TTouch Extreme Behavior seminars

Jamiya · Jun 7, 2005

I just got an e-newsletter from the TTouch trainer whose seminar I attended a couple years ago. She just did an Extreme Behavior seminar and has two more scheduled for this summer - one in Dallas and one in Atlanta. Here is an excerpt from the newsletter:

S.A.N.E. Method (Safe Approach New Experience)

This acronym came to me one day while I was thinking about some of the crazy things done to animals under the guise of training...especially when it comes to dealing with fearful or reactive behavior issues. It just doesn't make sense to me to subject an animal to training techniques that intensify fear, anxiety, and reactivity. When faced with these behaviors, wouldn't the sane approach be to create a greater sense of safety for the animal?

The first step in helping an animal learn to feel confident is to set up situations in which the animal feels safe when approaching or being approached. In order to accomplish this, it is critical that we allow the animal to move. Nothing increases anxiety more than being "trapped" when you feel nervous or scared. Remember, when we put a collar and leash on the dog, we automatically take away one of the most common responses to threatening situations, his ability to flee.

By allowing the dog to move in a relaxed and balanced manner without pressure on the collar (which also increases reactive or anxious behavior), the dog is able to feel more secure in the presence of other dogs or people. We use the "confidence course" to engage the dog's focus in purposeful movement, while slowly introducing other dogs or people into the environment. (See picture). The goal is to give the dog a new experience of feeling safe, relaxed, and in control while in the presence of other dogs or people, which previously would have illicited a fearful response.

Each successful experience builds confidence and self- control. I have found this technique to be successful in helping dogs overcome fear or reactivity to other dogs, people, bicyles, and horses!
Click to expand...

Her website is http://www.spiritdog.com.

nern · Jun 7, 2005

I would like to go to one of the seminars...wish they were closer to me.
Good article, makes alot of sense too. :y_the_best:

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TTouch Extreme Behavior seminars

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