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Deep Pressure Therapy (DPT) – Lap

Service dogs undergo specialized training to perform behaviors that are tailored to meet the specific needs of their disabled handler. These trained behaviors are categorized based on how they are triggered. When the behavior is initiated by a command—whether verbal or visual—it is referred to as a “task.” Tasks are purposeful actions that the dog performs upon direct instruction from their handler, and they serve to assist with specific daily needs or challenges the handler faces.

On the other hand, when a behavior is triggered by an environmental cue, such as a particular sound, a shift in the handler’s body movements, or any other change in the surrounding environment, it is classified as “work.” Work refers to the dog’s ability to respond to external stimuli to aid their handler in real-time, without the need for explicit commands.

This explanation is part of a broader series that delves into various service dog tasks and work behaviors. The series will cover the purpose of these behaviors, how they support the handler in everyday life, and the methods and techniques used to train service dogs to perform them effectively.

There are many behaviors and training methods, but I’ll focus on the most important ones. If I’ve missed something, feel free to let me know!

Deep Pressure Therapy (DPT) – Lap

Deep Pressure Therapy is helpful for various reasons, with the most common being grounding and assisting a partner in managing anxiety, dissociative episodes, or similar situations. Depending on the dog’s size and the amount of pressure needed, DPT can look different.

  • A smaller dog might jump into their handler’s lap to sit or lay down.
  • A larger dog might place its front paws in the handler’s lap.
  • Any size dog might rest its chin on a body part of the handler (leg, foot, arm).

The two main behaviors for DPT are “Lap” and “Chin.” To teach your dog the “Lap” behavior, follow the steps below. Mark (using a clicker or saying “yes”) and reward correct actions, progressing to the next step only when the current one is consistent and reliable.

Training Steps for “Lap”:

As you work on duration, reward after random intervals, gradually increasing the amount of time between rewards. For example, reward after 2 seconds, then 4 seconds, 1 second, 3 seconds, and so on.

Sit in a chair or on a couch with your dog standing next to you.

Pat your leg enthusiastically and use an excited (faster, higher-pitched) voice to encourage your dog to jump into your lap. Mark, reward, and release.

You can lure with a treat if needed to help them get on your lap.

If your dog struggles to jump up, place them on a chair or couch next to you and encourage them to jump into your lap from there. Once they are consistent with that, try it with them on the ground.

Once they consistently jump up (either with front paws or their whole body), use a lure to guide them into a lying position (either lying down across your lap or laying flat on your legs).

Introduce the cue “Lap” (or another word of your choice). Say the cue word first, then encourage them into position.

If you’ve been using a lure, start to phase it out and encourage them to perform the behavior without it.

If needed, ask for the behavior, wait a moment, and then lure them onto your lap.

Gradually reduce the use of treats. Only reward quick and correct responses.

If they haven’t received a treat after five attempts, reward less-perfect results until they improve. Be sure to still provide occasional rewards, moving at a pace where they stay motivated.

Start increasing the duration of the behavior. Begin by rewarding after just a few seconds, then slowly increase the time they remain in place.

As you work on duration, reward after random intervals, gradually increasing the amount of time between rewards. For example, reward after 2 seconds, then 4 seconds, 1 second, 3 seconds, and so on.

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