TACT, Touch Associated Clicker Training creatively combines the science and art of learning theory, clicker training and massage therapy. This unique approach is used specifically to rehabilitate and prevent shy, fearful, reactive, and aggressive behavior in dogs and puppies utilizing positive training methods.

TACT utilizes a ritualized protocol designed with safety, structure and predictability. TACT develops confidence and coping skills while changing the emotional response in fearful dogs. TACT incorporates a detailed home management and real world exposure control program for owners to follow to coincide with their training protocol.

Julie Robitaille, CAMT, CPDT-KA, Founder of TACT

When I first began my massage therapy practice I knew I would be massaging the body, the mind and spirit but I had no idea I would be massaging behavior. I set up massage booths at dog shows.  Numerous times I would witness a handler dog team pacing in front of my booth.  The handler could not decide weather they should attempt a massage for their dog.  Eventually they would come up to me and ask “If you can’t touch my dog can I end the session and have my money back?”  Having a reactive dog myself I knew there was a story here.  I would agree that anytime they or their dogs were uncomfortable, they could end the session.  The owners would explain to me that their dogs didn’t like people to greet them.  These dogs found no pleasure in interacting with human strangers. Indeed some of these dogs didn’t even like it when their owners would touch them.  Touch, sadly, was never a positive part of their life.  It was this piece that so many owners found heartbreaking.  As a reactive dog owner handler myself, I understood that I was the reactive human on the other end of the leash.  I had great empathy for my reactive dog clients, both canine and human. In addition, I had been fortunate enough to be teacher assisting Emma Parsons in her reactive dog training classes, for nearly four years.  I understood that small moments of success, were enormous accomplishments for these dogs.  These owners had put their faith in me, so it was very important that I plan each step.  With the hopes of keeping the dog under reactive threshold so it would remain, a “thinking dog”.  I took the knowledge I had from Emma’s Click to Calm methodology and put it into action.  I began by rewarding the dogs for looking at me and tolerating my eye contact.  Then accepting my small movements as I was sitting in a chair. My training approach eventually had the dogs comfortable with being close to me.  Depending on the dog’s comfort level, it would be possible to shape the dogs to ‘check me out’ with a nose target. Ultimately the dogs allowed me to place my hands on them for very light petting.  Owners were happily surprised how much my light petting proved helpful to their dogs.   I was used to applying massage therapy techniques so petting didn’t feel like a big deal.  But the big difference was that the dogs were enjoying it, even welcoming my touch.  They were being reinforced for the touch, which broke down the barriers of fear long enough for them to be able to equate touch with reward.  The owners were thrilled!

TACT is beneficial for all dogs, including puppies, shy dogs, and shelter dogs.  One application where TACT has found great success is the prevention and rehabilitation of reactive or aggressive canine behavior directed at people.  Our DVD presentation focuses on the effectiveness of applying TACT to instances of dog reactive or aggressive behavior directed at humans.

• TACT:
    
  Desensitizes a dog’s fear of people and new environments.
  Builds confidence and coping skills.
  Provides structure bringing predictability to the dog’s life.
  Develops or deepens the canine/human relationship. 
  Teaches owners how to recognize canine body language and how to use this knowledge to set their dog up for success. 
  Provides the tools necessary to implement an effective home and real world management program.
  Develops a two way communication system between dog/handler.
  Enlists pet owners to become part of the solution in a creative and fun manner.
  Becomes an effective tool in the canine professional’s behavior modification toolbox.
  TACT’s Caregivers Fatigue program provides owners and trainers alike with a plan for healthy self care.

TACT Founder Julie Robitaille recently presented a webinar for Dog IBox.  This three hour webinar includes many video demonstrations.  The full recording of this webinar is now available for sale on the Dog IBox website for the reasonable price of $24.00 for Dog IBox members and $36.00 for non-members.  Please see this link for more details on how to purchase your own copy:  http://www.dog-ibox.com/market/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=73

Thank you New England Federation of Humane Societies and IAABC!  Two wonderful conferences.  It was a real honor to be asked to present for these organizations.  See more conference photos on the TACT Facebook Page.