Imitation-based Dog Assisted Intervention, for Children With Developmental Disabilities.
Physical Activity, Social Responsibility
About this trial
This is an interventional other trial for Physical Activity
Eligibility Criteria
Inclusion Criteria:
- Between 8- 17 years with or without a disability (per parental report)
- Has a family dog (dog in the home)
Exclusion Criteria:
- Not able to follow basic instructions/
Sites / Locations
- Oregon State University
Arms of the Study
Arm 1
Arm 2
Arm 3
Experimental
Active Comparator
No Intervention
DAID
Dog walking
Control
Trained assistants will help participants train their dog to engage in imitation based dog training, using positive reinforcement training (operant conditioning) focused on physical activities.
Trained assistants will help children train their dog to walk on a loose leash (eliminate pulling behavior) during this period using positive training techniques. The focus of this group will be on appropriate walking behavior to facilitate enjoyable independent dog-walking at home.
This group will all own family dogs but will not participate in either intervention during year 1. All participants assigned to the waitlist will be offered the DAID intervention the subsequent summer.