Dog ownership and physical activity: a review of the evidence

Dog walking is a strategy for increasing population levels of physical activity (PA). Numerous cross-sectional studies of the relationship between dog ownership and PA have been conducted. The purpose was to review studies comparing PA of dog owners (DO) to nondog owners (NDO), summarize the prevale...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of physical activity & health 2013-07, Vol.10 (5), p.750-759
Main Authors: Christian, Hayley E, Westgarth, Carri, Bauman, Adrian, Richards, Elizabeth A, Rhodes, Ryan E, Evenson, Kelly R, Mayer, Joni A, Thorpe, Jr, Roland J
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adult
Aged
Aged, 80 and over
Animals
Australia
Dogs
Exercise
Humans
Meta-Analysis as Topic
Middle Aged
Pets
Prevalence
Recreation
United States
Walking
Walking - statistics & numerical data
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Summary:Dog walking is a strategy for increasing population levels of physical activity (PA). Numerous cross-sectional studies of the relationship between dog ownership and PA have been conducted. The purpose was to review studies comparing PA of dog owners (DO) to nondog owners (NDO), summarize the prevalence of dog walking, and provide recommendations for research. A review of published studies (1990-2010) examining DO and NDO PA and the prevalence of dog walking was conducted (N = 29). Studies estimating the relationship between dog ownership and PA were grouped to create a point- estimate using meta-analysis. Most studies were conducted in the last 5 years, were cross-sectional, and sampled adults from Australia or the United States. Approximately 60% of DO walked their dog, with a median duration and frequency of 160 minutes/week and 4 walks/week, respectively. Meta-analysis showed DO engage in more walking and PA than NDO and the effect sizes are small to moderate (d = 0.26 and d = 0.16, respectively). Three studies provided evidence of a directional relationship between dog ownership and walking. Longitudinal and interventional studies would provide stronger causal evidence for the relationship between dog ownership and PA. Improved knowledge of factors associated with dog walking will guide intervention research.
ISSN:1543-3080
1543-5474
DOI:10.1123/jpah.10.5.750