As a TTouch Practitioner,
I have found that most inappropriate barking or chewing is down to tension
in the mouth, jaw & head, & alarm “barking” from the dog’s guardian.
The first step is to remain calm. If you’re shouting you are giving them
justification for also shouting. The Calming Band is a simple elasticated
& webbing band that gently brings the dogs awareness to the fact that
they are barking.
Our systems are designed to create habits - most of them are useful (when
did you last have to think about the stages required to put toothpaste on
your toothbrush?), some of them aren’t (my sister would always fill her glass
3 times from the tap before drinking the water). How many of you rub an
ear when you’re feeling unsettled, or roll your wedding ring - do you even
know what you do when you’re nervous? Most dogs have no idea that they are
barking. By placing a Calming Band on your dog, they will be aware that their
mouths are moving; the band is designed to touch the mouth & head, without
restricting movement or holding the mouth closed. This interruption to the
behaviour can be enough.
Within the system of Tellington TTouch we use mouthwork with vocal animals,
those that are off their food, hyperactive or are generally over-emotional.
This mouthwork stimulates the limbic system - the part of the brain that
governs the emotions. You see people who have had a fright, or won the lottery,
place their hands over their mouths. It is an instinctive form of self-calming.
The Calming Band works in the same way.
