Three Things to Know
Building upon prior studies demonstrating the physical health benefits and social capital fostered by dog walking, this research explored the perceived impact of the Bow-Wow Patrol (BWP), a volunteer community safety initiative in Japan, on its participants.
BWP participants reported higher dog walking frequency and noted regular interactions with community members, including children and parents, facilitated by established routines. These interactions fostered a sense of community trust.
BWP members perceived dog care as a source of enjoyment, rather than a burden, and were motivated to volunteer by their strong bond with their pets. They also demonstrated mutual support, engaging in acts of kindness such as assisting with dog care during challenging times.
For Dog Welfare Practitioners
Although this study’s context is Japan, its conclusions offer valuable insights for dog welfare organizations globally. Recognizing the prevalence of informal dog walking networks, organizations like humane societies should actively promote adopter participation to foster enjoyment in dog care. Where such networks are absent, these organizations can create new initiatives, simultaneously serving their communities and cultivating a larger pool of potential volunteers.
The Full Picture
Research has shown that dog walking benefits owners’ physical health and increases their moderate-to-vigorous physical activity levels, making them more likely to meet public health recommendations. Additionally, dog walking fosters social capital — enhancing social interactions, trust, and community engagement. However, limited research has examined these effects in Asian settings, where population densities and cultural factors may differ.
To address this gap, the study, titled ‘Social role of the ‘Bow-Wow Patrol’ in urban areas of Japan: a qualitative study”, investigates Japan’s ‘Bow-Wow Patrol’ (BWP), a volunteer initiative where dog owners contribute to community safety by watching over children and older adults during walks. Findings could inform public health recommendations and community-based interventions that promote social engagement through dog walking.
Study Methods
Researchers recruited 18 Bow-Wow Patrol (BWP) members from two Tokyo municipalities to participate in semi-structured interviews between November 2021 and July 2022. Eligibility required ownership of at least one dog and participation in BWP activities at least twice in the past year.
A questionnaire collected sociodemographic and dog-related data, including age, sex, housing type, dog ownership history, and participation in training. BWP-related data included years of experience, walking frequency, and duration. The interviews explored motivations for joining BWP, observations during patrols, perceived physical, mental, and social benefits, community impact, and challenges.
This study employed a mixed-methods approach using quantitative text analysis to examine qualitative data. Text mining provided a broad quantitative overview, while content analysis allowed for in-depth interpretation of the social roles of the BWP.
Study Results
Participant Characteristics
The study included 18 participants, 72% of whom were female, with an average age of 63.9 years. All lived with family or cohabitants, 72.2% owned their homes, and 61.1% resided in suburban areas. Most dogs were female, with an average age of 7.7 years and a weight of 11.3 kg. Participants had an average of 7.2 years of dog ownership experience, 66.7% had attended training classes, and they owned an average of 1.2 dogs. Their BWP involvement spanned an average of 12.7 years.
Daily dog walks averaged 71.1 minutes across 6.2 walks per week. This is a higher duration than previous studies in Japan, the U.S., and Australia. The increased walking time may be influenced by participation in BWP activities rather than just dog ownership. Additionally, the urban, walkable environment likely supported frequent walking.
Social Roles of BWP
A text analysis of interview data categorized the findings into six overarching themes, representing the social roles of BWP:
- Establishment of Social Networks with Schools as the Center:
BWP members built relationships with children and parents, by walking their dogs near schools during arrival and departure times. Activities such as student-created posters and bandanas helped raise awareness of BWP among families. - Establishment of Loose Networks Inside and Outside the BWP Organization:
Maintaining BWP activities relied on low-burden involvement and promoting harmonious coexistence between dogs and the community. Members recognized and addressed neighbors’ concerns about dogs, fostering mutual understanding. - Enhancement of a Sense of Trust Among Neighbors:
Walking with dogs facilitated communication, strengthening trust among residents. BWP activities, such as community gatherings and dog training classes, further encouraged interaction and proactive engagement. - Enhancement of a Sense of Trust in Communities:
The BWP program encouraged dog owners to walk daily with their dogs. Factors influencing continued dog walking included owners’ sense of obligation, self-efficacy, and attachment to their dogs. BWP members did not view dog care as a burden and engaged in voluntary activities motivated by their bond with their pets.
Routine visits to parks fostered social cohesion among dog owners and a strong sense of community. Members engaged in activities that improved shared spaces, reinforcing their commitment to a dog-friendly environment. - Norms of Reciprocity Among Dog Owners:
BWP members supported each other and non-dog owners, fostering mutual aid. Friendships formed through BWP led to acts of kindness, such as assisting with dog care during difficult times. - Dog and Owner Characteristics:
Participation styles varied based on the owner’s attachment to their dog and the dog’s needs. Some patrolled actively, while others engaged in minimal activities like standing outside to greet neighbors, emphasizing enjoyment over obligation.
Conclusion
Despite these limitations, the study highlights how BWP strengthens social cohesion and expands social networks through dog walking. The findings suggest that structured dog walking programs can serve as behavioral health interventions to foster social capital in urban communities.
Miscellaneous
Data From Study:
–
Year of Publication:
2024
External Link:
Hosokawa, Y., Ishii, K., Shibata, A. et al. Social role of the ‘Bow-Wow Patrol’ in urban areas of Japan: a qualitative study. Sci Rep 14, 13119 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-64079-4