This is when the dog uses their weight and strategically distributes it on their handler. There are two common places the dog will place their weight:
- on the chest and
- on the handlers legs.
Deep touch pressure decreases the feeling of fight or flight, decreasing the level of cortisol (stress hormone).
Pressure therapy also releases serotonin and dopamine which are the “happy” hormones. Decreased heart-rate de-escalates panic attacks and psychiatric distress.
Deep pressure stimulation regulates blood pressure, which can also aid someone to regain consciousness after a fainting episode.