borrowing a dog for safety while waking/jogging

[Anonymous]

Our dog recently died and we are about to move into a rental townhouse with no pets allowed (fine with that clause as we have two young children and not in a position to give a new dog 100% right now). We found a preschool a mile away and I would like to be able to walk DS there on nice days (and jog back). I've always felt safer walking with a dog. Do you think someone would let me borrow their dog for this? Maybe even pay me a little for the exercise for their pet? Advice on broaching the topic with a new neighbor? It would obviously have to be the right dog... well leash trained, good with kids,etc.

[Anonymous]

Your new neighbors will think you're strange if you ask them this immediately. Get to know them over a few weeks and if you feel comfortable with them and the dog, then ask.

[Anonymous]

Maybe you can get a part time job with a dog walking service?

I'd honestly be thrilled if a neighbor wanted to take my dog for a walk/jog. And, I wouldn't think you were weird for asking. Especially if I knew you were a former dog owner. You could start by asking a neighbor if there's a neighborhood listserv where you could post this request. Good luck!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Maybe you can get a part time job with a dog walking service?

I'd honestly be thrilled if a neighbor wanted to take my dog for a walk/jog. And, I wouldn't think you were weird for asking. Especially if I knew you were a former dog owner. You could start by asking a neighbor if there's a neighborhood listserv where you could post this request. Good luck!

I agree with this, but I would be put off if you asked to be paid after asking to borrow my dog. Either offer a legit dog walking service or ask for the favor of walking with the dog for your safety, but not both.

[Anonymous]

Please come to my house and take my dog on a walk. He needs exercise and our kids are small, so he doesn't get out enough.

Problem is, he's a dachshund and that does not really keep the bogeymen at bay

[Anonymous]

I'd be thrilled if you asked me the same thing, although my dog is not scary in the slightest.

But I wouldn't pay you to walk my dog at preschool drop off. If I was looking for a midday dog walker, and you wanted to combine it with picking up your kid, I'd be fine with that, but if it's primarily to meet your needs I wouldn't expect to pay.

[Anonymous]

FYI, many dogs are not easily walked in tandem with a stroller unless they are really well trained, docile, or gentle. If my dog sees a squirrel, cat or rabbit while we are out with the stroller, it's crazy time. I would not want to be out with my dog and two young children. It's basically like adding a third toddler. So pick your dog carefully and get to know the dog first. You do not want a situation where either the dog gets loose, bolts, or your children are scared.

[Anonymous]

My dog would love to help you out.