Lap Therapy™

All Dire Wolf Project puppies are given daily regimens of Lap Therapy™ after they return to the house from the Raw Pup™ stage.  This important bonding period starts with 5 minutes of Lap Therapy™ twice a day at the age of 3 weeks.  After each week we increase the time in 5 minute increments.  We follow the exact same routine listed here.  When you finally receive your new pup, it will already be able to lie still for 20 to 30 minutes at a time.  If you continue to do Lap Therapy™ with your pup, bonding will be effortless and you will be on your way to a great and lasting partnership for many years to come.  My dogs know when the brush comes out that Lap Therapy™ is coming.  They come to me and patiently wait their turn.  I never have to call them over.  

1. In order to perform Lap Therapy™ correctly, you will need a regular place set aside for this activity.  Routine is important.  
2. Bring treats, a toy, a damp cloth and a brush. (I use a slicker brush)  
3. You can sit in a chair or on the floor with your pup either on your lap or in between your legs.  This time should be a happy time for you and the little one.  
4. Your pup should be calm and remain quiet during the whole session.  
5. Your American Dirus dog can lie on its side or lay upright, but it must be not be sitting or standing during this time.  
6. First, run your hands gently and slowly over your pup's muzzle, head, and ears.  This is a time to be aware of any health problems in this area.  Gently open your pup's mouth and look at its teeth.  Then, look at the eyes and into the ears.  You can rub out the inside of your puppy's ears to clean them with a damp cloth.  Give a treat to your puppy, but remember to go slow and hand the treat slowly and gently.  No quick movements during this time.
7. Next, run your hands gently down the neck. Massage the muscles gently as you go.  Always use slow movements.
8. Run your hand down the back and sides of your American Dirus dog.  Again, you can massage as you go.  This will greatly calm your pup, as you can imagine. (Don't you wish you were an American Dirus dog?)
9. Form your hand into an oval and go down your pup's tail.  
10. Now you can concentrate on the feet.  Rub down the sides, massaging the muscles as you go.  Hold your pup's toes and slide your fingers inside the creases and underneath in the pads. Work each foot separately.
11. Give you pup a treat for being quiet.  Remember to remain slow and not to get your pup overly excited here.
12. At this time, you can get your brush and work behind the ears, tail, and the backs of the legs especially.  Your pup will probably like this as it can feel like a back scratch.  Remember to go slow at all times while brushing.  
13. You can give your pup a hug and and stay there for another quiet moment if you want to at this point.
14. Now you are ready to release your dog from its pleasures.  Don't forget that it's important to tell your dog when time is done.  I usually say the word "okay" and my dogs shoot up and wag and lick me all over.  

If you do this every day, or at least every other day, then you will find a more calm and alert dog as well as a more calm and alert you.  It's a great way to bond and be together with your new friend.