On the Fence: Dog Parks in the (Un)Leashing of Community and Social Capital

Abstract

Using qualitative data, this article critically explores social processes of human relationship-building in dog parks and their implications for enhancement of community (or lack thereof). Doing so contributes to the leisure literature by expanding understanding of the roles dogs can play in facilitating social capital among people. Similar to online gaming communities where users experience shared virtual space through an avatar, findings from this study suggest owners navigate parks through their pet. How dogs behave toward other dogs and toward people influence their owners’ social networks and access to resources. Positive interactions provide opportunities for relationships and communities of interest to form, where sources of support, information sharing, collective action, and conformity can be mobilized. Negative perceptions of dogs, however, often extend towards owners, thereby leading to tension, judgment, and sometimes even exclusion from social networks or public space altogether. Recommendations are offered for policy and future research.

Keywords:

• identity
• outdoor recreation
• place meaning
• urban planning