Crespi 1 Joshua Crespi UWRT 1101 Connie S. Douglas \ 25 October 2014 . Puppy Power J Y's ‘An ethnographic study of how owning a dog can lead to various health benefits and improve owner's lives all together. “Dogs were domesticated between 9,000 and 34,000 years ago, suggesting the earliest dogs most likely arose when humans were still hunting and gathering” (Ramanujan), Thousands of years later dogs are still a common member of many households, but aside from providing an endless source of love and affection, what effect have dogs had on their owners? The purpose of this study is to analyze the effects dog ownership has con people and to see if owning a dog can improve one’s overall health. By owning a dog people can expect to see a rise in physical activity not only in adults but also children, as well as an increase in a sense of community. ‘The Physical Activity Effect of Dogs When compared with people that do not own a dog, dog owners will naturally walk longer amounts of time. The time that is spent allocated to walking outdoors can improve the physical condition of humans as well as provide them with a health hobby that contributes to both their ‘own health as well as their dogs. “Although only 23% of dog owners walked their dogs 5 or more times per week, the adjusted odds of achieving sufficient physical activity and walking were 57% to 77% higher among dog owners compared with those not owning dogs (Cutt, Giles- Corti, Knuiman, Timperio & Bull)”. The results from this study are staggering as they precisely indicate that the single act of owning a dog has a dramatic impact on a person’s physical activity. aCrespi 2 Ina study conducted by Parabhdeep Lail, Gavin R. McCormack and Melanie Rock the exact amount of time a group of people spend walking their dogs is more clearly demonstrated as the researchers analyze the amount of neighborhood-based recreational walking (NRW) of the test ‘group. Their findings show that during the summer dog owners spent an average of 213.6 minutes per week participating in NRW, while non-owners only spent an average of 123.3 minutes per week participating in NRW. Their research goes on to demonstrate that during the winter, dog owners participated in 253.2 minutes per week of NRW, while non-owners only participated in 107.1 minutes per week of NRW (4). The data from researcher's study clearly depicts the difference in time spent walking between people that own a dog and those that do not and just how much more walking is done by dog owners. ‘The Impact Dog Ownership has on Children It is clear that owning a dog increases the amount of time owners invest in physical activity, but exactly how does owning a dog impact children? “We used accelerometry to examine physical activity levels in 2065 children aged 9 to 10 years. Children from dog-owning families spent, ‘more time in light oF moderate to vigorous physical activity and recorded higher levels of activity counts per minute (25: 95% confidence interval [CI]=6, 44) and steps per day (357; 95% CI=14, 701) than did children without dogs” (Owen et al., 2010), From the data presented in Owen and his team’s research, a strong claim can be made for children to grow up with the presence of a dog in their family, as it will increase their physical activity. The increased physical activity in children’s lives can establish healthy habits, which can be utilized throughout life. If children are to participate regularly in physical activity a decrease in obesity and health problems for future generations can be obtained, Meeting the set level of physical activity is essential in the early lives of children and owning a dog can help reach that goal. “AfterCrespi 3 adjustment, children with a dog were 49% more likely to achieve the recommended level of weekly physical activity (420 min) and 32% more likely to have walked in their neighborhood in the last week, compared with non-dog owners” (Christian, Trapp, Lauritsen, Wright & Griles- Corti), Getting children outside and active will keep the youth of today in shape and able to tackle the challenges of tomorrow. Dog Ownership and a Sense of Community ‘Owning a dog can contribute to a stronger sense of community or SC. By frequently venturing ‘outside it is possible to socialize and interact with others in one’s community. Constantly walking a dog can be a catalyst for going outside: “Our study is the first to demonstrate that older adults who are frequent dog-walkers reported more positive feelings about their neighborhoods (Le., sense of community)” (Toohey, McCormack, Doyle-Baker, Adams & Rock 78). By having 4 positive opinion about one’s community and the people that reside in it, dog walkers will experience a better sense of satisfaction about the place in which they live in and feel more fulfilled about their own life. Dogs can also aid the elderly and those who assist other dog owners. “Older adults who frequently walked their dogs reported higher SC. Neighbors who assist with dog-care that involves dogwalking could also benefit in terms of heightened SC” (78). By owning a dog older citizens can feel more in tune with their community as they will get out more to walk their pets. Furthermore, by having others that do not own dogs experience a heightened SC through aiding with dog-care, dogs demonstrate their wide reach in having a positive effect on those around them. Methods In order to accomplish the task of observing and analyzing dog owners with their pets, several different methods were util red. The first method was a detailed account of the people in a publicCrespi 4 dog park as they played with their own pets as well as other's pets, and socialized with the people in the park. In order to achieve a more detail account of the dog's impact on their owners, surveys were handed to the people as they left the park. The survey is a short six question multiple choice document that helped gather data as it asked questions such as “Do you feel owning a dog increases your physical activity?” In total the survey was completed by thirteen individuals, Field Notes It is a fall afternoon at 2:50 p.m. on Friday, October 25, 2014. The location of this observation is a dog park within McAlpine Creek Park located in Charlotte, North Carolina. Many of the leaves ‘on the trees have started to change color and some have started to shed their leaves for the winter. ‘The sky is cloudy which provides shade and there is some wind on this cool sixty-four degrees day. Near the entrance of the park there is a large dog park that is gated, itis about four hundred feet long and about one hundred feet wide, There is a large gate at the entrance which leads to a Prenced in boxlike area where owners can take the leashes off their dogs and allow them to enter the dog park, Inside the dog park there are benches and tables for people to sit at and there are several large white buckets for the dogs to drink water out of. The buckets can be filled with one ‘of water pumps that comes from the ground. The majority of the site is a grassy field with a wooded area just outside of the fence, but there a several trees inside the encampment. “Two women have just arrived with their dogs, one woman who is wearing a blue track suit appears to be the younger woman in yellowy mother. Their three pets are small white little dogs that are very excited to see the other dogs, The dogs enter with the women. Two of the dogs wander off'and one goes over to a much larger black dog to play. Further away three women are standing and talking, They discuss different kinds of dog breeds and the kinds of dogs that they own. On the opposite side of the park an elderly man tosses a tennis ball, which is followed by several otherCrespi 5 dogs joining his own dog in the chase for the ball. The man’s dog is successful in retrieving the ball and after he returns it to his owner the process is repeated. A golden retriever brings a ball to one of the three women that are standing in a group and she throws it. At 2:53 p.m. a man who ‘appears to be in his mid-thirties shows up with his dog. The man is wearing a backpack and a blue Panthers hat. After entering the park his brown dog chases the other dogs and the man wanders around the park ‘At 2:56 pm. the elderly man puts his dog on a leash and gets ready to leave. After filling out a survey he says that he takes his dog for a walk every single day. The group of three women have also left by this time. One younger woman in an orange tree-shirt and jeans has this type of sling that can be used to fling tennis balls, chucks a ball and her three large dogs chase after it. On the other end of the park ghe woman in the blue track sutis talking with the younger woman in yellow on a bench. A black woman starts a conversation with the man in the blue Panthers hat and another woman in black. The woman in black is here with her boyfriend who is also wearing black. ‘The black woman makes the comment that her dog only lays in the dirt, after the group laughs a conversation ensues, At 3:15 p.m. the woman in orange leaves with her three dogs. ‘At 3:16 pm. a middle-aged man with a lunch box arrives with a brown dog. Once inside the boxed off area where leashes can be taken of dogs the dog impenitently wines as the man removes the leash. After the leash is removed the dog bolts off to go play with the other dogs. The woman in yellow takes out a squeaky toy and begins playing with her tiny dog. The woman from the couple that is wearing black produces a bag of dog treats and four dogs including her own dog ‘gravitate toward her. At 3:27 p.m. the couple in black starts to leave the dog park with their small doxin named Ruby. After they fill out surveys the man states that they rescued Ruby from a pound ‘when she was just a puppy. Soon after the woman in blue leaves with her daughter and their tinyCrespi 6 dog, The elderly man goes around the park filling up the white buckets with water for the dogs to drink. ‘At 3:31 pm. a black man arrives with four large dogs, one of which is noticeably older. His other dogs are very playful and energetic. One of the dogs starts to play fight with the black woman’s dog. The woman jokingly cheers on her own dog. The man in the blue Panthers hat starts talking with the black man and the black woman. A tall man in grey starts playing with one of the larger dogs and after some time the dog jumps up and head-butts the man, ‘The man starts laughing and then goes over and talks with the group of people. The group is discussing bowling and places to bow! in Charlotte. The man in gray goes to leave with his dog and after filling out a survey he points out that he meet his fiancée in this very park and that there was a wedding of another couple here just three days ago. At 3:50 p.m. the group with the man in the blue Panthers hat, the black man and the black woman are now talking about different cities to live in, they discuss New York, Atlanta, California and North Carolina. Conelus n Dogs have been a part of human culture for thousands of years. Since their domestication they have played a key role in the health and lives of human beings. Whether dogs are helping people of all ages get outside and stay active through walks or whether they are increasing one’s sense of community dogs are at the side of humans improving their overall health. By owning a dog people can expect to see a rise in physical activity not only in adults but also children, as well as an increase in a sense of community, Man’s best friend is an invaluable companion in the long run, and will continue to aid man in the ages to come. Results from Survey 1. When asked the question “Do you feel owning a dog increases your physical activity?”Crespi7 12/13 or 92% of people said yes 1/13 or 8% of people said no 2. When ask the question “How ofien do you take your dog to the park/dog park?” 8/13 or 61% of people said at least once or more times a week 2/13 or 15% of people said once every two weeks 1/13 or 8% of people said once every month 1/13 or 8% of people said at least once a year 1/13 or 8% of people said none of the above 3. When asked the question “Do you feel owning a dog causes you to go on more walks then you would if you did not own a dog?” 13/13 or 100% of people said yes 4, When asked the question “Do you feel owning a dog causes you to meet new people such as other dog owners?” 12/13 or 92% of people said yes 1/13 or 8% of people said no 5. When asked the question “Do you find owning a dog improves your mental health?” 13/13 or 100% of people said yes 6. When asked the question “Do you feel owning a dog is a healthy source of companionship?” 13/13 or 100% of people said yes ‘Thoughts on the Observation Originally the survey was to be completed by more than thirteen people in order to achieve a more representative data pool. Unfortunately due to a lack of that many people at the dog parkCrespi 8 the survey could only be completed by thirteen people. Despite the limited number of people that filled out the survey, the results were valid and they are quite interesting to look at and analyze as they give a clear look into what the people in the dog park were thinking and how they feel about owning a dog. After speaking with the different people in the dog park it was shocking to earn just how many of the people there are regulars that go to the dog park multiple time a week. ‘The group seemed to have an established community that was centered around and created by their dogs. It was really fascinating to see so many people socialize and create new friendships over a shared love for animals.Crespi 9 Works Cited Christian, H., et al. "Understanding The Relationship Between Dog Ownership And Children’s Physical Activity And Sedentary Behaviour." Pediatric Obesity 8.5 (2013): 392-403. Academic Search Complete. Web. Cutt, Hayley, et al. "Understanding Dog Owners’ Increased Levels Of Physical Activity: Results From RESIDE." American Journal Of Public Health 98.1 (2008): 66-69, Academic Search Complete. Web. Lail, Parabhdeep, Gavin R. McCormack, and Rock Melanie. "Does Dog-Ownership Influence Seasonal Patterns Of Neighbourhood-Based Walking Among Adults? A Longitudinal Study." BMC Public Health 11.1 (2011): 148-154, Academic Search Complete. Web. Owen, Christopher G., et al. "Family Dog Ownership And Levels Of Physical Activity In Childhood: Findings From The Child Heart And Health Study In England." American Journal Of Public Health 100.9 (2010): 1669-1671 Academic Search Complete, Web. Ramanujan, Krishna, "Study Narrows Origin of Dogs." Cornell.edu. N.p., 16 Jan. 2014. Web. ‘Toohey, A.M., et al. "Dog-Walking And Sense Of Community In Neighborhoods: Implications For Promoting Regular Physical Activity In Adults 50 Years And Older." Health & Place 22.(2013): 75-81. Academic Search Complete. Web.