Habits, Beaches, Dogs and Leashes: Non-Compliance with Park Regulations

Abstract

Protected areas are important for both conserving natural resources and providing visitor experiences, but these two objectives are sometimes compromised when visitors do not comply with regulations. This issue was explored in a study in Canada's Pacific Rim National Park Reserve where non-compliance with off-leash dog regulations has led to negative impacts on wolves, shorebirds and visitor experiences. The theory of planned behaviour (TPB) was applied to explore factors that influence non-compliance with off-leash dog regulations. This study found moderate to strong relationships between visitor behavioural intentions towards compliance and the three concepts associated with the TPB that may shape intentions: attitude, subjective norms and perceived behavioural control. Weaker relationships were found between these concepts and beliefs thought to influence each concept. The relationship between intentions to comply and actual compliance behaviour was weaker, but these predictions became stronger when past behaviour regarding leashing dogs in the park (habit) was considered. This paper discusses how habitual off-leash dog walking affects TPB's ability to predict future behaviour of dog walkers, and how management strategies aimed at providing persuasive arguments for dog leashing are not likely to be as successful, unless combined with other approaches outlined in the paper.

Do Pro-Environmental Factors Lead to Customers’ Purchase Intention of Home Energy Management System? The Moderating Effects of Energy-Efficient Habits

“…These habits, which include behaviors like using energyefficient appliances or switching off lights when they're not in use, play a vital role in fostering sustainability [73]. In accordance with prior studies, habits and previous behaviors significantly influence environmentally sustainable behavioral intentions [74,75]. Chen et al [20] suggest that people's past experiences and routines related to HEMS systems profoundly shape their ATTs towards green technology and subsequent adoption behaviors.…”

The Loop Trail “Quest”: Use of a Choice-based Digital Simulation, An Interactive Video, and a Booklet to Communicate and Analyze Decision-making of Park Visitors

“…The presence of non-compliant behaviors is widely documented. However, the reasons why visitors engage in these behaviors are not widely studied, with the exception of convenience and avoidance to explain off-trail behavior (Wimpey & Marion, 2011), habituated behavior to explain dogs off-leash (Bowes et al, 2018), or personal morals and social norms related to littering (Hughes et al, 2009). Elements of GBL, such as digital simulations, may provide an opportunity to identify park visitor beliefs and salient themes that resonate (Marion & Reid, 2007) with park visitors and more specifically discover reasons why park visitors behave the way they do related to their own "self-interest".…”

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“…Off-trail hikers trample vegetation and disturb animals that may be feeding or protecting their young, which is exacerbated by off-leash dogs that can aggressively flush and harass animals (e.g. George & Crooks, 2006;Langston et al, 2007;Bowes et al, 2018). Remedial actions include protection of key habitats in NRZs, extension programs, signage, strategically placed plantings along trails and a requirement that all dogs be leashed, particularly during the spring, summer and fall seasons.…”