Halloween is a fun and festive time of year for families, but for many dogs, the sounds and sights can be overwhelming.
From the doorbell ringing or door knocking to spooky costumes and strange noises, it’s no wonder our furry friends may experience anxiety during this season.
One effective approach that we like to teach clients at Active Pet Rehab, to help alleviate this stress, applies Tellington Touch techniques.
This gentle and calming method promotes relaxation and comfort in dogs,
alleviating anxiety, making it a perfect go-to tool for pet parents looking to help their pets manage anxiety.
What is Tellington Touch?
Tellington Touch (also known as TTouch), developed by Linda Tellington-Jones, is a unique approach that combines gentle circular touches and focuses on your dog’s physical and emotional well-being.
By using specific touch techniques, as described below, TTouch promotes relaxation and helps reduce anxiety.
Why Tellington Touch Works
The basis of TTouch lies in its calming effect on the nervous system through activation of the parasympathetic nervous system. The technique also encourages the release of endorphins, helping to ease tension and anxiety. When applied consistently, it can lead to a more relaxed state for your dog.
The “Tellington TTouch” touch
How to Do It:
• Use your fingers to create circular movements on your dog’s body, focusing on areas where you feel tension (like the neck or shoulders) and only moving the skin.
• Apply light pressure, and make sure to breathe deeply yourself, as your calm presence will help your dog feel more at ease.
• Go slow and focus your attention with intention whilst doing the touches on your dog.
Techniques to Try at Home
Here are some TTouches you can easily practice with your dog to help them feel more at ease during Halloween:
1. Ear Work
How to do it:
• Gently hold your dog’s ear with one hand and use your other hand to lightly stroke the ear from the base of the ear to the tip of the ear, following the direction of the ear, without tugging on the ear.
• You can also lightly hold the whole ear in your hand and make circular movements with the whole ear, in both directions.
Benefits: This technique helps to release tension and encourages your dog to relax. It can be particularly soothing if your dog is anxious about the noise of trick-or-treaters or ringing doorbells.
2. Body Wrap
How to Do It:
• Use a soft scarf or piece of fabric to create a gentle wrap around your dog’s body, snug but not restrictive.
• You can tie the wrap around their torso, leaving room for movement, and apply gentle pressure.
• Use an elasticised bandage in the half-wrap method pictured below to provide proprioceptive calming input to your dog’s nervous system.
Benefits: This method mimics a hug, providing comfort and security, which is especially helpful during Halloween when your dog may feel overwhelmed by the commotion.
3. Tail Touch
How to Do It:
• While your dog is in a relaxed position, gently make circular movements at the base of their tail with a series of light, circular movements.
• Gradually work your way up the tail with gentle touches.
Benefits: This technique can help release tension, making your dog feel more grounded and relaxed.
Halloween doesn’t have to be a frightening time for our furry friends. By incorporating Tellington Touch techniques, you can help alleviate your dog’s anxiety and create a more peaceful environment. With your support, they can manage their anxiety around stressful situations.
If you would like to book an appointment to learn more about TTouch and have a practical one-on-one demonstration of the various touches and the TTouch wrap, call us to schedule an appointment for you.
