T-Team Method

Halter training by very gentle T.Team Method

What does TTEAM stand for?

TTEAM stands for Tellington-Jones Teach Every Animal Method. TTEAM is a three fold approach to training: a new way of thinking about animals; a system of learning exercises; and the Ttouch, a way of communicating directly with animals through specific ways of touching them. TTEAM is a holistic approach to training and teaching animals. We seek to understand the llama and alpaca on many levels - physical, mental, behavioural and emotional. TTEAMoffers a way of re-educating problem llamas/alpacas, a way to start young llamas/alpacas so that they do not develop problems and an interesting and timesaving method of handling all llamas/alpacas.

How is TTEAM different from other methods?

TTEAMis based on the premise that when an animal resists it is because it is afraid, is in pain, or doesn't understand what is being asked. We assume that animals can think and reason - and they cannot if they are afraid. We use techniques that minimise fear and therefore instinctive responses. We do not rely on de-sensitisation, habituation or repetition. TTEAM methods enable the handler/teacher to teach a variety of skills without frustration, teach confidence in the human-animal bond and create a willing partnership based on mutual respect.
The results are impressive, for example….llamas/alpacas that had previously been eared or physically restrained by two or more people to be haltered often experience a turn-around in one or two sessions and participate calmly in the haltering process with no fear and no force. Llamas/alpacas that bolt, shy, drag their owners around or lie down when led learn self-control and cooperation on the lead in one lesson. Learn how to medicate and perform regular husbandry activities force free.
Understand the philosophy and take the time to learn TTEAM skills and you will find yourself among those who can seemingly work magic with animals. The methods are practical and time efficient regardless of how many animals you own.

What is attending a TTEAM clinic like?

You will have fun, you will be challenged, and you will shake your head in disbelief at the changes you see in the animals that come to the clinic and in yourselves. You will participate in roll playing exercises that are designed to help you "get into the head" of your alpaca or llama. You will be amazed at how much more you understand the animals in your life. We will cover a variety of topics such as: starting young cria, catching and haltering, pros and cons of the use of food, picking up feet, leading, loading into a float, vaccinating, grooming and shearing. You will see a variety of tools demonstrated - the use of a catch pen, the wands, halter training rope, body wrap, "taming the tiger" and you will get a chance to practice hands on using these tools and techniques with alpacas and llamas.

Jigaru & TTeam - 1 Day Clinic

The 1 day clinic was attended to by 12 alpaca breeders and 2 Fellow Deer handlers.
Although the weather was against us we managed to accomplish a lot over the course of the day. Most of the animals were carried to the shed in the morning, yet they were quite happy and content to wear their new halters and walk on their leads to go home. Well done everyone, alpacas included.
We hope that all of our visitors were happy with their TTeam experience. Also a very big thank you to Nerida Aldred for her advice and sharing her expertise with us.

Nerida can be contacted via e-mail or phone 03 53 487 739 or
if you are interested in attending another clinic at Jigaru please contact us at or Mobil: 0412 364 144