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T Touch for Scared Dogs

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Training Scared Dogs

T Touch
The power of T Touch!

As a dog trainer, I’m still learning about T Touch and what I’ve learned so far is truly effective with amazing results! I use these secret training tips for scared dogs everyday!

What is T Touch?

Linda Tellington-Jones developed Tellington Touch Training (T Touch) many decades ago while training nervous horses. Horses are big. They average 1,000 lbs, give or take 100 lbs depending on their size, so working with scared horses can be extremely dangerous. Instead of man handling or forcing horses, which increases anxiety, Linda thought outside the box. She created a method of reducing anxiety to calm horses so they can learn. While we throw out labels such as “aggression,” it’s important to understand aggression is a symptom of anxiety. Think about it this way: stopping a high fever does not cure the flu.

With T Touch’s tremendous success within the horse world, Linda developed protocols for dogs, cats, small animals and even people! Many years ago, I skeptically attended a T Touch workshop. As dog trainers, we’re always looking for new and effective protocols, but if T Touch worked so well why were we all not doing it? I was blown away with results! And I can’t answer why this secret training tip hasn’t taken off, but hopefully, this blog will help T Touch reach the masses. 🙂

Unleash Your Dog’s Potential: Tellington Touch

How does it work?

T Touch uses slow, rhythmic touching all over a dog’s body. Light pressure with finger tips is key. It’s the same pressure used to softly move the skin over closed eyes. “The intent of the T Touch is to activate the function of the cells and awaken cellular intelligence – a little like ‘turning on the electric lights of the body,'” cites Tellington Touch Training website. Before you scoff at this statement, Linda has a ton of research proving results. This claim has been proven with multiple animals and I’ve personally witnessed positive transformation with the scariest of dogs.

T Touch is a bit different than massage. Massaging is kneading muscles to remove pain while promoting relaxation. T Touch is teaching body awareness by using balance, touching of skin and so forth.

Will this help my dog?

Yes! T Touch will build confidence, teach dogs to self calm, prevent dogs from shutting down, prevent dogs from pulling on the leash and so on!

Take a peek at Alf’s transformation. This video demos the effect of T Touch. Alf was rescued from Michael Vick’s fighting ring and was terrified of everything, and who could blame him? You may need a tissue while watching. 🙂

Alf’s T Touch Transformation

Have you tried T Touch yet?  

How to Stop a Puppy From Biting

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Puppy Biting

Puppy Biting
Learn how to manage puppy biting. Ow! lifeonwhite/Deposit Photos

Pet Parent Question:

I have a question on a new puppy. I’ve always had dogs, and currently have two Yorkies, a Rottie and a new pup. The new pup is a Beagle and Dotsy mix, extremely smart at 12 weeks, completely house and kennel trained — I’ve never had a dog that young be so quick to house train. Though she is a huge biter! By that I mean she brings blood, nothing is off limits — arms, legs, hands, face if she gets close enough. I’ve tried scolding her, stop showing attention, giving chew toys when she bites, and I’m lost. Nothing has worked. I’ve even used a fly swatter, which she will turn and attack. She is very, very active and has a doggie door she can go through and run around, which she definitely does for hours. Any advice that I haven’t tried?

Dog Trainer’s Answer:

Congrats on your new family member and huge congrats on potty/kennel training your new puppy! A high five to a fellow Rottie pet parent! Do know the secret to potty training is providing clear boundaries and rewarding good behavior often, which you did so pat yourself on the back. 🙂

Ah, puppy nipping, or as we say in the dog training world bite inhibition. It’s pretty important to teach your puppy that teeth on skin does not pay. Now, your puppy is probably beginning the teething process and it takes a few times to teach your puppy what he can chew on so hang in there. 🙂

A couple of things to try:

  • Teach boundaries. If you’re rude when playing, the game is over: The moment you feel teeth on your skin squeak loudly, freeze for a moment, then walk away from your puppy. If your puppy chases you or tries to pull on your pant leg, repeat the squeak and freeze. Then walk away.
  • Redirect to a toy. Wiggle a toy in front of your puppy and play a quick game of tug. This redirects your puppy from you and onto the toy — works like a charm.
  • Lastly, spray bitter apple on your arms. Careful though, as some dogs love the taste of bitter apple. When polling my students, over half the puppies love the stuff.

Puppy nipping will pass. This is a normal part of puppyhood. 🙂 Punishment usually makes it worse, as any fast movement is play behavior. Hence, chasing the fly swatter. Just as you did with potty training, set boundaries early and follow them. Soon your new puppy will learn to control those little shark teeth!

Check out my article on puppy nipping. There’s some really good tips on helping your puppy through the teething process to puppy biting.

Happy training!

Do you have a dog or puppy training question? Ask the dog trainer!

How to Park Your Dog

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Train Your Dog to Stay

Train Your Dog to Stay

As a professional dog trainer, if I had to narrow down the top behavior all dogs should know, I would say parking your dog would be the first one! Trust me, “Come When Called” is probably right up there with “Park Your Dog.” However, this behavior will teach your dog to stay with you.

 “Park Your Dog” is a great way to bring your dog’s arousal level down. It’s like taking a yoga breath for your dog.

Why Should I “Park My Dog”?

“Park Your Dog” is a great way to bring your dog’s arousal level down. It’s like taking a “yoga breath” for your dog. Use this dog behavior when your dog becomes overwhelmed by visitors or anything, really! When teaching hyperactive dogs to be calm, many folks ask them to sit still. This is tough, as they are learning how to manage their extra energy and excitement. So next time your dog tries to jump on guests, “park your dog.”

Just by teaching your dog this simple behavior, your dog will learn

  • Self control (teaching your hyper dog to relax)
  • Polite greetings of people (not to jump on people or you)
  • Polite leash manners (not pull on the leash)
  • Ignore other dogs
  • Stay with you
  • Prevent excessive barking

How do I teach “Park Your Dog”?

  1. Step on your leash (about half way up to your dog, your dog should have 3 feet of extra leash).
  2. Click and treat your dog the instant the leash becomes loose. Tip: instead of watching your dog, feel when the leash tightens and loosens under your feet. The moment you feel slack in the leash, Click and treat!
  3. That’s it! Bingo, you are rewarding calm and quiet behavior!

Additional Troubleshooting:

  • Dog still jumps up on you, shorten the leash.
  • Dog continues to pull on leash, your timing is probably off a bit.  Click/treat every time the leash is loose.
  • My dog is still pulling, then call their name and click/treat five times in a row.  Now you have their attention, so keep their attention by rewarding frequently.

VIDEO: How to Teach “Park Your Dog”

When can you park your dog?

  • While talking to someone at the park
  • Having guests over
  • Outdoor dining
  • Paying at the pet store or vet’s office
  • During group class lecture, we ask pet parents to “park their dog” while listening to instructions

I want to hear from you! When should you park your dog?

Calming A Hyper Dog With A Thundershirt

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Thundershirt for Hyper Dogs
I need a Thundershirt!

Thundershirt for Dogs

Does your dog have tons of energy? You know what I mean: he bounces off the walls and sometimes off you too! Well, we recommend a product that can calm your hyper dog. Meet the Thundershirt.

Thundershirts for Excited Dogs, Really?

Yes! While Thundershirts for dogs do a great job at calming dogs afraid of storms, they’re fabulous for easily excited or hyper dogs as well. When wrapped correctly, Thundershirts press on acupressure points, which promotes calmness and soothes excited dogs. Think of a swaddled baby when crying. If you swaddle him correctly, it’s very soothing and he usually stops crying and falls asleep.

Of course, Thundershirts for dogs shouldn’t replace daily walks, food puzzles and family interactions. They’re simply a tool that teaches your dog how to calm himself down. It’s fun when adrenaline is pushing through your body, so it’s pretty important to teach our dogs how to bring themselves down and self-soothe.

WATCH: Thundershirt for Dogs

Teaching Your Dog to Wear a Thundershirt

  • Give your dog yummy treats as he sniffs the Thundershirt.
  • As you’re putting on the shirt, give him a finger full of peanut butter, as you know it takes awhile for dogs to remove peanut butter from the roof of their mouths.
  • Give your dog a yummy food stuffed toy when he’s wearing his Thundershirt, so he learns Thundershirt equals yummy food toy.
  • Follow the fitting instructions correctly. You don’t want it too loose or too tight.

If You’re New to Thundershirts

There seems to be many opinions about the effectiveness of Thundershirts for dogs. As a professional dog trainer of 22 years, they work. As with anything, they must:

  • Be introduced to the dog positively, so he enjoys wearing them
  • Fit properly

Now, nothing works 100% for all dogs, but in my classes, we have an 80% success rate with Thundershirts. Once your dog understands the process, you can keep the Thundershirt around for stressful events, such as traveling, visiting the vet, guests visiting or moving to a new home.

Lastly, I wish they made Thundershirts for people. I’d buy one!

What are your thoughts on Thundershirts for dogs? Comment in the section below!

Kong Wobbler

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Games for Dogs

Games for Dogs
Sobek loves his large Kong Wobbler!

Does your dog or puppy have a ton of energy? First, this is totally normal. Second, learn how to burn some of that extra energy using games for dogs. I highly recommend a Kong Wobbler!

How does it work?

Kong Wobbler has a weighted bottom and it moves similar to a Weeble Wobble. When pushed, it bounces back forward. Your dog pushes, nudges and paws at the Wobbler and rewarded when food is dispensed!

Which game should I choose for my dog?

There are a ton of games and food puzzles, and I’ve tried 90% of them. After all the setting up and testing, my dogs really like the Kong Wobbler. It’s super easy to use. I like the ease of refilling and cleaning. 🙂

Before starting, set your dog up for success and make it easy for him to earn the kibble.

  1. Fill the Wobbler.
  2. Drop a few kibble pieces next to the Wobbler.
  3. Move the Wobbler around so your dog watches kibble or treats fall out the opening.

Always supervise your dog when he’s playing with the Wobbler. As you can see in the video, my Rottie has tried to chew the top. I recommend feeding your dog’s morning and evening meals using the Wobbler. Also, the plastic does not scratch wooden floors nor is it excessively noisy, which is a huge plus.

Which size Kong Wobbler should you choose?

I recommend the larger Kong Wobbler for dogs over 30 pounds, and the smaller version for dogs under 30 pounds. When in doubt, choose a larger size, as small dogs are powerful chewers (hint hint, terriers!). Now, a tiny Chihuahua or Yorkie will not have the strength to push a large Wobbler around. They are pretty heavy and we certainly don’t want to accidentally squish a tiny dog. 🙂

VIDEO: Kong Wobbler

It’s your turn. Does your dog love his Kong Wobbler? Comment in the section below. I want to hear from you. 🙂

Dog Training Nation is a dog training blog for pet owners and dog lovers. We cover a range of topics from puppy socialization tips to dog aggression to dog health. It is our hope you share our content to make the world a better place for dogs.

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