Off-leash Dog Parks Research Articles

User behaviors in a community-based multifunctional urban park with dog friendly area

Urban parks are essential for community revitalization; for example, they are places to walk dogs and interact with other dog keepers. This study focused on an urban park with a dog-friendly area to be used by both dog keepers and other users as an alternative to off-leash dog parks that completely separate them and clarified aspects of park use through behavioral observation. The behaviors of 7122 visitors in 14 areas in the park and 294 pairs of dogs and their keepers in the dog-friendly area were observed. The results showed that the visitors’ age groups and use behaviors differed by area. The dog-friendly area was in constant demand among dog keepers as a place where they could stay and interact with others and as a destination or relay point when walking their dogs. Visitors used the park in accordance with rules and morals, and the park was well managed. As it can be comfortably used by everyone (with or without dogs), this park can serve as a model for the development and maintenance of community-based multifunctional parks in urban areas.

Canine nematode and Giardia spp. infections in dogs in Edmonton, Alberta, the “CANIDA” study

BackgroundCanine intestinal parasite prevalence may be influenced by geographical region, age, and health status of the dog. Behaviors such as predation, scavenging, or roaming as well as routine administration of anthelmintics also play a role. The purpose of this study was to evaluate fecal test results using zinc sulfate flotation by centrifugation combined with coproantigen testing directed at protein antigens excreted or secreted by hookworms (Ancylostoma spp. Uncinaria stenocephala), ascarids (Toxocara canis, Toxascaris spp. Baylisascaris spp.), whipworms (Trichuris vulpis), and Giardia spp. during active infection in owned dogs visiting dog parks in Western Canada.MethodsA total of 774 participants were recruited from Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. Canine fecal samples were collected from seven dedicated off-leash dog parks. Participating dog owners responded to a questionnaire regarding their dogs’ signalment, previous veterinary history, and use of parasite-preventive products. Fecal samples were tested using zinc sulfate centrifugation combined with coproantigen testing.ResultsThe overall prevalence of canine intestinal parasites in client-owned dogs was similar to previous studies conducted in the US. Mean age of dogs tested was 4 years, with puppies and older dogs having higher rates of infection than the mean. Fecal flotation centrifugation found 3.2% hookworm, ascarid, whipworm, and Giardia spp.-positive infections. Coproantigen testing identified 5.8% positive infections, including all of the above that were detected using fecal flotation centrifugation.ConclusionsCoproantigen testing detected more hookworm, ascarid, whipworm, and Giardia spp.-positive samples in addition to detecting all positive results found using fecal flotation centrifugation. Fecal flotation centrifugation combined with coproantigen testing improves sensitivity over flotation alone and may detect pre-patent or sub-clinical infections in dogs visiting public dog parks.Graphical

반려견 산책 및 운동을 위한 근린환경 인식 및 만족도 연구†

Animal companionship is gaining popularity in Korea, and interest in dog walking is also increasing as a strategy to maintain the physical and mental health of dogs and dog owners. The purpose of this study was to investigate the perception and satisfaction of dog owners with the neighborhood environments for dog walking and to examine the willingness to pay (WTP) for an off-leash dog park. Of a total of 249 online survey respondents, 47.8% said they take a walk at least once a day and mainly walk around nearby neighborhoods or parks. Respondents showed a high attachment to their dogs and recognized that dog walks help increase physical activity and maintain the health of owners and their dogs. The satisfaction with neighborhood environments, such as attractive views and the connection of walking trails, was low, and there was a high demand for off-leash dog parks. The truncated mean WTP was estimated to be 85,618 Korean Won, and the result of regression analysis and t-test revealed that walking frequency and the satisfaction with dog walking facilities were statistically significant in the WTP. In order to encourage dog walking to promote physical activity and health, more attention needs to be devoted to improving neighborhood environments for dog walking.

Survey on the Presence of Bacterial, Fungal and Helminthic Agents in Off-Leash Dog Parks Located in Urban Areas in Central-Italy.

Simple SummaryOff-leash dog parks are designated, generally fenced, public spaces where dogs can move freely under the supervision of their owners. These areas, allowing animals to socialize and run free, play a fundamental role in dogs’ welfare. However, such environments may be a source of different pathogens, even zoonotic, excreted by the attending animals. The present study evaluated the occurrence of bacterial, fungal, and parasitic pathogens in off-leash dog parks located in Florence (central Italy). Yersinia spp., Listeria innocua, Toxocara canis eggs and Ancylostoma caninum/Uncinaria stenocephala eggs were found in canine feces. Keratinophilic geophilic fungi (mostly Microsporum gypseum/A. incurvatum, Microsporum canis in a single case) were recovered from soil. Trichosporon sp. and Geotrichum candidum were isolated from two water samples. The obtained results suggest that, despite the not negligible canine fecal contamination of selected areas (feces were found in 88.5% of the parks), attending dogs did not act as important carriers for the investigated pathogens, although examined off-leash dog parks may represent a risk for the spreading of some dermatophytoses to both pets and their owners. Thus, in a One-Health perspective, periodical examinations to detect the main bacteriological, parasitological and mycological pathogens in different samples collected in off-leash dog parks are recommended.Off-leash dog parks are designated public spaces where dogs can move freely, under their owners’ supervision. These areas, allowing animals to socialize and move freely, are fundamental for dogs’ welfare. However, different pathogens, even zoonotic, may be excreted by the attending animals and contaminate the environment. The aim of the present study was to verify the occurrence of bacterial, fungal and parasitic pathogens in off-leash dog parks located in Florence (central Italy). Between March and May 2019, 83 fecal samples, 43 soil samples and 23 water samples (from fountains and puddles) collected from 26 off-leash fenced areas were examined. Fecal samples scored positive for Yersinia spp. (n = 7), Listeria innocua (n = 4), Toxocara canis eggs (n = 2) and Ancylostoma caninum/Uncinaria stenocephala eggs (n = 1). Keratinophilic geophilic fungi (mostly Microsporum gypseum /A. incurvatum) were recovered from 43 soil samples belonging to 23 out of 26 parks, along with Microsporum canis in a single case. Prototheca spp. was never isolated from water samples, while Trichosporon sp. was cultured in two cases, alone and in association with Geotrichum candidum. These results show that dogs did not act as important carriers for the investigated bacterial and parasitic pathogens, although examined areas may represent a risk for the spreading of some dermatophytoses to both pets and their owners. Periodical examinations to assess the main bacteriological, parasitological and mycological pathogens in different samples collected in off-leash dog parks should be carried out in a One-Health perspective.

Evaluation of the prevalence of Echinococcus multilocularis in dogs that visit off-leash dog parks in southern Ontario, Canada.

Prior to 2012, Echinococcus multilocularis was not known to occur in any host in Ontario, Canada. However, since that year, five cases of alveolar echinococcosis have been diagnosed in dogs that resided at the western end of Lake Ontario. In addition, E.multilocularis has been shown to be a common infection in wild canids (i.e. coyotes and foxes) across southern Ontario with a high-risk infection cluster in the area surrounding the western shores of Lake Ontario and northern shores of Lake Erie. In regions endemic for E.multilocularis, dog ownership is considered a risk factor for human alveolar echinococcosis. A study was therefore carried out to determine the prevalence of E.multilocularis intestinal infections in dogs within the high-risk infection cluster. From May to November 2018, faecal samples were collected from 477 dogs aged ≥6months that visited 12 off-leash dog parks in the Halton, Hamilton and Niagara public health units. Faecal samples were analysed via a magnetic capture probe DNA extraction and real-time PCR method for E.multilocularis DNA. Overall, 0% (97.5% CI: 0%-0.80%) of samples tested positive. This result informs preventive recommendations for E.multilocularis infections in dogs in this region.

Detection of parasites in canine feces at three off-leash dog parks in Portland, Oregon 2014.

Gastrointestinal parasitism is common in dogs attending parks, with variable prevalences of parasites based on geographical region and demographic factors. In this study, canine fecal samples were opportunistically collected from three off-leash dog parks in Portland, Oregon and analyzed for parasites. While some similarities with previous research was seen, much higher rates of Giardia (25.6%) and Toxocara canis (8.67%) were identified in this study. Additional findings of unexpected parasites and those with zoonotic potential make these results significant.

Owner Sex and Human– Canine Interactions at the Park

ABSTRACT The purpose of this exploratory study was to investigate if and what types of differences exist between men and women when interacting with their dogs in a “natural” setting. In the case of this study, we defined “natural” as visiting a public park with their dog. To do this, we completed a series of 10-minute focal follows (n = 177) on human–canine dyads at local leashed and off-leash dog parks from December 2018 to March 2019. Data collection included counting incidences of 14 specific interactions (i.e., “baby talks to dog” or “scolds/speaks harshly to dog”), observable demographics (sex of owner, age cohort, sex of dog), and additional notes (i.e., extended play sessions, talking to other park visitors, cell phone use). Women were more likely to baby talk to their dog and speak gently/whisper to their dog, while young adults were more likely to use collar correction/jerk the leash. The results also suggest young adults may be more likely to throw toys/play with their dog, though more data are needed to confirm this. Given the increase in invested pet dog ownership, we suggest that sex differences in interactions with pet dogs mirror the literature on sex differences in human parenting. This is particularly relevant as decreasing birth rates and climbing pet ownership give rise to the practice of applying parenting strategies to pets, suggesting the need to better understand potential welfare concerns that may mirror those in the parenting literature.

Detection of gastrointestinal parasitism at recreational canine sites in the USA: the DOGPARCS study

BackgroundThe rapid growth in off-leash dog parks provides opportunity for canine socialization activities but carries risk of exposure to intestinal parasites. This study assessed the prevalence of these infections in dogs visiting off-leash dog parks.MethodsFresh defecations were collected from dogs visiting parks in 30 metropolitan areas across the USA. Samples were analyzed by coproantigen immunoassay (CAI) (Fecal Dx® and Giardia Test, IDEXX Laboratories, Inc.) and zinc sulfate centrifugal flotation (CF). Owners responded to a questionnaire on their dog’s signalment and use of heartworm/intestinal parasite control medications (HWCM).ResultsSamples were examined from 3006 dogs, 87.9% aged at least 12 months, visiting 288 parks. At least one intestinal parasite was detected in 622 (20.7%) samples, nematodes in 263 (8.8%), with hookworms, whipworms and ascarids in 7.1, 1.9 and 0.6% of samples, respectively. A sample positive for one or more intestinal parasites was found in 245 (85.1%) parks, with nematodes found in 143 (49.7%). Combined, CAI and CF detected 78.4% more intestinal nematode infections than CF alone. Hookworm and whipworm infections were detected in all age groups, but ascarids were only detected in dogs less than 4 years-old. Approximately 42% of dogs aged less than 1 year were positive for nematodes or Giardia. Based on owner reports, HWCM was current for 68.8% of dogs, dogs previously diagnosed with intestinal parasitism were more likely to be receiving a HWCM than those without such history, and a significantly lower (P = 0.0003) proportion of dogs receiving a HWCM were positive for intestinal nematodes compared with those not on such medication.ConclusionsIntestinal parasites, the most common of which were Giardia, Ancylostoma caninum and Trichuris vulpis, were found in 20% of dogs and 85% of dog parks across the USA. Enhanced detection of canine intestinal parasitism was achieved by combining CF and CAI. Canine intestinal parasites are common across the USA and dog health can be improved by regular testing of fecal samples and routine administration of medications effective against the most common infections.

Dog park design, planning and management

ABSTRACTThe principal purpose of this paper is to provide guidance for the design, planning and management of off-leash dog exercise parks. After a brief discussion of the environmental impacts of the high number of domestic dogs in Australia, the author looks at definitions of dog parks. The paper then considers their advantages and disadvantages, before looking at the key aspects of off-leash dog park design, planning and management, setting out the main features to be considered when designing a dog park. These are primarily based upon the available literature, chiefly from the USA where dog parks are an established feature; and the author's assessment of several Australian off-leash dog parks. Recognition of the potential risks to both dogs and their human companions need to be considered in dog parks’ design, planning and management.

Right nostril biases to experimental scents in Canis familiaris

ABSTRACTAlthough olfactory laterality in canids has been demonstrated experimentally, the extent to which nostril bias occurs in “nature” is not well known. We tested whether there was olfactory laterality of untrained dogs in various off-leash dog parks within Victoria, British Columbia to manipulated scents placed at the tail base of full-size dog replica. Using video-playback, we found that of 192 separate approaches (N = 119 different subjects), dogs used the right nostril first greater than 66% of the time and for longer periods when investigating estrous dog secretions, deer urine and coyote urine. Similar trends were observed when using scents on a similar-sized box rather than the dog model. There was no side preference for the scent of commercial pet food. These results support right hemisphere control of the sympathetic-hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and encourage more detailed evaluations of olfactory laterality in wild canids and other carnivores where olfaction is the major sensory modality.

Exploring the dog park: Relationships between social behaviours, personality and cortisol in companion dogs

The relationships between behaviour, owner-rated personality, and cortisol were examined in companion dogs that visited a local off-leash dog park. In Study 1, salivary cortisol increased significantly from baseline levels following 20min in the dog park (P=0.013), but not in the same dogs following a 20min on-leash walk. In Study 2, cortisol was correlated with dog park visit frequency, such that dogs which visited the park least often had higher cortisol levels (r=−0.34, P=0.013). Hunched posture in dogs was associated with higher cortisol, even after the effect of park visit frequency was removed. Cortisol appeared to be independent of all other measured behaviours and signals indicative of play, stress, agonism, and mounting, as well as dog time budgets. Nor was cortisol related to dog personality scores as measured by the Monash Canine Personality Questionnaire-Revised (MCPQ-R). Scores on the Extraversion, Amicability, and Neuroticism scales predicted some observations in the park: more extraverted dogs showed higher activity (measured as time budget state changes; R2=0.21, P<0.001) and spent more time in conspecific dyads (R2=0.083, P=0.033), more amicable dogs showed more behaviours indicative of play (R2=0.10, P=0.014), and more neurotic dogs showed higher frequencies of hunched posture (R2=0.10, P=0.008). Time budget states correlated with specific behaviours, e.g., focal dog's time spent in dyads correlated highly with total play signals/behaviours in the session (r=0.69, P<0.001). Thus, in a social context such as an off-leash dog park, changes in cortisol may be largely independent of social behaviour/signalling (with the possible exception of postural changes), and personality scores may predict some social behaviours, but not necessarily changes in cortisol. Given that this dog park sample contains dogs which appear to score higher than average for Extraversion, additional relationships between personality, behaviour and cortisol may be detected in broader dog populations and/or other social contexts. As the popularity of off-leash dog parks is increasing in North America, understanding factors related to individual dogs’ experiences in such parks may be important for welfare reasons.

Dog-park soils: Concentration and distribution of urine-borne constituents

Off-leash dog parks are very popular locations that allow pets to freely exercise and eliminate wastes in a controlled environment. Although dog park rules require that solid waste be removed by the pet’s owner, urine-borne constituents in dog-park soils have received little attention. This study focused on the soils within two small-dog, off-leash dog parks in Fargo, North Dakota (USA) with the objective to better understand the concentration and distribution of extractable NH4-N, NO3-N, PO4, soluble salts, and pH values in surface soils (0–10 cm) within these two dog parks. Concentrations of soil variables varied widely within each park and were distributed as both gradient and ‘hot-spots.’ The geospatial model types for each soil parameter were more dependent on park than on the constituents themselves. Flow accumulation was correlated with both nitrate-N and P but due to the lack of topography at these parks the flow accumulation was not helpful in describing most of the soil constituents. The results from this project indicate that location of parks, daily/annual use of parks, flow accumulation, and location of park entries may all influence the concentration and distribution of urine-borne constituents.

Evaluation of off-leash dog parks in Texas and Florida: A study of use patterns, user satisfaction, and perception

The growing importance of dogs in people's lives and in high-density urban environments has increased demand for a place where people and their dogs can interact and exercise together. The recent increase in the number of off-leash dog parks across the country is evidence of these demands of dog owners. Evaluation of four dog parks in Texas and Florida was conducted to investigate use patterns of dog parks and user activities, to identify user satisfaction and perception, and to provide insights in developing effective dog parks. The results indicated that dog parks received considerable use and served a variety of groups and users were generally satisfied with dog parks. Dog parks were identified as the most frequented locations regarding the provision of outdoor exercise and socialization for their dogs and proximity to a dog park was positively related to frequency of use and satisfaction. A substantial number of respondents perceived the benefits of a dog park for the dogs’ physical well-being and for building a sense of community by providing the opportunity to socialize with neighbors. These research findings and design guidelines will help expand the knowledge base regarding parks and guide the future planning, design, and evaluation of dog parks.