Disclaimer: The TTouch Method is not a replacement for veterinary care but serves as an invaluable complementary tool.
In April 2025, we had the incredible honor of hosting a Facebook Live session with Linda Tellington-Jones, the visionary behind the Tellington TTouch Method, alongside her student and Twin Cities practitioner, Julia Habermass (Better Together Pets). Linda is a widely recognized figure in veterinary medicine, known for her groundbreaking communication method that fosters connection and trust between humans and animals. If you missed the live session, we encourage you to watch the replay for a visual demonstration of Linda’s techniques. Below is a summary of the TTouch Method and its remarkable impact.
What is the Tellington TTouch Method?
The Tellington TTouch Method is a gentle, trust-based approach to interspecies communication. Unlike a traditional massage, TTouch is more of a message—designed to activate cellular communication and enhance an animal’s body awareness. This method utilizes specific touch techniques that promote relaxation, reduce stress, and encourage healing. It is widely recognized in the veterinary community and can be applied to pets, zoo animals, and even wildlife. Best of all, anyone, including children, can learn and apply these techniques.
The Origins of Tellington TTouch
Linda Tellington-Jones developed the TTouch Method in 1958. It all started when her horse experienced a severe digestive impaction, with food regurgitating from its nose for four days. A veterinarian recommended euthanasia, but Linda, acting on intuition, gently stroked her horse’s ears from the base to the tip. Over twenty minutes, the horse’s ears warmed up, its temperature stabilized, and it finally passed the impaction. This experience sparked the foundation of what would become the Tellington TTouch Method.
This method soon proved beneficial for other animals, particularly those in shock after trauma, such as being hit by a car. By gently working with a pet’s ears, pet parents can help calm the pet while en route to a veterinarian.
The Science Behind TTouch
Linda’s understanding of the power of gentle touch deepened during her four-year study under Dr. Moshe Feldenkrais at the Humanistic Psychology Institute of San Francisco. The Feldenkrais Method focuses on using non-habitual movements to activate new neural pathways in the brain, enhancing learning and healing. Linda wondered: If this method works for humans, could it work for animals? The answer was a resounding yes.
By applying gentle, circular movements and intentional touch, the Tellington TTouch Method helps reduce fear and pain in animals, facilitating calmness and trust. This method has since been widely adopted by veterinary professionals, trainers, and pet parents worldwide.
A Breakthrough in Veterinary Care
In 1983, Linda demonstrated the effectiveness of TTouch at a veterinary clinic. A veterinarian had a horse that reacted aggressively to being saddled or groomed. Linda approached the horse with gentle touch and circular motions, signaling that she meant no harm. The horse, known for threatening to bite and kick, remained calm. The veterinarian was astonished, and Linda realized she had discovered something profound—by sending a calm message through moving the skin in circular patterns, an animal’s fear and pain could be alleviated.
Applying TTouch in Everyday Life
The TTouch Method is not a replacement for veterinary care but serves as an invaluable complementary tool. For instance, when transporting an injured or distressed animal to a veterinary clinic, performing TTouch may help relieve distress and calm the animal down.
Beyond helping calm a pet in an emergency, the TTouch Method reinforces the power of human thought and intention in healing. Every interaction we have with our pets carries energy, and by maintaining a mindset of calmness and support, we can enhance their well-being.
Learning the TTouch Method in the Twin Cities
In the Twin Cities, Julia Habermass with Better Together Pets offers private classes to introduce the Tellington TTouch Method to pet owners and animal caregivers. Workshops are designed to be accessible, with many attendees benefiting from just a single session. Additionally, Linda Tellington-Jones has written numerous books detailing the method, and more resources can be found on the official TTouch website.
We hope this information enlightens and inspires you to deepen your connection with your animal companions. Whether you’re helping a pet recover from stress or simply strengthening your bond, the Tellington TTouch Method offers a gentle, effective way to communicate with your pet.
