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Updated: Jul 2, 2026
08:59
The Other End of the Leash: An Experimental Test to Analyze How Owners Interact with Their Pet Dogs
Published on: October 13, 2017
Designing for Dogs: How Off-Leash Zone Features Shape Dog Behavioral Needs and Owner Experience in the Urban Context.
Emeline Durand1, Marie Potin1, Ciska De Ruyver2
1Independent Researcher.
Journal of Applied Animal Welfare Science : JAAWS
|June 30, 2026
Summary
Off-leash zones (OLZs) promote diverse behaviors and positive emotions in urban dogs. Owners prioritize safety and enjoyment in OLZs, with agility equipment underutilized by small breeds.
Area of Science:
- Canine behavior and welfare
- Urban ecology
- Animal-human interaction
Background:
- Off-leash zones (OLZs) offer potential benefits for urban dog well-being.
- Current OLZs may not fully cater to diverse canine needs or owner preferences.
- Agility equipment's utility is limited by design and adaptation for smaller breeds.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare canine behavioral diversity and emotional states in OLZs versus on-leash conditions.
- To assess the impact of agility equipment on dog activity and social interactions.
- To identify key owner priorities when selecting and utilizing OLZs.
Main Methods:
- Observational studies comparing dog behavior in OLZs and on-leash settings.
- Analysis of physical activity levels and intraspecific interactions.
- Surveys and interviews with dog owners regarding OLZ selection criteria.
Main Results:
- OLZs facilitated greater behavioral diversity and more positive emotional states in dogs compared to on-leash conditions.
- Agility equipment usage was low, particularly for small dog breeds, despite its potential to increase physical activity.
- Dog owners ranked safety, environmental quality, and perceived dog enjoyment as more important than proximity when choosing OLZs.
Conclusions:
- OLZs are valuable for enhancing urban dog welfare through increased behavioral opportunities and positive emotions.
- Improvements in OLZ design, including adaptable agility equipment, could increase utilization and benefits for all dog sizes.
- Owner priorities highlight the need for safe, stimulating, and high-quality environments in urban dog spaces.
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