As always, if you know of an event that belongs on this list, please [...]]]> There are lots and lots of classes and workshops all around the country in the next few months – I think this is our longest list yet. Enjoy!

• June is Adopt a Shelter Cat Month
• June 25 is Take Your Dog to Work Day

As always, if you know of an event that belongs on this list, please contact me and I will add it.

June 8-11: Equine Craniosacral Foundation Class, Santa Cruz, CA
4-day class introducing a physiological and intuitive understanding of CranioSacral work with horses. Instructor: Equine Craniosacral Workshops.

June 12: Beginning Animal Communication, Escondido, CA
Learn the basics of animal communication in this hands-on (mind-on) workshop. Instructor: Marta Williams.

June 12-16: TTouch for Dogs, Cats and Other Companion Animals, Berkeley, CA
4-day workshop for those interested in a TTouch career, and those who just want to learn for their own personal knowledge. Instructor: Kathy Cascade.

June 26: Beginning/Intermediate Animal Communication, Sacramento, CA
Half-day workshop (morning) at the Learning Exchange where you will learn the basics of animal communication. Instructor: Marta Williams.

June 26: Medical Intuition & Energy Healing for Animals, Sacramento, CA
Learn how to scan an animal’s body to find imbalances and discomfort and how to use healing energy. Hands-on 1/2-day workshop (afternoon) at the Learning. Instructor: Marta Williams.

June 26-27: Animal Communication Workshop, Agoura, CA
Introductory workshop where you learn the basics of animal communication. Instructor: Carol Gurney.

July 10: Canine Massage Workshop, Sacramento, CA
Learn the basics of canine massage in this half-day workshop at the Learning Exchange. Instructor: Julianna Andersen.

July 18: Beginning/Intermediate Animal Communication, Cool, CA
Learn the basics of animal communication in this one-day workshop. Instructor: Marta Williams.

July 23-25: Healing Touch for Animals Level 1, San Francisco, CA
2 1/2-day hands-on workshop with horses and dogs where you learn the basics of Healing Touch for Animals. Instructor: Carol Komitor.

July 30 – Aug 1: Introduction to Small Animal Acupressure – Pacifica, CA
Learn the basics of the Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) concepts and theories and how to perform a complete acupressure treatment protocol. Instructor: Kim Bauer from Tallgrass Animal Acupressure.

June 4-6: Equine Touch Level 1 & 2, Loveland, CO
3-day workshop where you will learn the basics of Equine Touch. Instructor: Raian Kaiser

June 6: Holistic Horse Day, Colorado Horse Rescue, Longmont, CO
One-day workshop where you will learn the foundations of the Reach Out To Horses Program (muscle testing, communication and more). Instructor: Anna Twinney.

June 9: Animal Communication Evening, Golden, CO
Learn the basics of animal communication with instructor Anna Twinney.

June 11-13: Introduction to Equine or Small Animal Acupressure – Larkspur, CO
Teaches you to perform a complete acupressure treatment protocol and gives you an understanding of the Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) concepts and theories. Instructor: Kim Bauer from Tallgrass Animal Acupressure.

June 14-17: Meridians & Specific Conditions – Larkspur, CO
Learn about the meridians, imbalances, key acupressure points and specific condition treatments along each of the meridians. Instructor: Kim Bauer from Tallgrass Animal Acupressure.

June 14 & 21, July 12 & 26: Intro to Working with Animals and Essential Oils, Kaeru Studio, Littleton, CO
Learn the basic principles of essential oils and how to use them on animals. Also includes an intro to applied kinesiology. Instructor: Frances Cleveland

June 19-20: Working with Animals and Essential Oils, Kaeru Studio, Littleton, CO
2-day workshop where you will learn more in-depth about essential oils and how to use them on animals. Also teaches you about meridians and applied kinesiology. Instructor: Frances Cleveland

June 24 & July 29: Creating a Ceremony for Animals, Kaeru Studio, Littleton, CO
Learn the art of ceremony, sacred oils, plant brushings, herbal baths, and plants and how to use them with your animals. Instructor: Frances Cleveland

July 17 & 24: Canine Therapeutic Massage Seminar, Lakewood, CO
Learn the basics of canine massage at this two-part seminar. Instructor: Lizanne Flynn of Animals iView

July 24-25: TTouch for Calm and Confident Dogs, Fort Collins, CO
Learn the basics of Tellington TTouch to help dogs develop confidence and better cope with stress. Instructor: Kathy Cascade

July 30 – Aug 1: Equine Myofascial Release Seminar 1, Durango, CO
3-day hands-on seminar at Happenstance Stables where you will learn the basics of how to evaluate and treat pain associated with myofascial restrictions. Instructor: Tamara Rapier.

July 16: Animal Communication Evening, Bethany, CT
An introduction to communicating with animals. Instructor: Anna Twinney

July 23: Animal Communication Evening, East Haddam, CT
An introduction to communicating with animals at Ray of Light Farm. Instructor: Anna Twinney

July 24-25: Reach Out To Horses, East Haddam, CT
2-day natural horsemanship (fundraising) clinic at Ray of Light Farm. Instructor: Anna Twinney

June 5-6: TTouch for Dogs, Sarasota, FL
2-day workshop where you will learn the basics of TTouch for dogs. Instructor: Sage Lewis

June 12: Massage For Your Pet, Longwood, FL
Learn the basics of canine/feline massage. Instructor: Susan Fasold

July 24-25: Camelidynamics Workshop, Forreston, IL
2-day workshop at Willow Bend Alpaca Farms where you will learn the basics of camelidynamics. Instructor: Marty McGee Bennett

June 25-27: TTEAM clinic, Fontana, KS
3-day clinic focused on the Ageing, Senior and Rescue horse. Instructor: Edie Jane Eaton.

June 5: TTouch for dogs, MD
Tellington TTouch for dogs. Instructor: Linda Tellington-Jones.

June 18-21: Equine Craniosacral Foundation Class, MD
A class designed to introduce a physiological and intuitive understanding of CranioSacral work with horses. Taught by Equine Craniosacral Workshops.

June 19-20: Equine Osteopathy, Great Oak Farm, Berlin, MA
Two-day workshop where you will learn how to treat your own horse and recognize problems. Topics include: relaxing your horse, treat lameness, osteo-arthritis, stiff joints, sacro-iliac re-alignment, head carriage, backaches, etc. Instructor: Stephen Schwartz

July 10-14: Equine Myofascial Release Level I, East Lansing, MI
5-day course at Michigan State University where you learn the basics of Equine Myofascial Release. Instructor: Ruth Mitchell-Golladay.

June 11-13: Equine Touch Level 1 & 2, Dassel, MN
3-day foundation class at KCB Equine where you will learn the basics of Equine Touch. Instructor: Colette Bolster

July 7-12: TTouch for Dogs, Cats and Other Companion Animals, Minneapolis, MN
Introductory TTouch training (also part of the practitioner program). Instructor: Edie Jane Eaton.

July 16-18: Healing Touch for Animals Level 1, Minneapolis, MN
This 2 1/2-day workshop teaches you the basics of Healing Touch for Animals (HTA). Instructor: Lynn Davis.

July 24-25: Equine Myofascial Release 1, Alexandria, MN
Two and half day workshop where you will learn the basics of Equine Myofascial Release. Instructor: Cathy Covell

June 25-27: Equine Touch Level 1 & 2, Senatobia, MS
Learn the basics of Equine Touch at this 3-day foundation class with instructor Colette Bolster

June 6: Tellington TTouch Companion Animal Workshop Part 1, Monadnock Humane Society ,West Swanzey, NH
One-day workshop where you will learn the basics of TTouch bodywork and tools working with your dogs and shelter cats. This is an experiential introduction and can stand alone or be combined with the Part 2 workshop on August 8. Instructor: Leea Foran

June 30 – July 4: Tellington TTouch Method for Horses, Santa Fe, NM
Learn TTouch for horses at Goose Downs Farms south of Santa Fe. Instructor: Linda Tellington-Jones.

July 6-11: TTouch for Dogs, Cats and Other Companion Animals, Santa Fe, NM
6-day workshop where you will learn the basics of TTouch for dogs, cats and companion animals. Part of the pracitioner training, but also open to anyone interested in TTouch. Instructor: Linda Tellington-Jones.

June 5: TTouch Tips for Pets-About-Town, NYC
Learn the basics of TTouch at Animal Haven Rescue/Shelter in NYC. Instructor: Mary Bruce

June 5-6: Camelidynamics Workshop, Mt. Vernon, OH
Learn the basics of camelidynamics at McFarland’s Llama Farm. Instructor: Marty McGee Bennett

June 19-20: Jin Shin Jyutsu for You and Your Animal Companion, Synergy Farm, Circleville, OH
2-day introductory workshop where you will learn how to do Jin Shin Jyutsu on yourself and yoyr pet(s). Instructor: Adele Leas.

June 22-24: Feline Massage, Synergy Farm, Circleville, OH
3-day workshop where you will learn feline anatomy, physiology of muscles, body language, personality traits, and adaptations of massage techniques. Taught by Integrated Touch Therapy.

June 26-27: Animal Communication Workshop, Cincinnati, OH
Learn the basics of animal communication in this introductory workshop. Instructor: Carol Gurney.

July 19-22: Canine Massage Level 1, Synergy Farm, Circleville, OH
Learn about canine anatomy, body language, behavior, and different massage techniques in this 4-day introductory workshop. Taught by Integrated Touch Therapy.

July 23-25: Healing Touch for Animals Level 1, North Canton, OH
2 1/2-day workshop with dogs and horses where you will learn the basics of Healing Touch for Animals. Instructor: Mary Beth Genter.

June 19-21: Camelidynamics Workshop, Bend, OR
2-day camelidynamics workshop followed by a one-day shearing and fiber clinic at the Camelidynamics Training Center. Instructors: Marty McGee Bennett, Tracy Annis and Liz McDannold.

June 20-25: TTouch for Dogs, Cats and Other Companion Animals, Portland, OR
Introductory 6-day workshop both for those interested in TTouch as a career, and those who just want to learn for their own personal knowledge. Instructor: Debby Potts.

June 19: Canine Massage 101 – Camden, SC
One-day seminar where you learn the basics of Canine Massage.

June 5-9: TTouch with Dogs, Cats and other Companion Animals, TX
6-day workshop (both for those interested in a TTouch career and those who just want to learn for their own personal knowledge). Location TBA. Instructor: Debby Potts.

June 6: Homeopathy & Introduction to Traditional Chinese Medicine Workshop, Spring, TX
Half-day workshop at Rummy’s Beach Club where you will learn the basics of TCM, how homeopathy works, how the remedies are created, and how to use them. Instructor: Kim Shotola of The Lightfoot Way.

June 6: Crystal & Color Therapy Workshop, Spring, TX
Half-day class at Rummy’s Beach club where you will learn the history and benefits of crystals, how to use them on animals and how to make custom crystal essences. You will also learn about how to use color therapy with animals. Instructor: Kim Shotola of The Lightfoot Way.

June 12: Basic Animal Communication Workshop, Houston, TX
Learn the basics of animal communication at the Earth Sanctuary in Houston. Instructor: Allison Culver of The Lightfoot Way.

June 27: Flower Essences Workshop, Houston, TX
Half-day workshop (morning) where you will learn how flower essences work, how to use them on animals, and how to make a custom flower essence blend. Instructor: Allison Culver of The Lightfoot Way.

June 27: Animal Aromatherapy Workshop, Houston, TX
Half-day workshop (afternoon) where you will learn the basics about essential oils, how to use them on animals, and how to make a custom essential oil blend. Instructor: Allison Culver of The Lightfoot Way.

July 11: Animal Communication Workshop, Houston, TX
Learn the basics of animal communication at this one-day workshop. Instructor: Kim Shotola of The Lightfoot Way.

July 18: Reiki I For Animals, Houston, TX
Learn the basics of Reiki for animals and receive the level 1 attunement. Instructor: Allison Culver of The Lightfoot Way. NOTE: You must take the Reiki I for People before attending this class. The next one is scheduled on June 19 at Earth Sanctuary.

July 18: Nutrition and Kinesiology Workshop, Houston, TX
Learn about proper nutrition and the basics of using kinesiology to determine proper nutrition, topical products and to determine if your pet is allergic to a certain food or product. Instructor: Allison Culver of The Lightfoot Way.

June 9-13: TTEAM Training with Horses, Middleburg, VA
Learn the basics of TTEAM for horses. Instructor: Linda Tellington-Jones.

June 5-6: Animal Communication Level 1&2, Westminster, VT
Learn how to communicate with animals in this 2-day workshop. Instructor: Barbara Janelle.

June 7-11: Tellington TTouch, Marlboro, VT
Tellington TTouch and animal communication workshop at Camp Gone to the Dogs, Marlboro College. Instructor: Barbara Janelle.

June 5: TTouch for Cats, Everett, WA
Introduction to TTouch for Cats at Everett Community College. Instructor: Shannon Finch

June 4-6: Healing Touch for Animals Level 1, Sheridan, WY
Learn the basics of HTA (healing touch for animals) at this 2 1/2-day hands-on workshop with dogs and horses. Instructor: Kim Thornton

June 21-26: TTEAM Training, Dubois, WY
Learn about TTEAM and starting young horses at Bitterroot Ranch. Instructors: Linda Tellington-Jones and TTouch Instructors Robyn Hood and Sarah Fisher.

July 4-11: Reach Out To Horses Clinic, Bitterroot Ranch, Dubois, WY
6-day workshop where you will become a certified Reiki practitioner (Level 2) and also learn how to effectively communicate with your horse. Instructor: Anna Twinney

ALBERTA
July 3-4: Equine Healing Workshop, Cochrane, AB
2-day energy healing workshop at The Dawn of Equus Rescue & Sanctuary. Instructor: Margrit Coates

BRITISH COLUMBIA
June 6-11: TTouch for dogs, cats and other Companion Animals, Vernon, B.C.
6-day foundation and on-going course where you learn the basics of TTouch for dogs, cats and other companion animals. Instructors: Kathy Cascade and Robyn Hood.

June 13: Pawspoint Reflexology, Belcarra, B.C.
Learn the basics of reflexology for animals in this one-day workshop. Instructor: Yvette Eastman

July 13-14: Equine Healing Workshop, Kamloops, B.C.
2-day energy healing workshop. Instructor: Margrit Coates

ONTARIO
June 12: Animal Communication 1, Toronto, ON
Learn the basics of animal communication at this 1-day workshop at Cedar Lane Farm. Instructor: Christine Riedel Gagnon

July 3-4: Canine Touch Level 1, Toronto, ON
2-day workshop at Cedar Lane Farm where you will learn the basics of Canine Touch. Instructor: Raian Kaiser

QUEBEC
July 24-29: TTouch for dogs, cats and other Companion Animals, Rupert, QC
Learn the basics of TTouch for dogs, cats and other companion animals at this 6-day foundation and on-going training class. Instructor: TBD

I took a weekend workshop in TTouch for dogs at Bancroft School of Massage a few years ago (with Leea, who is our featured practitioner today), and I was really amazed at the effect it [...]]]> Today’s spotlight is on TTouch, a type of bodywork that helps animals with all kinds of problems, both physical and psychological.

I took a weekend workshop in TTouch for dogs at Bancroft School of Massage a few years ago (with Leea, who is our featured practitioner today), and I was really amazed at the effect it had on all the animals in the class.

I had just gotten my dog the week before, and we had had a bit of a rough first week with housetraining (even though she was 6 years old) and getting to know each other, but we really bonded during this class. I will never forget how, at the end of the second day, as Leea was wrapping things up and we were all sitting on the floor, Sadie (my dog) came over to me, stared at me for a while (she’s a Scottie), then made a little content grunt, climbed up into my lap, curled up and went to sleep. I had been accepted as her new pack member!

While I was still working as an animal massage therapist, I used these techniques many times on fearful dogs that did not want me to do a “proper” massage, and it calmed them down immediately. I heard more than once from owners “oh wow, he/she usually never lets a stranger get that close.” TTouch definitely works.

Tellington TTouch consists of light, non-invasive bodywork – circular, sliding and lifting strokes – guided movement exercises, and unique tools including the bodywrap and the Confidence Course. TTouch is a positive approach to training that affects the body’s nervous system, resulting in increased awareness and range of motion, tension and pain reduction, and a repatterning of habitual ways of holding the body – all of which can have a profound effect on behavior and wellness.

TTouch exercises improve an animal’s confidence, balance and focus, relieve stress and fear, and allow an animal to think before reacting, thus breaking the cycle of repetitive behavior patterns. TTouch is an effective way for pet owners and professionals to quickly build trust and deepen their relationship with their companions while solving challenging or frustrating problems.

Developed more than 30 years ago by internationally renowned equestrian trainer, Linda Tellington-Jones, Ph.D. (Hon), TTouch has been actively utilized in all areas of animal training, shelter and zoo enrichment programs, sports activities and health care. The TTouch method builds cooperation and respect between the animal and handler and the results have been shown effective for:

• Puppies and kittens who are very mouthy, lack focus or don’t like to
  be handled or groomed

• Adolescent dogs who are over stimulated, rambunctious and hard
  to control on leash

• Aggression issues in dogs, cats and birds

• Separation anxiety, noise sensitivity, shyness and other fears
  and phobias

• Motion sickness

• Excessive barking

• Service, show or athletic animals who underperform due to
  nervousness or lack of confidence

• Animals who are recovering from injury or illness

• Issues related to aging… and much more.

Workshops and private consultations led by Certified Practitioners are available world-wide for anyone wishing to learn the basic TTouch methodology. Certification training programs are offered annually to become a Certified Tellington TTouch Practitioner. There are branches of the Tellington TTouch work for horses, companion animals and humans.

Today’s featured practitioner is Leea Foran, Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT), Certified Dog Behavior Consultant (CDBC), Certified Tellington TTouch Practitioner, Reiki Practitioner, a Canine Good Citizen Evaluator with the American Kennel Club, and an American Red Cross Pet First Aid Instructor.

Leea is the founder and owner of Foranimals in Lenox, MA, where she practices Reiki and TTouch and holds group and private classes in behavior, obedience, agility, pet first aid and TTouch. She also offers TTouch classes in other locations; upcoming events include May 2 at Bancroft in Worcester, MA and June 6 at the Monadnock Humane Society in West Swanzey, NH (for more, see the Events & Workshops listings and Leea’s website).

I asked Leea what it was that drew her to her chosen career, and she said:

“I always intended to work with animals. As a child I found and mended stray animals routinely and I went to the Bronx Zoo every week and dreamed about becoming a zoo veterinarian. I got my BS in Zoology/Animal Behavior and was planning to attend vet school when life took me in an altogether different direction and I spent the next 20 years as a resident staff-founding member of Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health.

Although there were no pets at Kripalu, I was never without a cat, dog, bird or some wild creature. My years at Kripalu taught me patience, compassion, a holistic view of life, and skillfulness in working with people, very necessary components for supporting animal guardians in their process with their dogs and cats.

After leaving Kripalu I headed straight back to my childhood passion and finding the Tellington TTouch Method was my first step. From this platform my training, consulting and assisting people and their companion animals has grown. And although I never became a veterinarian as I originally envisioned, I am quite content with the work I have created.”

Read my review of Getting In TTouch With Your Dog.