The Design Challenges for Dog Ownership and Dog Walking in Dense Urban Areas: The Case of Japan
Mohammad Javad Koohsari, Akitomo Yasunaga, Gavin R. McCormack, Tomoki Nakaya, Yukari Nagai, Koichiro Oka
Abstract
There has been growing interest in the role of pet ownership, particularly dog ownership, in managing noncommunicable diseases. The built environment can act as a facilitator or barrier to owning a dog or dog walking. Nevertheless, limited studies conducted in different geographical contexts have examined how the built environment can influence dog ownership and dog walking. In this interdisciplinary article, using Japan as a case study, we identify key design challenges to owning and walking dogs in dense urban areas as a means of promoting health and wellbeing.
Topics & Concepts
FacilitatorBusinessBuilt environmentKey (lock)MedicinePsychologyComputer scienceEngineeringCivil engineeringComputer securitySocial psychologyHuman-Animal Interaction StudiesGeographies of human-animal interactionsPersona Design and Applications