Understanding the Factors Influencing Movement Behaviors Among Dog Owners

This dissertation investigates two key objectives: 1) to understand influences of physical activity among dog owners, and 2) to determine if there were differences in objectively measured physical activity levels and/or affect at times when dog owners are with their dogs compared to times when they are not with their dogs. To address the first objective, a qualitative study was conducted with 20 dog owners using semi-structured interviews, constant comparative methodology, grounded theory, and open coding. The findings revealed several key barriers to physical activity and dog walking such as physical health, seasons/weather, time/schedules, and dog specific limitations. Key facilitators of activity and dog walking that emerged include access to resources, environment/infrastructure, partner/social support, physical and mental health, weather, dog personality and behavior, and obligation to dog and/or dog owner lifestyle. Strategies to overcome these barriers and leverage the existing human-dog relationship, along with current facilitators, are essential to increasing physical activity levels, particularly among inactive dog owners. For the second objective, an ecological momentary assessment study was conducted with 46 dog owners to assess differences in physical activity and affect in real-time. The results indicated no differences in physical activity levels (steps, METs, LPA, and/or MVPA) among dog owners at times when they were with their dogs compared to times they were not with their dogs. However, LPA was lower among dog owners who spent more time with their dogs compared to those who spent less time with their dogs. At times when dog owners were with their dogs, sedentary behavior was lower, positive affect was higher, and negative affect was lower, compared to times they were not with their dogs. These findings highlight the complex relationship between the company of a dog and physical activity levels and affect among dog owners.