Pet dogs are an enduring catalyst for outdoor activity that enhances human health and well-being, in turn reflecting the multi-disciplinary One Health principle of interdependency between the welfare of human and other animals and the environments in which they exist. Equally relevant to One Health are adverse social, economic and environmental impacts that irresponsible dog walking can cause. Thus the challenge for the National Forest Estate has been to support the virtues of dog walking while minimising any negative impacts. In this session, case studies and the practical application of behaviour change theory will illustrate universally-relevant principles of how to promote the benefits of outdoor recreation and active lifestyles, by making it easy for dog walkers to “do the right thing” – as opposed to the traditional approach of simply telling them what not to do.
Outdoor Recreation Network > Other Publications > Promoting dog walking on the National Forest estate, Stephen Jenkinson