Group A: Immediate Dog Adopters
We are looking for people who are planning to adopt a dog in the near future.
You must also meet the following criteria:
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Over 18 years of age
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Have not owned a dog in the previous 3 months
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Have not owned another furry animal (e.g. cat or rabbit) in the previous 3 months
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Do not have a physical limitation that may prevent walking
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Fluent in English
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Not currently pregnant or planning to become pregnant in the next 12 months
Group B: Future Dog Adopters
We are looking for people who are planning to adopt a dog in the distant future, at least 12 months after they join.
You must also meet the following criteria:
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Over 18 years of age
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Have not owned a dog in the previous 3 months
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Have not owned another furry animal (e.g. cat or rabbit) in the previous 3 months
-
Do not have a physical limitation that may prevent walking
-
Fluent in English
-
Not currently pregnant or planning to become pregnant in the next 12 months
Group C: Non-Dog Owners
Our final group of participants will include people who have never owned a dog and have no future interest in dog ownership.
You must also meet the following criteria:
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Over 18 years of age
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Have not owned a dog in the past 5 years
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Have not owned another furry animal (e.g. cat or rabbit) in the previous 3 months
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Do not have a physical limitation that may prevent walking
-
Fluent in English
-
Not currently pregnant or planning to become pregnant in the next 12 months
The PAWS Trial aims to compare three unique groups of participants in relation to their physical and mental health. One group of participants will acquire a dog during the study and the data collected will help to indicate if owning a dog has affected each participant's health. Information about the requirements for participation in each group is listed below.
Measurements


Dog
Measurments
For those participants who adopt a dog during the study, dog measurements include:
Weight
Body Composition
Physical Activity
Behaviour
Human Measurements
Our human measurements include:
Height & Weight
Waist & Hip Circumference
Blood Pressure
Resting Heart Rate
Physical Activity Behaviour
Mental and Emotional Health