Borrow my doggy - has anyone used this as a lender?

[JustBeingJobless]

I’m just getting some mobility back after suffering my 11th herniated disc, and I’m realising I need some help with my 11yo girl as these last two weeks I’ve been housebound and have really struggled getting her exercised. Realistically, even when I’m back to “normal” I can’t walk very far, so could really do with her having a good walk a couple of times a week (she’s still got plenty of energy and stamina for an old gal, although she doesn’t seem overly bothered if we don’t manage to get out or it’s only a potter round the block). I’ve got loads of local dog walking friends, but I’ve not been inundated with offers to walk her and I don’t like asking favours too much.

I’ve thought about a dog walker, but she isn’t great walking in big groups, and the choice of dog walkers locally is limited and I’m not overly keen on any of the ones I’ve come across, so was wondering about signing up to borrow my doggy. Just after any reviews/experience from anyone thats used it really, as I’m reluctant to pay the fee if I’m likely to get no offers or messed about!

Thanks :)

[ibuiltahomeforyou]

You sound like the perfect candidate! I signed up but there weren't enough dogs to go around near me so I never met any dogs as the relationships between owner and walker were quickly established.

My friend did it and absolutely loved it - the biggest issue was that some of the dog owners near her were bonkers very specific about how she should walk the dog (wanted her to walk the dog mid-morning when she worked full time and were annoyed when she said she couldn't!).

[JustBeingJobless]

Ah that’s good! I’m not picky and I wouldn’t need it every day, as I can generally make it to the park at the end of the street, but I just worry that she’s bored and needs a bit more sometimes. She’s a pretty well behaved dog but she just has the occasional arsey moment with other bitches and prefers the company of one or two dogs as oppose to a group which is why I think she’s be better one on one rather than with a professional walker.

[TemporaryPermanent]

I tried but my dog was too tricky However, I met 2 very nice people through it, both would have been fine. You sound like the ideal borrowmydoggy lender and I think there's a strong chance you'll find someone.

An alternative is to ask anyone you know who has contacts aged about 13-15 - peak ages for doing Duke of Edinburgh. Volunteering as a dog walker is quite a popular option and is particularly helpful for children who would struggle more with very people-focused volunteering.

[JustBeingJobless]

As the mother of a 13yo who flatly refuses to poo pick and has been known to let go of the lead in the middle of the road, and therefore can’t walk her, I’m reluctant to rely on a young teen! Probably wrong judging them all by my sons standards I know!

[NChangeForNoReason]

My own kids see it as a chore so won't do it well, but friends kids LOVE walking the dog for us and are very responsible!

Try putting something on. Local Facebook group asking for volunteers, it might guilt encourage ur own to help out!!

[rookiemere]

I'm on borrowmydoggy and a lovely lady takes ddog out at the weekends sometimes and is looking after him when we are on holiday.

Had one lady took him for a couple of walks but was too busy for a regular commitment and another who seemed very keen who I thought might line up for my working from home day, but then stopped texting. So it can be a bit hit or miss depending on what you're looking for - more likely to find folks available at the weekend because its people who want a dog but can't commit to having one.

It's possible to join without paying first of all and I'd do that to begin with before paying the £45 so you can see how many folks are members in your area.

[JustBeingJobless]

It sounds like it’s worth a punt then :) I really wish my son was a bit more responsible - he’s a reluctant helper in anything I ask him to do, but I can accept bad washing up or hoovering; the dog I cannot risk getting run over because he’s not concentrating or get in trouble because he’s not cleaning up after her!

[rookiemere]

I feel your pain. DS almost 13 is pretty responsible if he takes out DDog but has to be nagged for ages to do it.