Barriers and motivators for owners walking their dog: results from qualitative research

Abstract

Issue addressed This qualitative research explored the relationship between dog ownership and dog-related, social environmental and physical environmental factors associated with walking with a dog. Methods Seven focus groups with dog owners (n=51) were conducted. A pre-determined discussion guide was used and transcripts were analysed as group data, using content analysis to identify common themes. Results Many of the physical environmental barriers and facilitators that influenced dog owners to walk were similar to those found in the literature for general walking. However, a number of key motivators for walking, specific to dog owners, were identified. Dog owners reported that their dog was a strong source of motivation, companionship and social support that encouraged them to walk with their dog. The availability and accessibility of public open space (POS) for dogs and the provision of dog-related infrastructure within POS were also important environmental factors that affected whether owners walked with their dog. Conclusions Results from this qualitative study were used to develop the Dogs and Physical Activity (DAPA) tool which is now being used to measure the walking behaviour of dog owners. So what? With almost 40% of households owning a dog, the contribution of regular dog walking to overall physical activity levels may have a positive effect on the proportion of the community who are sufficiently active. Understanding the factors that encourage owners to regularly walk with their dog will help to develop population health strategies aimed at increasing the amount of walking people undertake with their dog.

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