Bonded Green Exercise: A One Health Framework for Shared Nature-Based Physical Activity in the Human–Dog Dyad

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Authors: Krista B. Halling, Mark Bowden, Jules Pretty, Jennifer Ogeer
Cited by: 2
References: 158

Abstract

). Evidence shows that nature exposure, physical activity, and human-animal bond (HAB) each enhance physical, mental, and social well-being, yet these domains have rarely been examined together as an integrated therapeutic triad. We introduce a new conceptual framework of bonded green exercise, defined as shared physical activity between a bonded human and dog in natural environments. Synthesizing existing evidence across human and canine sciences into a testable conceptual integration, we posit that bonded green exercise may plausibly activate evolutionarily conserved, synergistic mechanisms of physiological, behavioural, and affective co-regulation. Four testable hypotheses are proposed: (H1) triadic synergy: combined domains produce greater benefits than additive effects; (H2) heterospecific benefit: parallel health gains occur in both species; (H3) behavioural amplification: dogs acts as catalysts to drive human participation in nature-based activity; and (H4) scalable health promotion: bonded green exercise represents a low-cost, accessible, One Health approach with population-level potential. This framework highlights how intentional, shared physical activity in nature may potentially offer a novel low-cost and accessible model for enhancing health, lifespan, welfare, and ecological stewardship across species.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Human-Animal Interaction Studies Veterinary Orthopedics and Neurology Animal Behavior and Welfare Studies

Publication details

Journal / source
Animals
Publisher
MDPI AG
Volume
16
Issue
2
Pages
291–291
Publication date
16 January 2026
Language
EN