animals in touch: Sessions at the Woof Gym

What is the Tellington TTouch® Method?

Tellington TTouch®

is a method of working with animals that has proven effective in reducing stress, fear, aggression and anxiety; as well as modify behavior, increase flexibility and—when combined with veterinarian care—aid in recovery. The approach is gentle yet systematic and helps animals to better cope with different and novel situations. It improves confidence, focus and learning.

With the use of gentle touches, body wraps and groundwork (a variety of exercises with equipment) we engage and calm the animal's nervous system as well as teach the animal to move in non-habitual ways. Since an animal that is stressed or anxious cannot learn, the incorporation of TTouch® allows me to aid an animal (in my case dogs, cats, birds and rabbits) by teaching them how to relax. The animal can then focus on learning new ways of coping with situations in which he previously reacted with fear, concern or anxiety.

Another terrific benefit of TTouch® is that it provides the guardian with the tools to engage with their animal in ways that are non-threatening—establishing or deepened the trust between them. As part of a TTouch® session you will learn how to use wraps and perform bodywork.

This service could be incorporated into a training session with your dog or as a TTouch® only session.

C.H.A.C.O.’s Woof Gym was developed based on the principals of TTouch® and science based learning theory (how animals learn). It is an innovative, fun and safe way of helping dogs develop:

· Focus

· Impulse control

· Confidence

· Balance & coordination

· Self-awareness (sense of their body parts in space) and

· Trust in their guardian

How Does the Woof Gym Work?

By engaging your dog in a series of well-designed exercises, your dog is introduced to novel experiences. Just as with humans, when learning takes place in a safe yet challenging environment learning becomes more permanent. Since all work is done at the dogs’ confidence and motor-skill levels, dogs feel challenged yet safe enough to experiment with their balance, coordination and self-awareness.

As dogs become successful in mastering the basics exercises, we progress to a higher level of difficulty. As a result of advancing only when the dog is ready, their experience is one of engagement instead of fear. Engagement in new learning promotes confidence and focus!

The Woof Gym is ideal for dogs that:

· Lack overall confidence or

· Focus,

· Dogs who suffer from anxiety or

· Aggression towards people or other dogs,

· Dogs who are competing in agility or another dog sports

· Dogs that need more structured in their lives.

Sessions are by appointment only and 30 minutes long and are one-on-one since they are designed to fit the dog’s needs and client’s goals. When applicable, more than one dog can be working together in a session. The Woof Gym is located in Tesuque, where all sessions take place.

Fees:

1-2 sessions: $20 ea.

3-5 sessions: $18 ea.

6 or more: $15 ea.

Tax will be added