The Trust Technique: Building Bonds Between Animals and Humans

In a society where life moves at an accelerated pace, where people are constantly in motion, and individuals struggle to find connections in a technology driven culture, there is growing consideration of its effects on other species.

The Trust Technique is an approach which fosters deeper connections between animals and humans while prioritising the well-being of both. By combining communication and understanding, it effectively reduces stress and anxiety, building trust between people and their pets. This simple form of therapy contributes to safer and more harmonious interactions, placing an increasing emphasis on the ethical treatment of animals.

Originally called Practical Animal Communication, the first Trust Technique clinic opened in 2007 with a primary focus on dogs. Since then, it has evolved into an international phenomenon practiced with all kinds of animals worldwide. In September 2023, pioneers James French and Shelley Slingo were invited to speak at the TedxTalk Bologna Italy conference about their experiences with the practice.

James French expressed, “It is an absolute pleasure to help some of the most sensitive animals on the planet. At times, it feels like you are reaching out and touching their soul.”

Animals who have faced severe abuse, regardless of their size or background, can benefit from a method called ‘the present moment’ in the Trust Technique.

To apply this, practitioners work with animals to lower their thinking levels while practicing mindfulness themselves, fostering a sense of peace and tranquillity.

Having practiced this method with her own animals for over 9 years, Jenny March qualified as a Trust Technique practitioner in 2022. Now, she extends her expertise to help those with troubled pets.

“We do this thing called creative reaction, where we create a feeling of peace, and the animal will react to it in some way or another. We allow the reaction so that we can study the animal and observe it.”

“Some animals when you go into this quiet place might start to yawn and release anxiety, or get agitated, or itchy, barking or whining, a horse might get restless. So, you allow it and then you come up and you go back in with the present moment, dipping in and out. You’re basically saying you can be peaceful now.”

By sitting relaxed, finding a spot, and completely focusing on it while remaining totally still without moving your eyes, you can do this alongside an animal at any time, as often as necessary, to regulate emotions and strengthen your bond.

“It’s really beautiful because you get this bond and communication between animal and human. When you go into a quiet place you see an animal in a different light and the animal sees you in a different light.”

March has used this method with various animals, from giant deaf flop-eared rabbits to sleep deprived horses, and an injured pheasant whom she took in and nursed in her greenhouse.

Alongside this, she has several cattle, rescue chickens, a turkey, 2 pygmy goats, and a dalmatian named Ozzy who live together in harmony.

Instead of charging a fee for her services, which she offers via Zoom or in person, she asks that her clients consider donating to Animals Asia, a charity dedicated to ending animal cruelty. This was inspired by Trust Technique founders, Shelley and James, who travelled to South Vietnam to heal traumatised bears that were victim of bile farming.

“I just want to help people with their animals, once you start working with this stuff you really see how our animals are suffering, and people. The lovely thing about it is that it helps both. So many times after the session, people will say, ‘OMG, I feel amazing’. Basically, when people are working with their animals like this, they’re giving themselves therapy as well.”

Gary Paterson, owner of a 17-year-old rescue dog, who recently turned to Jenny, described her help as, “Moving the conversation on from whether we are doing the right thing to just enjoying the time that we’ve got with her”.

Marley, the Staffordshire bull terrier cross collie lurcher, started the Trust Technique because it was believed that she was suffering pain due to her deteriorating health.

However, it turned out that despite now having limited mobility due to her age and previously being extremely fearful due to her past, Marley was not suffering.

“She’s been a really easy dog to look after and is very chilled. I’ll never forget the first run about she did with us, she was obviously happy, and was instantly delighted to be with us.”

Paterson and his family also involve their two cats, Leo and Thor, in the practice.

“There’s potential for improvements for the relationship of us all with our various pets. I am curious to see if this Trust Technique can help us be more of an equal pack.”

“We are encouraged to do it daily not just because it helps the animals, but it helps us. You can use it to clear your mind, for example when you’re in the post office and getting a bit frustrated, you can use it in situations like that and it’s actually quite empowering.”

Another advocate of the Trust Technique is Janice Stephenson, who was recommended it by a friend after a vet advised her to put down her two Romanian rescue dogs due to their aggressive natures.

The dogs, Harris and Fearn pictured above, were saved from killing shelters and suffer from anxiety and behavioural problems due to their traumatic pasts.

Harris, who is described as ‘a big teddy’, experiences fear aggression because he is terrified of humans he does not know. Since starting the therapy, he has made life-changing improvements.

Owner Janice says, “If we hadn’t met Jenny, they might not be here. It’s been good for me as well; whenever I feel anxious, I am managing to keep that under control.”

Stephenson and her family also own two cats, whom they hope will soon be able to live peacefully with the dogs. Although she hasn’t practiced the Trust Technique on them, she has found it works with horses in passing fields.

“It’s not always easy, you can’t force it, but I would recommend the Trust Technique to anyone looking to try and develop a little support network”.

Further information can be found at https://trust-technique.com/?g... or view Jenny's work is on Instagram @zentails.scotland, seen above.