No Dog. No Walks.

~ Live & Learn

Dog walking is a popular everyday physical activity. Dog owners are generally more active than non-owners, but some rarely walk with their dog. The strength of the dog–owner relationship is known to be correlated with dog walking, and this qualitative study investigates why. Twenty-six interviews were combined with autoethnography of dog walking experiences. Dog walking was constructed as “for the dog”, however, owners represented their dog’s needs in a way which aligned with their own. Central to the construction of need was perceptions of dog personality and behaviour. Owners reported deriving positive outcomes from dog walking, most notably, feelings of “happiness”, but these were “contingent” on the perception that their dogs were enjoying the experience. Owner physical activity and social interaction were secondary bonuses but rarely motivating. Perceptions and beliefs of owners about dog walking were continually negotiated, depending on how the needs of the owner and dog were constructed at that time. Complex social interactions with the “significant other” of a pet can strongly motivate human health behaviour. Potential interventions to promote dog walking need to account for this complexity and the effect of the dog-owner relationship on owner mental wellbeing.

~ Carri Westgarth, abstract from I Walk My Dog Because It Makes Me Happy: A Qualitative Study to Understand Why Dogs Motivate Walking and Improved Health (mdpi.com, August 19, 2017)

Notes:

  • Inspired by our Zeke, and his passing one year ago today. (9/5/16) His photo above.
  • Related Posts: Zeke

44 thoughts on “No Dog. No Walks.”

  1. Oh, Dave and Susan I am so sorry this must be such a difficult day…glad, though that you have such a wonderful photo of him and so many wonderful memories…

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  4. Such a bittersweet memory of a handsome pup. Is there room in your heart for a new “best friend” ???? It took us a long time, and I was reluctant to commit again…but a rescue pup showed up after many years. It is sweet.

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  9. I’m sorry for your loss David. Dogs are such pivotal parts of our lives, it’s devastating to lose their companionship when they go. I believe they contribute not only to our mental and physical health but our social well being also. Zeke looks like a sweet boy. I’m sure you miss him terribly.

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  20. The years pass but the sorrow doesn’t. I still miss my Frankie and always will. But ~ just last night ~ Hubbs commented that perhaps we need a dog again. My heart sang! I’m ready but I’ve been waiting for him …

    and your boy was sure handsome.

    MJ

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