Walk or be walked by the dog? The attachment role

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Abstract Background The human-animal bond has been recognized as having positive effects on the health and well-being of both humans and pets. The present study aims to explore the influence of attachment on physical activity (PA), lifestyle, and health outcomes of dog owners (DO), highlighting the mutual benefits resulting from the relationship between DO and dogs.Methods Thirty-eight DO and their dogs participated in this study. Socio-demographic data, the Subjective Perceptive Health Scale (SPHS), FANTASTIC lifestyle, and the Lexington Attachment Pet Scale (LAPS) were assessed. PA was measured in both the DO and the dogs, using an ActiGraph GT3X accelerometer in the context of daily routine. Descriptive statistics and Spearman rank correlation analyses were performed to examine the associations between LAPS, PA levels, variables socio-demographic, lifestyle behaviors, and SPHS.Results Significant correlations were found between the DO’s light-level PA and the pets' vigorous level of PA (rho = 0.45). Furthermore, the importance of the pets' health and the LAPS subscales, namely proximity and attachment, were related to taking the pet for a walk. Concerning lifestyle, DO with a healthier lifestyle have a better self-assessment of their health using the SHPS (rho = 0.39, p = 0.02). Moreover, DO with better lifestyles have also exhibited greater concern for their pet's health and had higher levels of PA.Conclusions This study underlines that individuals adopting healthier habits tend to perceive themselves as healthier and exhibit greater concern for their pets' health. The attachment between DO and dogs is important to promote healthy lifestyle behaviors and PA engagement. Our results highlight that the presence of a dog is associated with a higher level of DO’s PA, depending on the strength of the human-animal bond.

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