Off-leash Dog Research Articles

Spatial and Temporal Dynamics of the Canine Population and Contamination by Canine Feces on an Urban Beach

Objective: The objective of this study was to analyze the spatio-temporal distribution of dogs and feces using the visual census method. The research aimed to quantify the presence of dogs and the number of feces observed in these environments. Method: The visual census was conducted every fifteen days over the course of one year along the Mar Grosso beach shoreline, which was divided into areas and sectors. The data were subsequently tabulated, and statistical analysis was performed using the non-parametric Kruskal-Wallis test. Research Results and Discussions: The highest number of feces and stray dogs were found in the urban sector during the summer. Regarding the areas observed and feces, the area with the highest number of feces was A3 in the urban sector during the summer. As for the number of stray, domiciled, and off-leash dogs, they were more frequently observed in the summer, with stray dogs predominantly in A2 (beach sector), and domiciled and off-leash dogs in A3 and A2, respectively, in the urban sector. Research Implications: The results identify hotspots of feces and dogs along the study area, providing valuable information that can assist in decision-making and the implementation of public policies aimed at controlling animals on beaches and protecting the environment, thereby reducing the risk of disease transmission to the population frequenting these locations. Originality/Value: This study contributes to evidence-based policy implementation to promote environmental health, public health, and animal welfare in coastal areas.

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 FitBark Activity Monitor for Measuring Physical Activity in Dogs

Simple SummaryAltered activity in a dog can be an early indicator of health and welfare concerns. Accelerometers, a type of activity monitor, are being used more frequently in dogs and may be a simple way for owners and veterinarians to monitor a dog’s changing health and welfare needs. However, there are few peer-reviewed studies evaluating the accuracy of these devices. Therefore, this study evaluated the accuracy of the FitBark 2 accelerometer (FitBark) by comparing activity data recorded using the FitBark to dog physical activity recorded using video analysis of dog step count. Dog step count and FitBark activity were highly correlated when the dogs were exploring a room off-leash and when they were interacting with their owner. However, when the dogs were being walked on a leash, low correlations between step count and FitBark activity were observed. In conclusion, the FitBark is a valid tool for tracking off-leash activity in dogs; however, more work should be done to identify the best method of tracking activity in on-leash situations.Accelerometers track changes in physical activity which can indicate health and welfare concerns in dogs. The FitBark 2 (FitBark) is an accelerometer for use with dogs; however, no studies have externally validated this tool. The objective of this study was to evaluate FitBark criterion validity by correlating FitBark activity data to dog step count. Dogs (n = 26) were fitted with a collar-mounted FitBark and individually recorded for 30 min using a three-phase approach: (1) off-leash room explore; (2) human–dog interaction; and (3) on-leash walk. Video analysis was used to count the number of times the front right paw touched the ground (step count). Dog step count and FitBark activity were moderately correlated across all phases (r = 0.65, p < 0.001). High correlations between step count and FitBark activity were observed during phases 1 (r = 0.795, p < 0.001) and 2 (r = 0.758, p < 0.001), and a low correlation was observed during phase 3 (r = 0.498, p < 0.001). In conclusion, the FitBark is a valid tool for tracking physical activity in off-leash dogs; however, more work should be done to identify the best method of tracking on-leash activity.

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.

Greeting behavior between dogs in a dog park

I used naturalistic observations to explore patterns of greeting behavior between 58 off-leash dogs (Canis familiaris) at a dog park. Dogs greeting at a dog park entailed one or both dogs approaching, engaging inolfactory inspection, and then departing or, on occasion, engaging in play. Single-dog greetings, where one dog approached, were statistically more frequent than dual-dog greetings, where both dogs approached. In single-dog greetings, the dog initiating the greeting was significantly bigger and had body posture higher than or equal to that of the recipient dog. Play did not commonly follow greetings, and no incidents of aggression in conjunction with greetings were observed. Voluntary greeting times between dogs in this study were short (mean greet times between unleashed dogs were 6.042 ± 0.801 s). Reciprocated greetings, where both dogs engaged in olfactory inspections of the anogenital region, face/head, and/or inguinal region of the other dog, were not significantly more frequent than unreciprocated greetings, where only one of the dogs engaged in olfactory inspection. However, dogs in reciprocated greetings were more evenly matched in terms of weight than dogs in unreciprocated greetings. In 48.1% of dyads, greeting resulted in a significant change of body posture in one or both dogs. This change was from either a high or low posture at the beginning of the greeting to a neutral posture at the end in most cases. This suggests that greetings in domestic dogs may function in conflict management by reducing arousal and fear. In single-dog greetings, olfactory inspections varied statistically by greeter role (initiator vs. recipient of greeting). The applications of these finding to clinicians working in companion dog behavior are discussed.

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.

Regulations fail to constrain dog space use in threatened species beach habitats

The management of domestic dogs (Canis familiaris) in natural areas is controversial and more effective policy and management is required. We examine the occurrence and space use by dogs on southern Australian sandy beaches in different dog-leashing zones. We observed the people and dogs, and compliance with regulations. GPS loggers determined the space use by dogs (n = 161). Existing dog-leashing zones had no influence on the space use by dogs, and this related to poor compliance with dog-leashing rules (69.7% of 188 dogs observed at “on-leash” beaches were “off-leash”). Dogs moved up to 33 km, at maximum speeds of up to 19 km h−1, during beach visits. Larger dogs occupied slightly more space. Overall, off-leash dogs were frequent regardless of prevailing dog-leashing regulations and these did not constrain the space use by dogs. Current regulations appear ineffective, and alternatives such as “no-dog” zones to replace “leash-only” zones warrant investigation.

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.

Social behaviour of domestic dogs (Canis familiaris) in a public off-leash dog park

This study examines the activity budgets and social behaviours initiated and received by 69 focal dogs in an off-leash dog park for 400 s after entry, a time of high activity about which little is known. Using motivationally-neutral labels for social behaviour categories, we describe the frequency of behaviours, and correlations among them. We then examine these relationships in the context of proposed functions for some behaviours in dogs, in terms of information gathering and communication, including visual and tactile signalling. Time spent with other dogs decreased rapidly over the visit, and much of this early interaction involved greeting the park newcomer. Snout-muzzle contact behaviours were ubiquitous, while other behaviours were rarely observed, including aggressive behaviours. Correlations among certain non-contact behaviours initiated and received by focal dogs are consistent with their function as visual signals that may influence the continuation and form of social interactions, and their possible role in social mimicry (i.e., play bow and pull-rear away). Age, sex, and number of dogs present in the park influenced specific aspects of dogs’ activity budgets, and a few behaviours. This ethological study provides fundamental data on dog social behaviour in dog parks, about which surprisingly little has been published.

Factors Influencing Off-leash Dog Walking in Public Places

Little is known about factors that influence owners’ decisions walking their dogs on or off a leash in public places. We examined the effect of the type of public place, dog’s age, sex and size, and human gender on off‑leash dog walking. Observations of 1850 dogs and their owners were made in streets and parks in Brno (Czech Republic). Multiple logistic regression analysis showed no significant effect of human gender on the frequency of unleashed dogs in streets and parks. Off‑leash dog walking was 2.8 times more likely in parks than in streets. Adult dogs were unleashed 1.9 times more likely than puppies in streets and parks. Larger dogs were unleashed 3.4 times less likely than smaller dogs in streets and 2.8 times more likely in parks. Male dogs were unleashed 1.7 times less likely than female dogs in streets. The dog’s sex had no effect on off‑leash dog walking in parks. The age and sex of dogs walked by men and women in public places were not significantly different. Larger dogs were walked by men 1.9 times more likely than by women. Results indicate that off‑leash dog walking is affected by the type of public place and dog’s age, sex and size.

The Effect of Ambivalence on On-Leash Dog Walking Compliance Behavior in Parks and Protected Areas

This study employed the theory of planned behavior (TPB) to examine how ambivalence affects compliance of visitors to regulation concerning on-leash dog requirement in a national park setting. Pacific Rim National Park Reserve in British Columbia, Canada, has a substantial challenge with off-leash dogs, which interfere with shorebirds and contribute to habituation of wolves that come to view dogs as prey. Historically, the park has favored indirect visitor education strategies over direct enforcement. These visitor education strategies rely upon frequency and intensity of information, conservation appeal for keeping wolves unhabituated and “wild,” respecting sensitive shorebird habitat, and fear, by presenting dogs as prey. However, the ineffectiveness of current strategies and ongoing visitor noncompliance with dog-leashing regulations has presented a significant challenge, highlighting the importance of theory in developing effective strategies to influence visitor behavior. Following TPB methodology, interviews were conducted with compliers (dogs on-leash) and noncompliers (dogs off-leash) from which a survey was developed. Results found a strong relationship between behavior, intentions, and the three factors that influence intentions: attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control. However, relations were weaker between each of these factors and the relevant beliefs thought to be influencing each factor. The next phase of analysis examined ambivalence, which occurs when visitors hold conflicting attitudinal beliefs about a desired behavior. In this ambivalence situation, park visitors may choose not to reflect on beliefs when forming their attitudes about complying with on-leash regulations. Park regulations and communications usually target attitudinal beliefs in order to influence visitor behavior, but under conditions of ambivalence, this kind of strategy may not be effective. In an ambivalence situation, messages to achieve compliance should be directed at influencing norms and perceived control, rather than just attempting to influence attitudes.In addition to messaging, alternative strategies to influence visitor behavior may be warranted that emphasize community level outreach initiatives focused on personal contact. Patrolling and on-leash enforcement in combination with outreach may be more effective. Seasonal closures to sensitive areas during peak migration may also make enforcement a less daunting task of managing visitors in such a large area. Providing an alternative beach area or other location where dogs can run free may also make it easier for park visitors with dogs to engage in compliance behavior. Media, social media, “prompts” that remind people to “leash up,” and messages delivered by a credible source also have the potential to influence on-leash behavior. Subscribe to JPRA

Unveiling the "secret" of play in dogs (Canis lupus familiaris): Asymmetry and signals.

Due to their playful propensity, dogs are a good model to test some hypotheses about play dynamics (length, asymmetry, features of players) and communication (play bow [PBOW]; relaxed open-mouth [ROM] display). We video-recorded 203 play sessions between dogs in an off-leash dog park in Palermo, Italy. Contrary to the expectation, play asymmetry (particularly high in this species) did not differ between stranger and familiar dogs, thus suggesting the limited role of play in forming dominance relationships. Asymmetry negatively affected the duration of the session, whereas the increasing number of players was positively linked to the duration of playful interactions. The number of PBOWs exchanged by players may exert a certain influence on the session length as well. PBOWs were performed independently from the kind of play (locomotor vs. contact) the dogs were engaging in. Conversely, ROMs were preferentially emitted during contact play when "face-to-face" interactions were more likely. Body closeness is also required in case opening the mouth has not a signal function but only preludes a bite. However, in the 82% of cases play bites did not follow a ROM, thus suggesting that dogs place ROMs in the appropriate context to optimize signal detectability. In conclusion, 2 tactics may concur in coping with the asymmetry and unpredictability of play sessions in dogs. First, whenever the asymmetry increases dogs shorten the duration of their sessions thus limiting the risk of possible escalation. Second, dogs make use of a good communicative system based on the reciprocal exchange of playful signals. (PsycINFO Database Record

Public engagement and community participation in governing urban parks: a case study in changing and implementing a policy addressing off-leash dogs

Health promotion views collaborations between local governments and citizens as key to improving health and lessening inequities in urban areas. Public parks, which are typically managed by local governments, are key settings for promoting physical activity, positive social interactions and overall well-being. Yet research on civic participation in park management is essentially absent from the health promotion literature. When the City of Calgary began to implement a new policy on off-leash dogs in parks, we had an opportunity to study civic participation in decision-making. We did so by examining policy documents, participating in meetings and conducting interviews. Off-leash parks have particular relevance for health promotion because they may support physical activity and networking for some, but may escalate conflict and deter park use amongst others. In this case study, the local government engaged citizens in developing an overarching off-leash policy for the city as a whole and in implementing the new policy at the level of neighbourhoods. Of the first three parks to be considered under the new policy, an off-leash area was ultimately designated in just one: a park located in a disadvantaged neighbourhood. By exploring this unexpected outcome, our case study suggests that public engagement, as practiced by local policymakers, may differ from community participation, as endorsed in health promotion. Further reflection on the meaning of ‘public’ is warranted in public health.

Changes in visitor profiles and activity patterns following dog supportive modifications to parks: A natural experiment on the health impact of an urban policy

Urban parks are important settings for physical activity, but few natural experiments have investigated the influences of park modifications on activity patterns and visitor profiles.We assessed the impact of implementing a municipal policy on off-leash dogs in city parks in Calgary (Alberta, Canada). Systematic observation undertaken in 2011 and 2012 within four parks captured patterns of use, activities, and visitors׳ characteristics. After baseline data collection, off-leash areas were created in two parks only. We compared changes in the sociodemographic and activity profiles in all parks between 2011 and 2012. Visitors with dogs participated in less intense activity relative to visitors without dogs. In both modified parks, the intensity of children׳s activities decreased, while the intensity of adults’ activities remained stable. Adjusting for visitor characteristics, the likelihood of dog-related visits, relative to other activities, significantly decreased in one of the two modified parks (odds ratio 0.55, p<.05). Accommodating off-leash dogs in parks has the potential to modify activities undertaken inside parks as well as the profile of visitors, but may not increase park visits among dog-walkers in the short term. Recreation, park, and urban planners and policy-makers need to consider the needs and preferences of the broader community in the design and redesign of public parks.