title: Unleashing physical activity: an observational study of park use, dog walking, and physical activity.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Walking has been identified as a low resourced yet effective means of achieving physical activity levels required for optimal health. From studies conducted around the world, we know that dog owners walk more than nondog owners. However, this evidence is largely self-reported which may not accurately reflect dog-owners' behaviors.
  
  
  METHODS
  To address this concern, we systematically observed the use of 6 different public parks in Victoria, British Columbia during fair and inclement weather. Using a modified version of the SOPARC tool, we documented visitors' types of physical activity, and the presence or absence of dogs. The Physical Activity Resource Assessment was used to consider park features, amenities, and incivilities.
  
  
  RESULTS
  More people without dogs (73%) visited the parks than those with dogs (27%), largely because of attendance at the multiuse sport parks during the summer months. Despite the opportunities to engage in multiple sports, most people used the parks to walk. However, when inclement weather struck, dog owners continued visiting parks and sustained their walking practices significantly more than nondog owners.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Our observational snapshot of park use supports earlier work that dogs serve as a motivational support for their owners' walking practices through fair and foul weather.
authors.affiliation: School of Exercise Science, Physical & Health Education, University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada.
authors.forename: Viviene
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Temple
authors.forename: Ryan
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Rhodes
authors.forename: Joan
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Wharf Higgins
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000818:Animals; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003718:Denmark; D004285:Dogs; D004779:Environment Design; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009043:Motor Activity; D057805:Pets; D011633:Public Facilities; D016138:Walking; D055815:Young Adult