Using dog training to help youth with emotional and behavioral issues
Assessing a Structured, Goal-Oriented, Animal-Assisted Therapy Program among Youth with Socioemotional Problems: A Pilot Study of Feasibility, Acceptability, and Initial Efficacy
This study is exploring a fun dog training program that helps young people facing social and emotional challenges feel better and build their social skills, all while working with dogs over 8 to 10 weeks at a special treatment center in Chicago.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Chicago NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10705738 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates a structured program that uses dog training as a form of therapy for youth experiencing social, emotional, and behavioral challenges. The program, developed by the Canine-Therapy Corps, consists of 8 to 10 weeks of goal-oriented activities that focus on training dogs, aiming to provide therapeutic benefits beyond traditional therapies. Participants will engage in structured sessions designed to improve their emotional well-being and social skills, with the program being implemented at a residential treatment center for vulnerable youth in Chicago.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are youth aged 0-21 who are experiencing social, emotional, or behavioral difficulties.
Not a fit: Patients who do not have social, emotional, or behavioral issues may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could enhance therapeutic options for youth with emotional and behavioral problems, potentially leading to improved mental health outcomes.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in using animal-assisted therapies for emotional and behavioral issues, but this structured approach is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
Chicago, United States
- University of Chicago — Chicago, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Jacobson, Kristen C. — University of Chicago
- Study coordinator: Jacobson, Kristen C.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.