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Results from: “Supportive neighbourhood built characteristics and dog-walking in
Canadian adults”
McCormack GR, Graham TM, Christian H, Toohey AM, Rock MJ
Dog-walkers and their environment
Dog-walking is a key part of dog-ownership and results in health benefits for both the dog and the owner (1). Despite one third of Canadians owning dogs, only two thirds of dogs are walked regularly (2). Evidence suggests that in urban neighbourhoods, aspects of the built environment can either support (e.g. off leash dog parks) or deter dog-walking (e.g. presence of wildlife) (3). Additionally, some built features, like pathway quality and traffic safety, may affect general walking behaviours of all residents in a neighbourhood, not only dog-owners (4). Understanding how both non-dog-walkers and dog-walkers perceive their neighbourhood environment and walkability may better inform planning interventions with the goal of encouraging more frequent dog-walking. In 2016, a Canadian study estimated the perceived differences of the neighbourhood built environment between dog-walkers and non-dog-walkers, as well as the association of such perceptions on how often they walked their dog.
Do dog-walkers perceived neighbourhoods differently?
Interviews were completed with a sample of Canadian adults who owned dogs and who did not own dogs. Non dog-owners were found to have more positive perceptions of street connectivity, pedestrian infrastructure, and walkability of the neighbourhood. Dog-owners, regardless of whether they walked their dogs or not, shared similar perceptions of their neighbourhood built environment. However, this perception of their environment did not affect their likelihood to walk their dog. For owners that do walk their dogs, findings estimated that perceived neighbourhood aesthetics and overall walkability would encourage more dog-walking, specifically, a greater likelihood of walking their dog more than four times a week. While efforts to create built environments more supportive of dog-walking may not encourage dog owners to begin walking their dogs, evidence suggests it may support more regular walking by those that already walk their dogs.
Suggested Citation: McCormack GR, Graham TM, Christian H, Toohey AM, Rock MJ. Supportive neighbourhood built characteristics and dog-walking in Canadian adults. Canadian journal of public health. 2016 May;107(3):e245-50.
References:
Soares J, Epping JN, Owens CJ, Brown DR, Lankford TJ, Simoes EJ, Caspersen CJ. Odds of getting adequate physical activity by dog walking. Journal of Physical Activity and Health. 2015 Jan 1;12(s1):S102-9.
Christian HE, Westgarth C, Bauman A, Richards EA, Rhodes RE, Evenson KR, Mayer JA, Thorpe RJ. Dog ownership and physical activity: a review of the evidence. Journal of Physical Activity and Health. 2013 Jul 1;10(5):750-9.
Cutt HE, Giles‐Corti B, Wood LJ, Knuiman MW, Burke V. Barriers and motivators for owners walking their dog: results from qualitative research. Health Promotion Journal of Australia. 2008;19(2):118-24.
Saelens BE, Handy SL. Built environment correlates of walking: a review. Medicine and science in sports and exercise. 2008 Jul;40(7 Suppl):S550.
Posted August 9, 2019
Written by Emma Chong
Infographic by Emma Chong