associated pain. TTEAM uses TTOUCH to bring these patterns to awareness, and exercises which guide the organisation of more healthful, balanced movement. With continued exposure to TTEAM, animals develop more ability to operate in a calm, focused mode. Responses to new situations become less automatic and more considered. The animal learns to learn. This along with more body awareness and awareness of environment yields more adaptability, more appropriate action.