The GDC asked dog wardens the length and breadth
of the country to nominate walks in their area
and why they felt they were worthy of making
the Good Dog Campaign’s top ten, taking
into consideration the area, scenery, and family
facilities en route.
Click here to see the results.
Walk your way to health!
What’s more, new research highlights
the benefits of walking together as a family,
both for dog owners and non-dog owners alike.
The survey of 3,000 people reveals an overwhelming
59% of dog owners say their pet is the best way
to get them and their family out in the fresh
air. 42% think having a dog is a far better way
of staying fit than any gym membership. Over
a third (36%) reveal that since getting a dog,
they have been more motivated to explore their
local area. On top of these benefits, the results
show that dog owners are three times more likely
to go walking as a family two or three times
a week than non-dog owners.
70% of dog owners always felt better for taking
their dog for a walk, even when they didn’t
want to. This was particularly high
for couples, perhaps they are encouraged to go
walking by their partner or feel it is an opportunity
for taking time out on their own.
Research also reveals a difference in dog walking
behaviour among different age groups:
- Approximately two thirds of younger dog
owners (16-34 yrs) are less likely to vary
their walks compared to three quarters of older
dog owners (34+ yrs).
- It’s the older generation who prefer
walking in more picturesque settings – a
massive 84% of over 45 year olds compared with
only 69% of 16-44 year olds.
- 76% younger people (16-24 yrs) tend to share
the dog walking among the family but in the
over 55’s age group only 33% tend to
do so.
Nationwide, nine in ten dog owners in the Midlands
walk in the countryside compared to only six
in ten in London. Furthermore 45% of non-dog
owners felt that they would do more walking if
they had a dog. Londoners were the largest group
(60%) to say they’d like to do more rural
walking and the worst culprits for not getting
enough exercise, but blame this on just not having
the time (40%).
Get walking with your family. Download
the NEW spotter chart
There is more to walking in the countryside
than mud and strange smells. Hidden beneath shady
trees or high up in the sky is a world of treasures
to identify whilst out on your walk.
Click
here to download the Good Dog Campaign
Spotter. See how many different things you
can spot on your walk and read up on our ‘Top
Tips’ to being a responsible pet owner
and learning to look after the countryside.
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