Imagine having a constant companion by your side. They are trained to help you with daily tasks and provide unwavering emotional support. This is the reality for many individuals with disabilities who rely on service dogs to enhance their quality of life.
Among the various types of service dogs, DPT (Deep Pressure Therapy) service dogs play a unique and crucial role.
In this blog post, we will explore the common tasks and duties of a DPT service dog.
Deep Pressure Therapy (DPT)
One of the primary duties of a DPT service dog is to provide Deep Pressure Therapy (DPT). The task involves the dog applying gentle, steady pressure to a part of the handler’s body. This pressure can help relieve anxiety, stress, and other symptoms of disabilities.
The service dog training for DPT involves teaching the dog to apply pressure. They are taught to do this in different ways. They might lean against the handler’s leg or rest their head on their lap. This pressure can also be used to interrupt self-harming behaviors or meltdowns, providing a calming effect for the handler.
Detecting Anxiety Attacks
One of the assistance dog duties that a DPT service dog is trained for is detecting and responding to anxiety attacks. These dogs are highly attuned to their handler’s emotions and can sense the onset of an anxiety attack before the handler even realizes it.
Once they detect an anxiety attack, these service dogs are trained to give physical or emotional support. They use DPT techniques and calming cues.
For example, they lick their handler’s face or nudge them with their nose. This quick intervention can help prevent the full onset of an anxiety attack and allow the handler to regain control.
Behavior Disruption
Service dogs are also trained for behavior disruption. This involves stopping harmful or repetitive behaviors and redirecting the handler’s focus.
DPT service dogs are trained to use their body weight and pressure to disrupt negative behaviors gently. They can also be taught specific tasks such as bringing a toy or reminding the handler to take breaks, helping them refocus and manage their behaviors better.
Retrieving Medications
Another essential task for DPT service dogs is retrieving medications for their handlers. This task is particularly crucial for individuals with mobility impairments who may have difficulty reaching for or opening medication bottles.
Service dogs can be trained to retrieve specific medications based on verbal or hand signals from their handler. Knowing what it takes to get an emotional support animal can help in knowing how to take medication when you may not be feeling well.
Providing Psychiatric Support
DPT service dogs also offer vital psychiatric support to individuals with mental health disorders such as PTSD, depression, and bipolar disorder. These dogs are trained to sense changes in their handler’s mood. They provide comforting touch to ease symptoms.
Moreover, these dogs can be trained to perform specific tasks that help their handler manage daily stressors and triggers. This includes reminding their handler to take pills. They also do room searches to create safety.
Training a DPT Service Dog
A DPT service dog is more than just a helpful companion – they are trained to provide essential support and assistance for individuals with disabilities. These dogs play a crucial role in enhancing the quality of life for their handlers.
As we continue to recognize the importance of service dogs, it is vital to spread awareness about their duties and the impact they have on the lives of those they serve.
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