What a week it was. I purposefully selected Linda Tellington-Jones class in Rockville, Maryland, not just because it was "her" and it was close, but also because I graduated on my husbands' birthday ~ the guy who's been most supportive of me throughout my training. My best friend. Love you, Steve... and thank you, from the core of my soul.
Part of the graduation process is giving a presentation to the class. Since 2/3's of the participants were attending their first training session, I covered a topic that I found confusing at my first training, the 'Balance Lead' configurations, how to fit a harness, and the leash configurations for the Double Diamond and the Suitcase.... leash work that is brilliant and effective with dogs who jump, twist, lunge or pull on the leash. The class was thrilled. The assistants, TTouch practitioners, were glowing as was Linda with how I'd presented this valuable subject. ... Thank you my Spirit Dog, "Smoky" for being a very patient demo dog ("Smoky" is one of my stuffies, the Basset Hound).
So, what do I get to do now? In addition to private client sessions, I can give short presentations and/or demonstrations as well as teach 1-day workshops.
Coming dates of note in all things TTouch around East Tennessee:
August 7, 2012 ~ "Introduction to TTouch" presentation. Smoky Mountain Bulldog Club, monthly meeting located in W. Knoxville. 7pm
October 9 - 14, 2012 ~ TTouch Training, Chapel Hill, NC. Introduction & ongoing companion animal training taught by Debby Potts.
This is a beautiful Golden-Doodle who was one of the many dogs at my most recent training. Layla is a large breed who grew fast, as they will do. It's very common for dogs such as Layla to be clumsy or unbalanced from this rapid growth. They simply don't know where they are in space. Layla had a difficult time with this balance board and after a while with help and guidance that is the essence of TTouch, Layla is walking with all four feet comfortably on the balance board for the first time. Layla's helpers are in the "Homing Pigeon" to offer Layla added support as well as the Half Wrap that Layla is wearing to bring awareness to her body.
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You might ask
Many people come to me for one session or two with the feeling that they'll be able to take away enough TTouch knowledge to teach to others in their own dog-related environment as they found the work so useful for their own dog.
I can promise that a client will go away with some new knowledge on how to connect with that animal, how to read him/her better and how to be more effective in dealing with that animal. They may incorporate some of what they learned into their practice, but it is in no way shape or form anywhere close to the 2 years it takes to become a certified Tellington TTouch practitioner.
However, it's great advertising! Rock on and keep doing your circles.
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"Hey, didn't you move your practice to Lenoir City?"
Yes. I did. While I was in DC for my final week of training the governor of the property decided we should leave, asap. What happens now? Well, I have a very nice shaded gravel driveway and shaded yard with a wonderful view that are perfect for doing TTouch. It's totally weather dependent of course, but if you enjoy a quiet outdoor surrounding and a nice view of the lake, it's a nice place to learn TTouch. ...Bug repellant is a must for mosquitoes but there are few ticks. That is a perk!
My TTouch tools are coming home to roost and a new office is forming to run our various entities and businesses. Considering how much I love being around my garden, this move is good. I feel the grounds here are more reasonable and pleasing than where I was.... just a bit harder to find, is all.
I'll have to find a "place" for workshops, though. If you or your organization/business would like to host one let me know!
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"How's the Lyme Disease?"
Well, I'm pretty sure we're past that now. Having been "down" for six weeks knocks the stuffing out of ya, but I'm coming back gracefully in that respect. My diet and GI took a real beating with the illness and meds, which persisted long after the meds were history. I'm enjoying regular doses of yogurt and probiotics in addition to having made peace with and enjoying my new (very healthy and somewhat reduced!) diet. ... My skin is still quite thin and burns easily. I don't know if this will bounce back or not. My skin gets less elastic with each passing year. I don't mind the change and welcome shade.
