Dog Training Therapy for Behavioral Disorders

Overseen By Jennifer A Ponting

Age: < 18

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: University of Chicago

Disqualifiers: Severe cognitive, psychiatric, physical, others

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Approved in 1 Jurisdiction This treatment is already approved in other countries

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 6

48 Participants Needed

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial explores whether training dogs can help young people with social, emotional, and behavioral challenges improve their self-control and confidence. Participants will engage in structured, goal-oriented dog training activities to determine if interacting with dogs can boost emotional regulation and impulse control. The trial includes two groups: one focuses on active dog training therapy (Recovery & Care Canine-Assisted Therapy), and the other on canine education and bonding. It suits youth currently in outpatient mental health services who are interested and available for a six-week program.

As an unphased study, this trial offers participants a unique opportunity to explore innovative therapeutic approaches in a supportive environment.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It is best to consult with the trial coordinators or your healthcare provider for guidance.

What prior data suggests that this dog training therapy is safe for youth with behavioral disorders?

Research has shown that therapy with dogs is generally safe for people. No reported cases of infections spreading from dogs to humans in these settings exist. This therapy can improve mental health and behavior in individuals with mental health or developmental conditions. Participants often experience a better quality of life, less anxiety, and reduced pain. These outcomes suggest that therapy with dogs is well-tolerated, making it a promising option for those considering joining a clinical trial. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about Recovery & Care Canine-Assisted Therapy for behavioral disorders because it introduces a unique, interactive approach that utilizes specially trained dogs to help youth develop emotional and social skills. Unlike traditional treatments that often rely on medication or talk therapy, this therapy offers a hands-on experience that promotes healing through the human-animal bond. Additionally, the Active control arm, Canine Education & Bonding, focuses on teaching youth how to care for and bond with dogs, which can enhance empathy and responsibility. This method may provide benefits beyond symptom management, potentially leading to long-term improvements in behavior and emotional well-being.

What evidence suggests that this trial's treatments could be effective for behavioral disorders?

Research has shown that interacting with dogs can improve mental health and behavior in individuals with mental health or developmental challenges. This interaction helps them manage emotions, control impulses, and build self-belief. In this trial, participants will join one of two arms. The Recovery & Care Canine-Assisted Therapy program, featuring structured activities with dogs, serves as one of the active intervention arms and may positively impact these areas. Working with dogs might help participants develop better coping skills and emotional control. Although more research is needed, early results are promising for young people receiving outpatient treatment for social, emotional, and behavioral issues. ^{1 2 3 6 7}

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for young people getting outpatient mental health services at the University of Chicago Medical Center. They should be available for the full 8-week dog training therapy program and interested in joining.

Inclusion Criteria

I am interested in joining the program.

Currently receiving outpatient mental health services in the Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Neuroscience or are receiving general pediatric services from the University of Chicago Medical Center

I am available for the full 6-week program.

Exclusion Criteria

I do not have severe mental, emotional, or physical conditions that would stop me from participating.

Severe animal allergy

Animal phobia

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Intervention

Participants engage in either the Recovery & Care Canine-Assisted Therapy or the Canine Education & Bonding intervention for 6 weeks

6 weeks

6 visits (in-person)

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for changes in social skills, affect, and self-esteem up to 1 month after the intervention

4 weeks

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Canine Education & Bonding
• Recovery & Care Canine-Assisted Therapy

Trial Overview The study tests a canine-assisted therapy where youth work with dogs to improve self-esteem, emotional control, and behavior. It checks if this approach is doable, liked by participants, and effective in the short term.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Experimental Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Active intervention. Youth will be assigned to the active Recovery \& Care Canine-Assisted Therapy intervention arm.

Group II: Active control Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Active control intervention. Youth will be assigned to the active Canine Education \& Bonding arm.

Recovery & Care Canine-Assisted Therapy is already approved in United States for the following indications:

Approved in United States as Recovery & Care Canine-Assisted Therapy for:

• Emotional self-regulation
• Impulse control
• Self-efficacy in youth with mental health problems

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

University of Chicago

Lead Sponsor

Trials

1,086

Recruited

844,000+

Canine-Therapy Corp

Collaborator

Trials

2

Recruited

100+

Published Research Related to This Trial

Canine-assisted occupational therapy can enhance emotional safety and rapport between children on the autism spectrum and their therapists, as reported by parents in a study involving 10 participants.

However, the presence of a therapy dog alone is not enough to ensure engagement; the therapist's skills and the structure of goal-directed therapy are crucial for effective outcomes.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Canine-assisted occupational therapy for children on the autism spectrum: Parents' perspectives. Hill, JR., Ziviani, J., Driscoll, C.[2021]

Partnerships with psychiatric assistance dogs significantly reduce PTSD severity in military veterans, with a large effect size (g = -1.129; p<0.0001) based on a meta-analysis of 9 studies.

The review highlights improvements in mental and social health for veterans with PTSD, although impacts on physical health and overall quality of life remain inconclusive, indicating areas for further research.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Assistance dogs for military veterans with PTSD: A systematic review, meta-analysis, and meta-synthesis. Leighton, SC., Nieforth, LO., O'Haire, ME.[2022]

Animal-assisted therapy (AAT), particularly with dogs, shows promise in significantly improving PTSD symptoms, as suggested by ongoing randomized controlled trials.

AAT may also have potential benefits in preventing suicide among PTSD patients and could be effective with various types of animals, not just canines.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Animal-Assisted Therapy for Post-traumatic Stress Disorder: Lessons from "Case Reports" in Media Stories. Altschuler, EL.[2019]

Programs where incarcerated individuals train shelter dogs as therapy animals for Veterans with PTSD are emerging as a response to inadequate treatment options for these Veterans, highlighting the potential of animal therapy in mental health care.

There is a need for regulation and standardized training methods in these programs to ensure that Veterans receive well-trained service dogs, as the current lack of oversight leads to inconsistencies in the quality of support provided.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Helping War Veterans with Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: Incarcerated Individuals' Role in Therapeutic Animal Programs. Furst, G.[2018]

Animal-assisted therapy can significantly help patients with chronic diseases by reducing anxiety, stress, and pain, while also improving mobility and muscular strength.

Dogs are the most commonly used animals in these therapies due to their sociability and training, but careful management is necessary to prevent health risks associated with pet interactions.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

[Animal- assisted therapy in health care facilities]. Jofré M, L.[2020]

This study is the first to evaluate the effects of animal-assisted therapy (AAT) on injured service members, specifically 24 participants in an Occupational Therapy Life Skills program, aiming to support their reintegration.

While no significant differences were found in measured outcomes, participants reported positive emotional experiences with therapy dogs, indicating potential benefits in mood and stress management, suggesting AAT may be a valuable addition to rehabilitation programs.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The effects of animal-assisted therapy on wounded warriors in an Occupational Therapy Life Skills program. Beck, CE., Gonzales, F., Sells, CH., et al.[2012]

Animal Assisted Therapy (AAT) can significantly enhance rehabilitation outcomes by engaging and motivating patients, but it requires certified and trained therapy teams to ensure safety and effectiveness.

Collaboration between AAT therapists and other clinicians is essential for maximizing treatment opportunities and achieving specific rehabilitation goals, highlighting the need for standardized practices in this emerging field.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Collaboration in Animal-Assisted Activities and Animal-Assisted Therapy. Decina, E., Evangelista, B., Harantschuk, A.[2022]

A therapy dog program at a burn center showed positive effects on patient pain and anxiety levels, with all patients expressing a desire for more sessions with the dogs after one year.

Staff members also reported high satisfaction with the therapy dog visits, noting improved mood and a strong interest in continuing the program, indicating its feasibility and acceptability in a burn rehabilitation setting.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Impact of the implementation of a therapy dog program on burn center patients and staff. Pruskowski, KA., Gurney, JM., Cancio, LC.[2020]

Pet facilitated therapy can provide significant therapeutic benefits for individuals with chronic mental illness, potentially improving patient care outcomes.

Successful implementation of a pet facilitated therapy program requires careful planning, including establishing policies for animal interactions and selecting appropriate pets based on patients' personalities and experiences.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Pet project. The use of pet facilitated therapy among the chronically mentally ill. Hundley, J.[2022]

Animal-assisted therapy (AAT) is a collaborative approach that integrates various health disciplines to enhance human health through interactions with qualified therapy animals, particularly dogs.

In Taiwan, the development of canine AAT has been documented, highlighting its benefits and outcomes, while also addressing practical challenges and suggesting improvements for future services and research.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

[Lassie's magic: animal-assisted therapy in Taiwan]. Yeh, ML.[2009]

Animal-assisted therapy (AAT) was integrated into the rehabilitation of a middle-aged female patient after spinal surgery, comprising 32% of her therapy sessions, and aimed to enhance her engagement in therapeutic activities.

While the study noted improvements in sitting tolerance and functional independence measures, it could not definitively conclude the efficacy of AAT due to simultaneous therapies, highlighting the need for more rigorous research in this area.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The use of animal-assisted therapy in combination with physical therapy in an inpatient rehabilitation facility: A case report. Denzer-Weiler, C., Hreha, K.[2018]

Citations

1. clinicaltrials.gov clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05840198

NCT05840198 | LH Canine Therapy Study The goal of this pilot project is to test for initial efficacy of the Recovery & Care Canine-Assisted Therapy program that has been developed and ...

2. withpower.com withpower.com/trial/phase-emotion-regulation-4-2023-c3130

Canine-Assisted Therapy for Behavioral Disorders Trial Overview The study compares Recovery & Care Canine-Assisted Therapy—a structured program involving dog training activities—with usual treatment methods.

3. trial.medpath.com trial.medpath.com/clinical-trial/a355e8478e6de1d9/nct05788783-evaluating-impact-canine-assisted-therapy-youth-outpatient-treatment

Feasibility of a Dog Training Therapy Program in UC ... The goal of this pilot project is to test for initial efficacy of the Recovery \& Care Canine-Assisted Therapy program that has been developed and ...

4. withpower.com withpower.com/trial/phase-emotion-regulation-2-2023-afbc2

Dog Training Therapy for Behavioral Disorders The goal of this pilot project is to test for initial efficacy of the Recovery \& Care Canine-Assisted Therapy program that has been developed and ...

5. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7617605/

Dog-assisted interventions for children and adults with ... DAIs may be promising for improving mental health and behavioural outcomes for those with mental health or neurodevelopmental conditions.

6. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11167866/

The role of dog therapy in clinical recovery and improving ... Quality of life of the participants improved significantly, their pain and anxiety levels were significantly reduced, they felt significantly ...

7. caninetherapycorps.org caninetherapycorps.org/programs

Our Programs | Therapy Dog Training & Animal Assisted ... Read about our Canine Therapy Corps programs on this page, including recovery and care programs. We offer animal assisted therapy programs, and so much more ...