How to Train a Dog to Do Deep Pressure Therapy

Deep Pressure Therapy (DPT) is a skill a dog can learn to qualify as a service dog to help people with mental health conditions, neurological disorders, and other disabilities. Training a dog for deep pressure therapy requires patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement to teach them to apply comforting pressure on cue, respond to signs of distress, and adapt their technique to the handler’s needs.

In this guide, we’ll show you how to train your dog to be a comforting companion using DPT. Don’t worry if you’re new to this — we’ll break it down into easy steps anyone can follow!

Deep Pressure Therapy Basics

There are many ideas as to why pressure therapy works for anxiety, from the feeling of a calming and safe space like a hug to the potential release of endorphins, serotonin, and dopamine. What we do know is countless studies like this one show pressure therapy does work for numerous people to calm anxiety.  

The goal of applying pressure is to help a person with anxiety transition from fight-or-flight (managed by the sympathetic nervous system) to calm (which is managed by your parasympathetic nervous system). Anxiety service dogs can be trained to perform DPT, a learned task that can meet one of the requirements for service dog ownership. 

How Does DPT Work?

When a dog applies pressure, it’s like flipping a switch in your body that turns on the “calm mode.” Here’s what happens:

1. It helps your body relax instead of being in “fight or flight” mode.
2. It can make your brain release feel-good chemicals.
3. It helps you feel more connected to your body.
4. The contact with your dog can make you feel safe and loved.

Think of it like a weighted blanket, but better because it’s your furry friend! Weighted blankets have been used as a form of deep pressure therapy to alleviate anxiety. Using a dog to provide that comforting touch has the same goal. Studies have also shown that touch interactions with dogs can lower the stress hormone cortisol and increase levels of the feel-good hormone oxytocin.

Training Your Dog for DPT: A Step-by-Step Guide

Now, let’s get to the fun part: training your dog! Remember, every dog learns at their own pace, so be patient and keep it fun. 

Keep training sessions short and fun — 5 to 15 minutes is perfect. Always use positive feedback and treats. Never scold your dog for getting it wrong. If you get stuck, don’t be afraid to ask a professional dog trainer for help. Take breaks and play with your dog to keep them excited about learning. 

1. Start with the Basics
   Teach your dog simple commands like “sit,” “stay,” and “come.” Practice these in different places, like your backyard or a quiet park. Use treats and praise to make learning fun!
2. Introduce the Idea of Pressure
   Start by having your dog put their paw or head on your lap. Use a command like “Press” and give them a treat when they do it. When watching TV, call your dog over and say “Press.” Guide their paw to your lap and reward them.
3. Teach Different Positions
   Train your dog to lay across your lap, chest, or legs. Use phrases like “Lap,” “Chest,” or “Legs” to tell them where to go. Sit on the floor and pat your lap saying “Lap.” Guide your dog to lay across your lap and give them a treat.
4. Make it a Habit
   Use a clear signal, like saying “Pressure” or patting your chest. Practice in different places: in your home, backyard, or a friend’s house.
5. Longer and Stronger
   Slowly ask your dog to stay in position for longer times. If you have a bigger dog, work on full body pressure. For smaller dogs, focus on one area at a time. Start with 5 seconds of pressure, then 10, then 30. Before you know it, your dog will be a pro at staying put!
6. Practice Makes Perfect
   Try it out in different places with more distractions. Act out situations where you might need DPT, like pretending to be upset. Have a friend make sudden noises while you cue your dog for DPT. Reward your pup for staying focused on you.
7. Teach Your Dog to Spot Stress
   Help your dog notice when you’re feeling anxious. Reward them for coming to you without being called. When you’re feeling a bit stressed, exaggerate some signs like deep breathing or fidgeting. Praise your dog if they come to check on you.
8. Fine-Tune the Pressure
   Show your dog how to adjust their pressure. Use words like “More” for more pressure or “Easy” for less. The perfect amount of pressure is different for everyone. A good rule of thumb is about 10% of your body weight, but it’s really about what feels good to you. Start light and see what works best. Your dog will learn to read your cues!
9. Keep Practicing
   Do short training sessions often to keep skills sharp. Make it part of your daily routine, like during TV time.

Who Can Benefit from a DPT Dog?

DPT dogs can be super helpful for many people, including those with:

• Anxiety
• PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder)
• Autism
• ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder)
• Depression

For example, someone with anxiety might use their DPT dog during a stressful situation, like a crowded event. The dog’s pressure can help them feel grounded and calm.

Training Dogs of All Sizes

You don’t need a big dog to do DPT. Depending on the needs of the handler, different breeds can be the best for deep pressure therapy. Here’s how different-sized dogs can help with DPT:

Big Dogs (50+ lbs)

Big dogs are great for full body pressure because they can lay across your whole lap or chest. For example, a Golden Retriever can provide deep pressure by laying across your legs while you’re sitting on the couch.

Medium Dogs (25-50 lbs)

Medium sized dogs provide pressure to specific areas and might use their whole body length for maximum effect. A Cocker Spaniel could lay along your side when you’re lying down, providing comforting pressure.

Small Dogs (Under 25 lbs)

Smaller dogs are perfect for focused pressure on smaller areas and can use movement for added effect. A Chihuahua might walk back and forth across your chest or curl up tightly on your lap for concentrated pressure.

Remember, it’s not about how big your dog is, but how well they’re trained and how much they want to help you!

Training your dog to do deep pressure therapy can be a fun and rewarding experience for both of you. It might seem like a lot at first, but take it one step at a time, and you’ll be amazed at what your furry friend can learn.

Remember, every dog is different, and so is every person. The key is to find what works best for you and your pup. With patience, love, and lots of treats, you’ll have a skilled DPT partner in no time.