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Dog Training Therapy for Youth Mental Health

This study is testing if a dog training program can help young people (ages 8-17) who are receiving mental health services. It compares two programs: "Recovery & Care Canine-Assisted Therapy," which involves structured dog training over six weeks, and "Canine Education & Bonding," which focuses on education and free play with dogs. The goal is to see if the structured dog training can improve emotional self-regulation, impulse control, and self-esteem. You might be able to join if you are currently receiving or recently received outpatient mental health services and are interested in the program. We'll measure success by looking at changes in emotional responses and attention after the program. The current recruitment status is unclear.

Study design
This study involves 48 participants who will be randomly assigned to one of two 6-week interventions. It uses a longitudinal, within-person design.
What's involved
You would participate in one of two 6-week interventions. The "Recovery & Care Canine-Assisted Therapy" involves weekly 1 hour and 15 minute sessions, and "Canine Education & Bonding" involves weekly 45-minute sessions.
Compensation
Not stated in the trial record.
Follow-up
Your emotional responses and attention will be measured up to one month after the intervention ends.

AI-generated from the public study record. Only the study team can confirm whether you're eligible — confirm details with them before making decisions.

NCT05788783

Feasibility of a Dog Training Therapy Program in UC Outpatient Youth Receiving Psychiatric Services

Recruiting
NAAges 8–17InterventionalTreatment
University of Chicago
~48 participants
Updated 2025-08-21 on ClinicalTrials.gov
What's tested:Recovery & Care Canine-Assisted TherapyCanine Education & Bonding

At a glance

Recruiting sites
1 of 1 listed site is recruiting right now
RecruitingSuspended, closed, or not yet open
What they're measuring
Emotional Stroop
Measured over Up to 1-month post-intervention
+6 more outcomes measured

Conditions

Emotion Regulation
Behavioral Disorder
Self Esteem

Explore related trials

Behavioral DisorderEmotion Regulation Disorder

Where it's being run

1 sites across 1 states
Illinois1

Who to contact

Kristen Jacobson, PhD
[email protected]
773-834-0265
Email the study team

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Do you actually qualify for this trial?

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Eligibility criteria

Inclusion

Currently receiving outpatient mental health services at the University of Chicago or have received outpatient mental health services from the community in the last 12 months.
Available for scheduling during the entire 6-week intervention program
Interest in participating in the program

Exclusion

Severe cognitive, psychiatric, or physical condition or limitation that would prevent participation.
Severe animal allergy
Animal phobia
History of mistreatment of animals.
Above-average scores on both measures of behavioral regulation and emotional regulation
WASI t-score of intellectual ability \< 60.

What this trial measures

  • Emotional StroopUp to 1-month post-intervention

    Computer-Assisted task assessing affect regulation

  • Change in Emotional StroopChange from baseline to up to 1-month post-intervention

    Computer-Assisted task assessing affect regulation

  • Flanker TaskUp to 1-month post-intervention

    Computer-Assisted task assessing attention \& inhibitory control

  • Change in Flanker TaskChange from baseline to up to 1-month post-intervention

    Computer-Assisted task assessing attention \& inhibitory control

  • Rosenberg Self-Esteem ScaleUp to 1-month post-intervention

    10-item self-report scale assessing self-esteem. Higher scores are better outcomes

  • Change in Rosenberg Self-Esteem ScaleChange from baseline to up to 1-month post-intervention

    10-item self-report scale assessing self-esteem. Higher scores are better outcomes

  • Change in Negative AffectChange from the beginning to the end of each of the 6 weekly intervention sessions

    In addition to overall change in outcomes post intervention, we are also interested in whether each intervention session produces an immediate change in youth emotion. We will assess negative affect using 5 self-report items on current mood from positive and negative affect scale. Higher scores are worse outcomes.