Research in Human-Animal Interaction
Ham, S. A.; Epping, J.;
Preventing Chronic Disease. National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Washington, USA: 2006. 3: 2, A47.
Introduction: Dog walking is a purposeful physical activity that may have health benefits for humans and canines. A descriptive epidemiology of the contribution of dog walking to physically active lifestyles among dog walkers in the United States has not been previously reported. Methods: Data on youth and adults who reported walking for pet care trips (N=1282) on the National Household Travel Survey 2001 were analysed for number of trips, proportion walking a dog for at least 10 minutes on one trip, and accumulation of 30 minutes or more in 1 day of walks lasting at least 10 minutes. Results: In 1 day, 58.9% of dog walkers took two or more walks, 80.2% took at least one walk of 10 minutes or more, and 42.3% accumulated 30 minutes or more from walks lasting at least 10 minutes each. There were no significant differences by sex, family income, or categories of urbanization. Conclusion: Walking a dog may contribute to a physically active lifestyle and should be promoted as a strategy that fits within the framework set forth by the Task Force on Community Preventive Services for Physical Activity.