My dog would love to help you out.

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.

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.

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 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.

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!

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.

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.