# Dog and Guardian Relationships: Application of a Dual-Process Actor–“Partner” Interdependence Model to Predict Regular Walking

## TL;DR

This study explores how dog guardians' motivation and expectations influence their and their dogs' walking behavior, suggesting that targeting these factors can improve physical activity for both.

## Contribution

The study applies the Dual-Process Actor–Partner Interdependence Model to the dog-guardian relationship, revealing new insights into how human and dog walking behaviors are linked.

## Key findings

- Guardians' hedonic motivation and expectations significantly predict both their own and their dogs' walking behavior.
- There is a significant correlation between dog and guardian walking behavior, supporting the APIM framework.
- Guardians are identified as the primary drivers of walking behavior for both themselves and their dogs.

## Abstract

Physical inactivity is a major global health risk, yet many fail to meet activity guidelines. Dog guardianship has been linked to increased physical activity, though the dog–guardian walking relationship remains understudied. This study applied the Actor–Partner Interdependence Model (APIM) to examine how guardians’ and dogs’ dual-process constructs influence walking behaviour. A sample of 127 Canadian dog guardians reported their walking habits, hedonic motivation, and expectations (Time 1) for themselves and their dogs, with follow-up walking behaviour assessed after three weeks (Time 2). Structural equation modelling revealed significant covariation in dog–guardian walking (r = 0.38, p = 0.03), supporting APIM. Guardians’ hedonic motivation (β = 0.37, p = 0.02) and expectations (β = 0.38, p = 0.02) predicted both human and dog walking. Findings confirm that guardians are the primary drivers of walking, suggesting interventions targeting guardian motivation and expectations may enhance physical activity in both humans and dogs, benefiting health.