Does getting a dog increase recreational walking?

Abstract

Background: This study examines changes in socio-demographic, environmental and intrapersonal factors associated with dog acquisition in non-dog owners at baseline to 12-months follow-up and the effect of dog acquisition on minutes per week of recreational walking.

Evaluation of off-leash dog parks in Texas and Florida: A study of use patterns, user satisfaction, and perception

“…Canadian dog owners also participated in more mild to moderate physical activities and walked an average of 300 min/week compared to non-dog owners who walked an average of 168 min/week (Brown and Rhodes, 2006). Longitudinal studies support the notion that dog ownership promotes and maintains the level of physical activity (Cutt et al, 2008c;Thorpe et al, 2006). Dog ownership provides motivation, dog responsibility, and a form of social support, which has been identified as an effective behavioral strategy for increasing physical activity (Brown and Rhodes, 2006;Cutt et al, 2008b;Ham and Epping, 2006).…”

“…An off-leash dog park is defined as a designated off-leash area, which offers a safe, controlled environment for dogs to play, socialize and exergrowing interest in increasing human physical activity to prevent obesity and chronic disease, research in this area is valuable. There is increasing evidence of a positive association between dog walking and higher levels of physical activity (Bauman et al, 2001;Brown and Rhodes, 2006;Cutt et al, 2007Cutt et al, , 2008aCutt et al, , 2008bCutt et al, , 2008cColeman et al, 2008;Ham and Epping, 2006;Thorpe et al, 2006;Yabroff et al, 2008). Cross-sectional studies measuring the amount of physical activity associated with dog walking have been conducted internationally.…”

Pet Ownership and Cardiovascular Risk

“…46 Similarly, a longitudinal study of Western Australians taking part in the Residential Environments (RESIDE) project found that self-reported recreational walking increased 22 to 31 minutes per week among those who acquired a dog. 47 The primary mechanism through which acquisition of a dog leads to an increase in physical activity is believed to be behavioral intention (via the dog's positive effect on the owner's cognitive beliefs about walking), as well as motivation and social support for walking.…”

Older Adults and Pets—Physical and Psychological Benefits

“…Numerous suggestions are constantly offered to help people increase their activity levels, but one area that has yet to receive much attention is the effect that dog ownership can have on physical activity levels, and especially those of older adults. Several studies have found positive associations between dog ownership and physical activity of aging adults (Dembicki and Anderson 1996;Feng et al 2014;Gretebeck et al 2013;Toohey et al 2013;Garcia et al 2015;Boldt and Dellmann-Jenkins 1992;Friedmann and Thomas 1995;Cutt et al 2008), and it has been suggested by many that dog walking may be a viable strategy to combat the frequent decline of physical activity that often accompanies the aging process (Lim and Taylor 2005;Christian et al 2013;Cutt et al 2008;Toohey and Rock 2011).…”