The first ever Tellington Touch (TTouch) dog workshop to be held in Northern Ireland took place on Saturday 10th May 2008 in Doagh, Co. Antrim. The weather was wonderful which allowed participants and their dogs the opportunity to work outside as well as inside. The day began with a welcome from the workshop practitioner Micky Parker. Participants were then given the opportunity to talk about their dog and what they would like to take away from the training.
The morning training session included the introduction and practice of some of the more commonly used TTouches such as the clouded leopard and invaluable ear TTouch. Participants got to try out the TTouches on each other before practicing on their dogs. Within 20 minutes the whole room was calm and relaxed with dogs happily accepting the TTouches from their owners.
The afternoon saw owners and their dogs working through the ‘Confidence Building Course’ in order to create more balanced, calmer and confident dogs. It was wonderful to watch even the most reactive dogs settle down amongst the group and be able to negotiate and think about what was being asked of them.
The afternoon was concluded with a question and discussion session allowing owners the opportunity to discuss individual cases and scenarios in more depth ranging from travel sickness, anxiety and the emotions of animals.
All in all it was a great day had by all with thanks to Micky Parker, the fantastic participants and their wonderful dogs!!
Participant’s Comments
‘TTouch workshop was very beneficial to my dog, I’ve never known her to be so calm. We both enjoyed the experience’
‘ My nervous Collie will benefit from racoon touches’
‘The fact that the method is applicable to other animals and even people. Generally a lovely relaxing day where handler learns a lot about his/herself - biscuits were good too!’
