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TESTIMONIALS
PRIVATE TRAINING & TELLINGTON TTOUCH

I love Max very much but I was at my wits end with trying things to help him overcome his separation anxiety and fears. Max’s condition was getting worse—house soiling; tearing up carpets, doors, clothing; pacing and heavy panting—very distressed much of the time, especially when I had to be out of the house. I tried other suggestions, even drug therapy without much result. So with great sadness I felt the kindest thing I had left to offer Max was euthanasia, a peaceful end to his suffering. Fortunately, my veterinarian knew of TTouch and you and suggested we try this as a last resort.

The three of us worked together for 6 sessions over 2 months. I did my best to follow all your suggestions for changing MY behavior and habits to help Max change his own. I did mini-TTouch sessions faithfully each day as you showed me. Max changed. His anxiety lessened after the first session. By the 4th session he was relaxed and happy with no more chewing things up and no more house soiling. He even got friendlier to strangers we encountered on walks and barked less in the car. If Max has occasional accidents, I can pin point why, and make simple adjustments. When Max looks at me with his big brown eyes I imagine he’s saying, “Thanks for a second chance at my life.” Thank you for believing in both of us.
BG, Pittsfield, MA

When we moved to Pennsylvania with our dog, we had had many TTouch lessons with Leea under our respective belts. Our new neighbors had a dog whom they rescued two years before. She was what they called “skittish” with people. They told us their history of enlisting dog psychiatrists from University of Pennsylvania Vet School and other vets to increase their dog's comfort level with people. They had no luck.

One day as we were sitting in our yards, their dog came outside. I approached her slowly, getting close enough to do the basic TTouch circles that I had learned from Leea. As I continued these movements, the dog became obviously more comfortable and relaxed. She came closer to me and I was able to do some ear rubs also. Then she rolled over on her back and allowed me to rub her tummy, and do a combination of rubs and circles all over her body.

Her owners were amazed. Their dog had never responded in a such a calm manner to any stranger. I am completely convinced that the TTouch communicated something that allowed her to relax and accept human physical contact. Her physical and emotional response to the contact was undeniable.
Mindy D, Amherst, MA

While TTouch helped to correct a very difficult situation between my cats, I feel it offered more than just behavior modification. I have developed greater sensitivity and understanding of my cats. I continue to enjoy spending time working with them and look forward to our daily TTouch sessions. TTouch has become relaxation time after a busy day. It is an opportunity to deepen the relationship I share with my companion animals. TTouch is not just for my cats, it’s for me too.
Christine K, Pittsfield, MA

Last September I called you in a panic because I was going on vacation and was worried about my three dogs and the anxiety they have whenever I go away. They usually stop eating altogether and tear up everything they can—even with a live-in sitter. It has been so bad that I have had to shorten my trips. You gave me great suggestions that I began to implement before I left and the dog sitter continued while I was away. Your ideas worked like a charm. When I got home they were well fed, happy to see me, and calmer than when I left them. Thank you, now I can take a trip without taking a guilt trip! I know the dogs will do fine and be happy.
Elaine G

I want to thank you for all you have done for me this past year and a half. When we first met in Fall 1999 I was truly a “scardy cat,” as I had been recently traumatized by a large black dog. I didn’t suffer much physically but I was so terrified that all I could do was hide in safe places. I couldn’t even come out to eat or drink. My dear human tried everything—homeopathic remedies, patience, medicine from the doctor—nothing helped till someone told her about you and TTouch and positive training. You were so patient with me. You worked the TTouch on me. At first I could only take so much at a time, but now I love it for one full hour. That’s saying something for an independent cat, don’t you think? You were not only the practitioner, but you were my human’s wonderful teacher so she could do techniques on me between sessions. Remember how you used my favorite snacks to reward me for my bravery in returning to the dreaded room where I was attacked? It worked! Later you helped me with other fears I had from being abused as a kitten. The man who set me on fire always wore work clothes, a baseball cap and boots. With time you showed me that not all men dressed like this were to be feared. You also helped me over my fear of sudden loud noises like the phone. Then I got Lymes disease and my joints hurt a lot. Your Reiki and TTouch helped my soreness. You can always sense when my tolerance is being tested, and use my favorite brush to stroke me and bring me back for more. I can’t thank you enough.
Your loyal cat friend,
Putzel, Sheffield, MA

It’s Monday night and here I am at Leea’s Beginners Obedience class—Again! For most of a year now I’ve been repeating over and over either the Beginners or Intermediate classes. The level didn’t matter; I just really needed a lot of practice meeting other dogs.

You see, I’m a nine year old Kerry Blue terrier, and while I’ve always been good at the obedience stuff, when it came to other dogs I’d get so upset that I’d be out of control, barking and lunging and just beside myself. Mom had to plan all our walks carefully so we’d avoid other dogs and there were some places we just couldn’t go. I know I missed some nice experiences but it was easier on Mom’s nerves to play it safe.

But tonight is different and so am I. I’m relaxed as I join the class. My tail has a friendly wag. I exchange hellos with the other dogs. We do off-leash group exercises and some of the other dogs (2 German Shepherds!) even come running right up to me and, I’M OKAY.

I’ve worked hard to learn to be comfortable around other dogs. We started off with private training and then began attending Leea’s obedience classes. At first we would mostly stay in our own corner of the training room. Sometimes we would participate in a few of the exercises but always at a safe distance. A big turning point was the 6-week Relax Max training we did. We learned a really cool command called “Back Out.” When we’re out walking this helps me to focus on Mom and not on the other dog. And I’m learning “YIKES.” That’s the cue word for me to do a play-bow. We learned in Relax Max that a play-bow is part of dog language that says “Hi, I’m friendly, want to play?” to another dog. The cue word “YIKES” is what my mother feels like when she sees a loose dog coming towards us. We keep practicing all the time. Mom tries to be sure that each situation I’m in is one that will help me be successful. That way my confidence will grow and I will have more opportunities to practice good doggie social skills. I’m starting to enjoy seeing and meeting new dogs. I still have work to do, but I will get there!
Sean, Valatie, NY

Behavior problems in my Jack Russell terrier were completely gone after private training.
He is no longer aggressive around other dogs and he generally seems more calm.

Karen L., Washington, MA

There was a difference in Max’s behavior after the first visit. I am no longer concerned about sneak attacks and painful biting. Thanks to TTouch and Leea’s invaluable training advice, our home is happier.
BE, North Adams, MA

HELP! was my call to Leea. Our miniature donkey, Shenny, wouldn’t let the farrier trim her hooves without putting up a huge kicking battle the whole time. That however, was an understatement of the problem. Shenny had actually become pretty untouchable, except for her head, over the 9 years we’d had her. She is our goat herd protector. She’s kind and sweet with them, and she sings her song for treats near our back door. She’s a delightful pet to have until her hooves need trimming or she needs to be handled.

Shenny Leea showed Shenny and me the ways of Clicker Training and TTouch. For all of Shenny’s balking, she has been a willing student—she’s even earned the title, “Circus Donkey” for her fancy footwork of resting her leg on a box.

Leea arrived on the first day equipped with a pouch of carrots and a clicker. Shenny caught on quickly to the click/treat connection. Each time she made a little movement with her leg we would click and treat her. She was soon offering us little dance steps for more clicks and carrots. Each session we presented her with new challenges: lifting a foot, walking into the stall where her hooves are trimmed, letting me hold her foot, hearing the sound of the tools, a visit from Leea’s husband posing as a farrier, more foot lifting and resting her foot on a box, and some actual trimming. All of Shenny’s successes were rewarded with clicks and treats.

To work with Shenny’s resistance to being handled, Leea showed us some TTouch bodywork exercises to help her relax and accept people around her. Leea also set up obstacle courses for Shen and I to walk through, over, around, and on to help Shenny with issues of balance when one leg is held up and to be more aware of how she walks and stands. Leea has had an endless store of ideas for working with us.

The farrier’s arrival was the first test. Shenny accepted all the work he did on her front hooves for the first time. The improvement was encouraging. There’s hope! We don’t have it all worked out yet. She is doing great with her front feet; the backs are still a challenge but I can touch all down her back legs now and she’ll lift the hind feet and hold them on cue.

I needed these lessons as much, or more, than Shenny. I had never really known HOW to work with her. Now Shenny and I get to enjoy the time working together. We’ll continue this adventure with donkey training.
Eileen M, Richmond, MA

Most friends didn’t believe I had a cat because they NEVER saw him, Maurice always hid. Then Leea came, joined him in the closet, and began TTouch. What a change! Now he settles right in the middle of my company and offers his belly to be rubbed.

Betty D, Lenox, MA

Twelve years ago I had a successful hip replacement, but after abuse on my part, I had to have another replacement on the same hip in 1998. All went well for the first three months, then “all hell broke loose.” After seeing three top orthopedic surgeons and after many months in therapy, I resigned myself to the fact that this was it. My son suggested I see his personal trainer. After a few minutes of exercises I felt much better. I was OK until last summer when the pain returned. Another trip to the trainer was unsuccessful this time. I returned to one of the surgeons who told me the pain was coming from the incision and I would have to live with it. Then I had a thought. If Leea taught us to use TTouch on our Bichon, and it was successful in relaxing him and eliminating his car sickness, why not try it on myself. I started the procedure and together with massage and pressure on the area, I achieved rapid success. I have been using the same technique for several months and I feel great!
Milton F, Lenox, MA

GROUP CLASSES & WORKSHOPS

Clicker training class was a fun way for us to learn about our new dog together, as a family, and it extends right into our daily routines at home.
RK, Pittsfield

I think you did a fantastic job with our class. The information and training I have received is invaluable. Thank you.
GP, Pittsfield

Clicker class was great. We covered the training so thoroughly with practice in class and the handouts for home.
VG, West Stockbridge

Leea’s knowledge and patience with all the dogs made this a great obedience class. It was fun and extremely practical.
Nancy G, Pittsfield, MA

Rather than being nervous about meeting other dogs, I now look forward to trying the techniques we learned in Relax Max. Both my dog and I have much more confidence.
Kate D, Hancock, MA

Workshop Students I found this program to be greatly beneficial to my work with rescue and shelter dogs. I saw results for the dogs we were working on the same day! A great introduction to TTouch.
Joanne G, Blandford, MA

I’ve gained an appreciation of the need to meet each animal where s/he is, and the need to slow down and breathe with the animal.
Jill L, Oak Bluffs, MA

I have a much better understanding of working with dogs and know it will help me and the dogs at the shelter where I volunteer.
Sarah J, Stuart, FL

Outdoor Workshop The knowledge I’ve gained here will enable me to prolong and enrich my dog’s life. As a seeing eye dog user, these techniques will have a profound effect on my and my dog’s life. I am forever grateful.
Kerry M, Billerica, MA

Watching Leea work with the dogs gave me the incentive to full participate in the classes. Understanding why she was doing a particular thing was much different than just giving commands without truly communicating. Leea’s watchful eye and various comments on our dog’s reactions was an education for me.
Rita B, Richmond, MA

Everything I learned will be helpful in getting my dog to focus his attention and improve our relationship.
Jason S, Lee, MA

TESTIMONIALS

PRIVATE TRAINING & TELLINGTON TTOUCH

GROUP CLASSES & WORKSHOPS