Paws for healing: service dog training may soothe PTSD and brain injury symptoms
NCT ID NCT03907254
First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 26, 2026 · Updated 2 times
Summary
This study looked at whether teaching military members to train service dogs can improve symptoms of PTSD, anxiety, depression, and concussion. 156 participants spent one hour twice a week working with professional dog trainers. Researchers measured changes in stress, mood, sleep, and even blood markers like cortisol. The goal was to see if this hands-on program adds benefits beyond standard care.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- Service Dog Training Program
- What this could lead to
- If it works, this could offer a non-drug way to help military members manage PTSD, anxiety, and related symptoms.
- What could go wrong
- This is a completed study, but results are not yet widely confirmed. The training is time-intensive and may not work for everyone.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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Walter Reed National Military Medical Center
Bethesda, Maryland, 20889, United States
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