Dog training therapy program for youth with emotional and behavioral challenges
Official title: Evaluating the Impact of a Canine-assisted Therapy Program in Youth Enrolled in Outpatient Treatment for Social, Emotional, and Behavioral Problems.
Run by University of Chicago · NCT05788783 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a dog training therapy program to see if it helps young people with emotional and behavioral challenges feel better while they receive outpatient psychiatric care.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 8 Years to 17 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 48 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of Chicago Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Chicago, Illinois) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | February 26, 2024 |
| Main results expected | December 2025 |
| Study ends | December 2025 |
| Registry record updated | August 21, 2025 |
| Trial ID | NCT05788783 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are youth currently receiving outpatient mental health services who are interested in participating in a structured dog training program.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with severe cognitive, psychiatric, or physical limitations, or those with severe animal allergies or phobias, may not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This pilot project aims to evaluate the feasibility and initial efficacy of a canine-assisted therapy program for youth receiving outpatient psychiatric services. Participants will engage in a structured 6-week intervention that includes dog training activities designed to enhance emotional self-regulation, impulse control, and self-efficacy. The study will compare outcomes between those participating in the canine-assisted therapy and those in an active control condition focused on canine education and bonding. The program is delivered by trained professionals and aims to provide preliminary evidence for the effectiveness of this innovative therapeutic approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this program could significantly improve emotional regulation and self-esteem in youth with mental health challenges.
How similar studies have gone: While canine-assisted therapies are gaining attention, this specific approach is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested in similar outpatient settings.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * 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 Criteria: * 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.
Where it's running
-
University of Chicago
Chicago, Illinois, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Kristen Jacobson, PhD
- Email: kjacobso@bsd.uchicago.edu
- Phone: 773-834-0265
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.