NEW ways to approach animal training, based on gentle communication and careful studies of body language, are creeping in to our way of thinking thanks to the likes of the famous Horse Whisperer.

These techniques are rewriting the text books with their philosophies that it is better to work with animals' natural behaviours than force them to bend to human will.

Less famous in this country for her techniques is Canadian Linda Tellington-Jones, although it may not be long before her Tellington Touch methods are far more commonplace - particularly in the Vale. where it not only has its own TTouch practitioner, but a centre for training too.

Rosemary Deacon of Cropthorne graduated as one of only 13 UK TTEAM practitioners last April after three years of training. She is now keen to spread the word about the method of calming and helping animals by a sort of massage which can be used as a training aid, a therapy and a form of deeper bonding.

Rosemary was and is still a part-time occupational therapist but is keen to work with animals.

She works mainly with dogs, and stresses the system is no magic cure-all, explaining: "It's another tool, really. It's mainly designed to bring an animal back into balance so they can listen to you and you can work together."

It aims to "do things with animals instead of doing things to them".

It may sound some more new age phooey, but Rosemary's techniques have been shown effective again and again with her voluntary work at the National Canine Defence League kennels at Wickhamford where she can be put to the test on highly stressed dogs with more problems than most. The centre is so impressed it has become a regular training base for TTEAM students.

The "non-invasive and non-threatening" TTouches are called things like The Clouded Leopard and The Python Lift and generally involve moving the skin in a certain way, also working with what seem to be pressure points like in acupuncture.

They can be used on their own or in conjunction with veterinary treatment and have been used successfully to calm stress, reduce fears of loud noises, counter problems with grooming, teeth cleaning, biting, hyperactivity and arthritis to name a few.

Rosemary says she finds the roots of many animals' problems lie in a lack of effective communication. "Our behaviour is often quite aggressive from a dog's point of view," she says. "Our pets learn our body language very quickly but we don't do it for them.

You can call Rosemary about her regular workshops (she's just done one for pets who dread bonfire night) or a one-to-pet session on 01386 860880. Learn more about TTouching at the website www.lindatellingtonjones.com