Would you like it if your neighbor offered to walk your dog?

[Anonymous]

Why can't you not get your own dog? Such a wierd request.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Why can't you not get your own dog? Such a wierd request.

Not if her child is a young toddler and OP appears to know nothing about dogs. That would be an even worse disaster.

[Anonymous]

I don't have kids but work long hours, sometimes unexpectedly, so I have a cat instead of dogs. However, most neighbors with dogs have jumped at the offer that I take the dog with me on my daily runs, when I can.

I think adding a small child to the situation would really increase risk and potential liability. I wouldn't blame a neighbor for not wanting to take on the risk.

OP, sometimes you can walk dogs at the local animal shelter. They may or may not allow small children to accompany -- I've seen both in the form you fill out -- but if they do, the volunteers there would be helpful in identifying a gentle dog that does well with kids.

[Anonymous]

I have a small dog and take him to the Cabin John dog park. I often see people bring their kids just to meet dogs

[Anonymous]

No, because I'd be worried they'd let him get away. He's a Houdini dog and can be very stubborn. If he doesn't want to go one way, he'll lock his legs and pull himself backwards to pull out of his harness. I've tried at least 10 different harnesses and leads out there and he can get out of all of them if he really wants to.

[Anonymous]

No. I have a cute and popular kind of dog. Toddlers always want to pet him. But I’m WALKING THE DOG not amusing the toddler.

[Anonymous]

I’d love to let you walk my dog, but my dog is weird and territorial and wouldn’t go with you. My dog won’t even leave with people she knows if I’m home. My dad tried walking her when he visits and she won’t go.

[Anonymous]

I think this really depends on the dog.

My dog, 11 years old (so doesn't need a lot of exercise), rock solid temperament, and about 20 lbs (so too small to pull your kid into the street, too big for your kid to step on). He's a little lonely these days, because his favorite person went to college, and would love any opportunity to spend more time outside and/or with people. I try, but I also work long hours and he's love some more time.

I don't think I'd want you coming in my house if you weren't there, but if you called me up, I'd happily bring him to the door and you could take him out for a walk, or to chase a ball in your yard. I'd just ask that you supervised the whole time.

And just to make it clear, if you were in a situation where the choice was to drop the leash or let go of your toddler in the street, please don't hesitate, of course you pick the child.

[Anonymous]

It would be nice of you to offer, but I like to walk my dog myself. I spend all day away from her at work - giving her a walk is a time for us to reconnect, for me to reinforce commands, etc. I don't want to give that up.

Also, I would not hire a dog walker with a toddler. I mean, it's fine if they HAVE a toddler, but not if they're bringing the toddler along. I want my dog to be your focus, not your toddler.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:It would be nice of you to offer, but I like to walk my dog myself. I spend all day away from her at work - giving her a walk is a time for us to reconnect, for me to reinforce commands, etc. I don't want to give that up.

Also, I would not hire a dog walker with a toddler. I mean, it's fine if they HAVE a toddler, but not if they're bringing the toddler along. I want my dog to be your focus, not your toddler.

I'm the PP, and I'm not sure why you're assuming that the walk would replace your walk.

I like to walk my dog too, but my dog, if given the choice, would go on 20 walks a day. I'd be happy to let you squeeze in one at 7, even if I walked him at 5 when I got home from work, and will again at 9 before bed. It's not like my dog has other social obligations to meet when I'm doing the dinner dishes.

[Anonymous]

Ask for pet sitting or boarding.

[Anonymous]

I'd love it. We have a golden who adores all children. Worst that could happen is that his tail wagging could knock one down.

[Anonymous]

Post on your neighborhood listserv and find out.

[Anonymous]

I’d love it. Our dog is just 11 months old and can’t get enough walks or socializing—she loves everyone.

On of the 7th grade neighbors in our carpool this year used to ask on the way home from school if she could walk our dog and I was always thrilled that the dog could get some extra exercise while I was getting dinner ready, or driving one of my younger kids to their activities. And the dog gets so excited when she sees that neighbor, she just looooovvvves her.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It would be nice of you to offer, but I like to walk my dog myself. I spend all day away from her at work - giving her a walk is a time for us to reconnect, for me to reinforce commands, etc. I don't want to give that up.

Also, I would not hire a dog walker with a toddler. I mean, it's fine if they HAVE a toddler, but not if they're bringing the toddler along. I want my dog to be your focus, not your toddler.

I'm the PP, and I'm not sure why you're assuming that the walk would replace your walk.

I like to walk my dog too, but my dog, if given the choice, would go on 20 walks a day. I'd be happy to let you squeeze in one at 7, even if I walked him at 5 when I got home from work, and will again at 9 before bed. It's not like my dog has other social obligations to meet when I'm doing the dinner dishes.

I really love my dog and want to spend as much time with her as possible. If someone walked my dog while I was at work that might be okay in terms of giving my dog a fun outing but I wouldn't let someone walk my dog when I was home. And I wouldn't have a dog-walker who brought a toddler with them.