Published in the Journal of Park and Recreation Administration, this study by Amelia Romo, B. D. Taff, and colleagues investigated how dog guardians behave on public open-space lands and what influences their decisions to properly dispose of pet waste. Using 541 direct observations and 386 surveys conducted across 10 sites, the research team combined behavioral data with self-reported attitudes to understand real-world practices.
The study applied the Theory of Planned Behavior as a framework, examining how attitudes, social norms, and perceived behavioral control predict both intention and actual disposal behaviors. Researchers observed canine defecation and human responses 102 times and found that overall 73.5% of owners properly bagged and took waste with them.
A consistent trend emerged: owners with on-leash dogs were significantly more likely to bag their dogs’ waste compared to those with off-leash dogs. When immediate disposal into trash or compost receptacles was included, on-leash owners were still about 11% more likely to follow full recommended disposal practices.
Survey results revealed that perceived behavioral control—owners’ sense of how easy it is to perform correct disposal—was the strongest predictor of intention to comply. Many respondents reported they would be more likely to follow best practices if trails included additional trash or compost receptacles and waste bag dispensers.
Based on these findings, the authors propose several management strategies: establishing more on-leash-only zones, designating on-leash segments one quarter mile from trailheads, and adding receptacles and bag dispensers at key early-trail locations. Complementary educational efforts—highlighting the importance of not leaving bagged waste behind and promoting the ease of immediate disposal—may further enhance compliance.
Collectively, the results emphasize how infrastructure, policy, and behavioral messaging can work together to support responsible dog stewardship and protect ecological health on shared public lands.
Source: Romo, A., Taff, B. D., & colleagues (2019). Dog Owners’ Perceptions and Behaviors Related to the Disposal of Pet Waste in City of Boulder Open Space and Mountain Parks. Journal of Park and Recreation Administration. Published March 11, 2019.
