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Introduction: Dog ownership and dog walking have been associated with increased physical activity in the general population. Although evidence suggests an association between pet ownership and increased survival in patients with coronary heart disease (CHD), little is known about how dog ownership and dog walking may be associated with exercise habits in CHD patients.

Hypothesis: The purpose of this study was to examine dog ownership and dog walking and their relationship with frequency of home- and hospital-based CR exercise in patients with CHD. It was hypothesized that CHD patients who walk their dogs would report more frequent home- and hospital-based CR exercise.

Methods: The study was based on Self-Determination Theory. A prospective observational design was used. A total of 122 patients with CHD completed a dog ownership and walking survey during their hospitalization and were …