TTouch Calming Bands as seen in YOUR DOG magazine November 2004

These nylon calming bands are based on the elastic face wrap that has been so successful in helping dogs overcome a variety of problems. Made in Canada the calming bands come in a variety of colours. The TTouch calming bands are made of soft nylon and elastic with a plastic snap. The snap, webbing and elastic is individually sized to cater for all breeds of dogs.

Q: What are they?
A: Calming Bands are a passive training tool based on the face wraps used in TTouch work.

Q: What do they look like?
A: A Calming Band is a very simple figure-of-eight loop of soft nylon web which fits around the muzzle and is secured at the back of the head with a snap clip. A piece of very soft, stretchy elastic is inserted into the webbing where it crosses over the bridge of the nose. They come in four adjustable sizes, x-small, small, medium and large.

Q: What do they do?
A: TTouch Calming Bands can be used to prepare your dog for wearing a headcollar, as well as a training aid to reduce behaviours such as excitability, excessive vocalising (such as barking and whining), inappropriate chewing, mouthing and nervousness. They can also be helpful for dogs that are bad travellers or for those that find it hard to concentrate.

Q: So does it work like a type of muzzle?
A: Absolutely not - and because of the elastic insert, your dog can still lick his lips, open his mouth, pant, eat and drink as normal. It shouldn't be used to try and clamp the jaws shut; the idea is that it brings awareness to the muzzle area and helps to release tension in the jaw which is often present in dogs with the problems described above. It also has a calming effect, but has an advantage over using a headcollar to achieve this, since the stretchiness of the elastic insert allows some give, enabling it to act as more of a supportive tool rather than a restrictive tool.

Q: How firm a fit should it be?
A: Although it shouldn't be droopy, neither should it be a tight fit - the tension shouldn't be taken up on the elastic, and you should be able to fit a thumb under each ring at the sides. The nose loop should sit behind the mouth rather than over it. When introducing it, it helps to do a few gentle TTouches round the muzzle first; then slip it on and engage your dog in an activity such as eating or playing with a toy so that he doesn't panic and so that he realises he can still open his mouth. Few dogs do panic, but if he shows signs of anxiety, take it off and put it on and off for short periods until he's happy about it; never use it as a threat or form of punishment.

Q: Can they be used on their own?
A: Yes, or playing a supporting role together with other TTouch tools such as a body wrap. Although they look similar to some types of headcollar, do not try to lead your dog with the leash attached directly to it - use a headcollar over the top, or with the leash attached to a flat collar and harness. Always supervise your dog whilst he is wearing it in case he tries to remove it and gets a claw snagged in it.

A Calming Band may not solve all your dogs problems. You may need to enlist the help of a TTouch Practitioner who will be able to work with you on a one to one basis and devise a programme of TTouch work and groundwork for your dog.

Feedback from a satisfied Calming Band Purchaser

Many thanks for sending the calming band. We can only say that we seem to have a different dog as Murphy has changed so much in the first 72 hours of introducing the band. He is a lot more relaxed and not attempting to jump up people when they visit.

Thank you once again.