Dog-Sport Competitors: What Motivates People to Participate with Their Dogs in Sporting Events?

ABSTRACTInteractions between dogs and humans, including participating in physical activities and dog-sport events, are beneficial for both parties. Self-Determination Theory was used as a framework to explore dog-sport competitors' motivation to participate in dog-sport events. Eighty-five competitors completed surveys including demographic questions, a measure of frequency of engagement in dog-sport competitions, open-ended questions regarding motivators, and the Sports motivation Scale, adapted to dog-sport participation. Seventy-eight percent of participants were aged 45 to 74 years, and the majority were female. Seventy-seven percent of participants reported participation at ≥ 12 competitions per year, while 23% reported attending ≤ 6 competitions. The logistic regression model was significant (η2(6)=16.68, n = 84, p < 0.05) and explained 18% (Cox and Snell R Square) to 27.4% (Nagelkerke R Square) of the variance in number of competitions selected. Intrinsic motivation (IM-to experience) and self-determined extrinsic motivation (EM-identified) were the two predictors that contributed significantly to the model. Data from open-ended survey questions indicated that participants valued and enjoyed dog sports and reported similar benefits for themselves and their dogs. Participants perceived the benefits associated with participation in dog sports as motivators for continued engagement. Self-determined motivation appeared to differentiate between people who competed more frequently at dog-sport competitions and those who competed less frequently. Understanding motivation to participate could help when promoting dog-sport competition to dog owners who do not participate or participate less frequently, including younger men and women. The Sports motivation Scale adapted to dog sports is a good survey tool to elucidate information regarding motivation to participate in dog sports.Keywords: competitiondogsmotivationsport