ABSTRACT
Dog walking is one of the most popular leisure activities worldwide. This chapter examines opportunities and challenges of dog walking as a leisure activity. Generally, the perception of dogs as a subjective being and one's connectedness with them seem to provide opportunities for meaning-making within one's life through actively engaging with dogs. It has been shown that dog walking can be a means of promoting leisure-time physical activity among family members. From a social ecological perspective, it is essential to explore whether and how dog ownership and neighbourhood characteristics are associated with sense of community and neighbourhood-based recreational walking. The chapter highlights research-informed knowledge that has practical implications for tourism and recreation managers and professionals. Given the renewed focus on the health effects of the social and physical environment, the way that public spaces are used as a resource for dog care has implications for urban planning and management.
