TTouch relaxation massage for dogs – where did it come from?
It is a way of working and communicating with animals that originated in the USA and were developed over 25 years ago. It does not require the use of force. According to the description of its creators, this massage encourages the animal to think and increases and maintains good health and physical stamina. It also helps get rid of the dog’s unwanted behaviour, while deepening its bond with its handler.
The method consists of a set of circular movements that massage the animal, as well as specially designed stroking and lifting movements performed with the hands all over the dog’s body. The technique has been described by its creators as 'educational’, as it is simply meant to increase the dog’s learning ability. It is also supposed to reduce stress levels, increase attention levels, enhance relaxation and improve mood.
TTouch dog massage – what is the aim?
The aim of this type of massage is a cooperative, healthy and happy dog. The purpose of circular massage movements is to mobilise and stimulate the life-giving work of the body cells. During research work on horses in the 1980s, the authors of this method found that the four types of brainwaves in these animals were stimulated precisely by the appropriate type of movement during the massage.
This did not happen when simply stroking or massaging the animal. When performing the movements recommended here (which are mostly done clockwise), the animal’s skin moves with the movement, which is done at about 1 and 1/4 turns. More than a dozen different types of recommended movements and hand positions have been developed. These movements are named with animal names by their creator to make the work more enjoyable and easier to learn. Special types of movements have been developed for working around the dog’s muzzle, tail, paws and ears.
TTouch dog massage – what does it do?
The TTouch massage technique is designed to help relax your dog’s tension and increase his awareness of touch. This is to negate the provocation of reactions due to fear. The developers claim that this stage opens the door to learning desired behaviour in our dog, as well as using other developed techniques to allow the dog to gain confidence in previously stressful situations.
The use of this massage is intended to have an effect when treating illness or injury, or simply to improve the dog’s quality of life. Undesirable behaviours eliminated with this method include leash pulling, jumping, aggressive behaviour, high fear and shyness, resistance to grooming, overexcitement and excitement, nervousness, motion sickness and ageing problems.
TTouch dog massage – how does it work?
The TTouch massage is based on circular movements with the fingers of your hand as well as with your full palm all over your dog’s body. To massage your dog with the TTouch, imagine a clock face with a diameter of approx. 2 cm, placed on your dog’s body. Place the slightly flexed fingers of your hand on the 6 o’clock position of your imaginary clock, then move your pet’s skin around the clock face making approximately 1 and 1/4 turns.
Place your thumb about 5 cm away from the index finger of the same hand, feeling the connection through the dog’s body between the fingers so positioned. If possible, lightly support the dog’s body with the other hand, placing it on the opposite side of the massage hand placement. Maintain an even tempo and pressure around the circular movements. It is important to follow the circular motion as closely as possible.
After each stroke, you can move to the next desired spot on your dog’s body or create a parallel line with each massage, by making a massage rotation at the end of the rotation move your fingers to the next spot and make another rotation there etc.
It is recommended that the movements are carried out in a clockwise direction as these will have the greatest effect in strengthening and rehabilitating the dog’s body as well as increasing its confidence and motor performance. However, sometimes counter-clockwise movements have a good effect in relieving tension. It is good to practice both and let your fingers feel the best direction of movement.
TTouch dog massage – does it work?
In your opinion, does it work with the way your dog behaves and does it lead to the results described by its creators? Or have you ever tried such a massage method or encountered it in Poland?
More information can be found on the official website of the creator: www.ttouch.com. We encourage you to read it.
