Dear Participant,
Thank you for your interest in bringing your dog to the TTouch training. Please fill in the profile form below. If you wish, you may also print out this form and either mail or fax it to the TTouch office. The Instructor will review all the forms to ensure that all dogs attending are suitable for the training. We do want to be able to accommodate as many of your dogs as we can but certain factors may limit the number or type of dogs we can accept, such as the combination of dogs attending the session, the presence of other species, and the space and resources of the venue.
Your dog does not need to have difficulties in order for you to consider bringing him/her to the training. We really enjoy having a variety of dogs and they are appreciated for the different experiences they provide.
Our focus is to teach you TTouch skills and during that process we often see many wonderful changes in dogs with a wide variety of difficulties. TTouch has been proven to be particularly successful with issues of timidity, fear and unwanted aggression. To be effective in that process means establishing a positive environment in which all participants - human and canine - can feel as safe and comfortable as possible.
In order to maximize the TTouch experience for all participants, two- and four-legged, we ask you to agree to the guidelines listed below. If you have any questions about the suitability of your animal, please contact the Instructor so that you can discuss the situation together. Similarly, if after checking the profile form, and reviewing the combination of animals, the Instructor has questions about your dog, she will get in touch with you. You may both decide that you will learn more if you come alone without your animal (or bring a different one) and can focus on skills to work with later at home.
Requirements for dogs attending TTouch training:
1. Part of our work will not involve the dogs. We may be working with other animals or involved in exercises with people. Therefore, all dogs must have the opportunity for "down time" in a space where they feel comfortable. This time for the dogs is also critical for their learning and can be achieved by:
2. Some dogs attending the training may not be comfortable about being approached by other dogs or people they don't know. Please be responsible for your dog by keeping him or her away from other dogs. Please ask a dog's person for permission before petting their dog. Dogs should be on a leash at all times unless they are in a designated off-leash play area.
3. Please check with the instructor if you wish to give your dog a high-value treat or toy when in the company of other dogs.
4. Please bring with you a flat (or rolled) collar and standard (non-flexi) leash in addition to any other training /leading equipment you may normally use. Also bring anything else your dog might need to be comfortable such as a blanket, bed and water bowl, toys, etc.
5. If your dog has a history of aggression and we have determined that it is appropriate for you to bring your dog, we may require you to bring a comfortably fitting muzzle, particularly if the dog has bitten. The purpose of the muzzle is to make it possible to work with your dog safely without an increased level of human anxiety. We recommend a basket muzzle in which the dog can open his/her mouth easily and be able to take a treat.
6. In the TTouch work, we use headcollars in a specific way for a variety of reasons, for example:
There are several styles of headcollars available that can fit all shapes of heads comfortably. The Instructor may require the use of a headcollar for certain dogs. A selection of headcollars will be available at the training.
7. All dogs require proof of rabies vaccination. You will be advised of any other vaccination requirements with your training information.
Attendance of your dog at the training implies acceptance of the above requirements.