2016/05/03 by Kate Campbell, Catherine M. Smith, Cath Smith +3
Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology · Environmental Science · Social Sciences · #Geographies of human-animal interactions #Human-Animal Interaction Studies #Urban Green Space and Health
paper · doi:10.1080/08927936.2015.1082770
openalex publication_date 2016/05/03 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/26
The aim of this study was to explore perceptions of health and wellbeing related to dog-walking in healthy adults. Ten self-reported healthy adult dog-walkers took part in one dog-walk-along interview, and nine of the 10 participants also attended one follow-up participatory analysis session. All interviews took place within the metropolitan area of Dunedin, Aotearoa/New Zealand. Dog-walk-along interviews were participant-led, audio and video recorded, and transcribed. Participants’ input into the inductive generation of themes was sought during the follow-up participatory analysis session. Three themes were identified: participants had an “Emotional Connection” with their dog(s); dog-walking led to “Healthy Interactions” (social and environmental interactions); and participants had come to value dog-walking for its aggregate benefits for Psychological Wellbeing. Our dog-walk-along interviews have revealed novel insights about how the emotional connection between human and dog strengthens intrinsic motivation to exercise (through dog-walking) whilst concurrently enhancing human psychological wellbeing through the act of giving something that gives pleasure to the dog. Through the combined methods of dog-walk-along interviews and participatory analysis sessions, we were able to identify negative influences on human psychological well-being that included anxiety about both dog behaviors and social encounters with other humans. Positive and negative aspects of dog-walking that we identified can be used by health promotion advocates to refine dog-walking related advice, programs, and initiatives.