Jackson, a Shiba Inu and Husky blend, was referred to me because he was showing signs of canine anxiety by being “out of control” on walks and excessive barking at other dogs. Janet was embarrassed by her pet’s problems.

When I met Jackson in his home, he was pacing, panting, frantically wagging his tail, and in continual motion. Janice adopted Jackson two months ago and this is his normal. I explained to Janice how to read Jackson’s body language. Suddenly, she realized she had not understood what he was trying to tell her. He was not happy and excited; he was nervous and afraid.

Jackson settled as I gently used TTouch® touches on him. His breathing started to shift from panting to normal breathing. The major change came when I put a body wrap on him. Suddenly Jackson sat still and looked around the room. His breathing slowed down and his tail relaxed. Janice said, “He never does this.” During the rest of the session, Jackson was alert and calm.

Walks were a real challenge — Jackson pulled on his leash and head collar. He also pawed the head collar. Jackson also wore a harness. So I made some adjustments. We changed from the leash with a large, heavy clip to a double-ended TTouch® leash. I taught Janice how to walk Jackson with two-points of contact. We walked out of the apartment, down a flight of stairs, out the main door, and across the street. Jackson was alert and walked with a loose leash. Everyone was happy.

A week later, Janice said she now understands his body language better. Their walks are more relaxed. At home, Jackson asks for TTouches® when he sits in her lap. If she pets him, he licks and touches her until she does the TTouches®. Then he sits calmly. Janice is thrilled with Jackson’s calm demeanor.