Tellington TTouch Canada

At our workshops we do not follow a linear, cookie cutter, schedule and in fact, one of Robyn's favorite mottos is "make a plan and be prepared to deviate". This is because there is so much depth to what we do, there is no way you can cover everything in a workshop anyways, so what IS covered is happens naturally based on the interests and needs of the specific group. For that reason it can be REALLY tricky to get sound bites from clinics that are useful for re-posting. Things flow and apparently I am a little slow to bust out my phone and hit record!

This past June I did manage to get most of Robyn's introduction to the concept of "Candles", based on the article written by the late, great, Edie Jane Eaton (one of our amazing Instructors) "Shedding some Candlelight on Resistance".

Robyn discusses how many small stressors, internally and externally, can lead to a diminished ability to self-regulate, recover and cope - even in situations we would normally find "okay".

Here is the article: www.ttouch.ca/2021/01/12/candle-light-resistance/

Taking the Stress Out of Nail Trimming. For many dogs, and their people, nail trimming has become something to endure.

Cal, one of the best dogs you'll ever meet will endure nail trimming. He is compliant but it is not something he finds easy or pleasant. In this little video I am doing a few TTouches to really change his expectation because he was sure it was trimming time...of course Kittykins had to come and help at the end!

We often think of it as a job that needs to get done, focusing on clipping the nails as quickly as possible. But what if we changed the goal? Rather than asking, "How can I get my dog's nails trimmed?" ask instead, "How can I help my dog feel safe having their feet handled?"
That small shift changes our attitude and helps build a more trusting relationship that will make many different situations easier.

The Tellington TTouch® Method encourages us to prepare the dog before we ever reach for the nail clippers. By helping dogs become comfortable with having their legs, feet, toes, and nails gently handled, nail trimming becomes just another part of everyday life rather than something to fear.

Daily handling, even for a few moments, builds familiarity. Gentle TTouches such as Python Lifts, Clouded Leopard, and Raccoon TTouches can help bring awareness, reduce tension, and increase comfort as you gradually work from the shoulder down to the foot.

Many dogs are not afraid of having their nails clipped, they're uncomfortable with having their feet handled. Some have had painful experiences, while others are simply sensitive. Slowing down and respecting their comfort level often leads to better long-term results than trying to "just get it done."

It was our idea that dogs should live in our homes and have their nails maintained. The responsibility, then, is ours, not just to trim the nails, but to continually improve our own skills so the experience can be as comfortable and understandable as possible for the dog.

Success isn't measured by how many nails you trim quickly, it will be about how small you can chunk down the session to reduce fear and help the experience feel lower stress and safe.

Every positive experience builds confidence for the next one.
Our role isn't simply to maintain our dog's nails. It's to help them understand that they can act rather than react, stay relaxed, think, and participate, even during procedures they may not naturally enjoy.

One nail today can be the beginning of a lifetime of stress-free nail trimming.

TTouch Tips Handle your dog's feet every day, not just when the nails need trimming:

- Work from the shoulder toward the foot before touching the nails.
- Use gentle TTouches to help your dog relax and become more aware of their body.
- Introduce the nail clippers separately from the trimming itself.
- If your dog pulls their foot away, adjust your pressure, slow down, or try a different TTouch rather than holding tighter.
- One nail is still a successful training session.
- Confidence is built by listening to their small signs of concern, not getting it done my any means necessary.

How has your dog learned to become more comfortable with nail trimming? We'd love to hear what has helped you both in the comments.