| Luvarott,
What is the "Tellington Touch"?. My guess is handling and massage exercises similiar to what is described in the book, "The Art of Raising a Puppy" by the Monks of New Skete.
I did that with my boy religiously from 9 weeks old. Ie. held him down, soft voice praise, massaged feet, ears, neck, etc....when he stopped squirming and protesting...he got a treat and eventually released with a happy "Ok, gooood boy." The results are a completely touchable, nail clippable, manueverable 8 month old. He is amazing in that respect.
The way I use and interpret the paragraph you are referring to is for an overly pushy dog that constantly "horns" in.
Many times when I am reading (currently trying to finish the Culture Clash)...Jake comes over and shoves a slimy rope toy in my lap, wanting to play tug. I don't make it a point to drop whatever I am doing at his command. I tell him, "No, Go away!" After he goes and lays down, chews his bone for awhile...I will reward him with a quick tug game, praise, and luv'in.
PARAGRAPH FROM THE ARTICLE:
Petting and attention: Alpha dogs are used to being fussed over. In a real dog pack, subordinate dogs are forever touching, licking and grooming the alpha dog. It's a show of respect and submission. For now, until his attitude has shown improvement, cut down on the amount of cuddling your dog gets. When he wants attention, make him SIT first, give him a few kind words and pats, then stop. Go back to whatever it was you were doing and ignore him. If he pesters you, tell him NO! in a firm voice and ignore him some more. Pet him when -you- want to, not because -he- wants you to. For the time being, don't get down on the floor or on your knees to pet your dog. That, too, is a show of submission. Give praise, petting and rewards from a position that's higher than the dog.  |