To not walk the dog every day?

[StuRedman]

Just had a horrible row with DH and dd (12) because I asked her to take the dog for a walk and she refused, DH kicked off a bit about getting rid of her because she doesn't get a daily walk and he never wanted a dog anyway. He never walks her, although sometimes comes with me or dd when we do. They have now both gone out with her, although she would have gone alone.

She is a miniature breed, a chihuahua cross, she's tiny (2kg) and I walk her maybe four days out of seven but not every day. I have severe depression and often can't face getting dressed let alone taking the dog out. We have a large garden that she spends a lot of time in. She's a happy little thing and mostly sleeps on me all day with a few bursts of playing outside, with me with her rope toys, or with a kong. Imo she is fine with the amount of exercise she gets but dh can get very fixed on rules and in his mind you walk a dog every day.

I love her, we've had her since she was a puppy (she's 15months now) and dh saying he would put an ad in the paper has broken me. I know he won't, it was just a rare loss of temper, but the whole exchange has really upset me.

What do you think? Am I a terrible dog owner? Would she be better off elsewhere? I can make more of an effort to take her out, and will, but I just wanted to find out if anyone else has a happy dog that doesn't get a daily walk or if I'm deluded.

[OnlyLovers]

I think as a good husband and daughter it would be nice of them to help the OP while she is unwell by walking the dog occasionally

I agree, although I think as DH is an adult I'd expect him to do it more than I'd expect the DD to. He could show a bit more understanding and flexibility about the OP's health IMO.

[RapunzelStyle]

This should have all been sorted out carefully before you got the dog, especially if you had depression beforehand and knew you might not be up to it.

You say you love the poor thing - do you really? Love means you put something else before yourself. What if it were a small child? Would it only go to school on the days you felt up to it?

[MrTiddlestheFatCat]

owllady we're in a fairly built up area and rarely see dogs for my dog to play with either. And if we do, she has a sniff of their arse and then runs off. She seems to prefer sniffing pissy lampposts than actually interacting with the dogs!

I really don't understand why people are acting like op is abusing her dog...her dog seems to have a lovely life, and a lot nicer than some I know who are walked twice around the street and kept in the kitchen for the rest of the time! For me, that is getting a dog when you shouldn't!

[RapunzelStyle]

I'm quite sickened actually that out of a family of three you can't walk a flipping chihuahua enough and that you are actually thinking of rehoming it just because of that.

No wonder our rescue centres are full to bursting.

[Janecc]

I have chronic fatigue syndrome (ME) and DD age 7 was desperate to get another dog. After looking around, we got a cockapoo against my dhs wishes. He wanted a "real dog" like our lovely lab we lost. But at the end of the day, I'm the dog walker in the house and I would never have the energy to occupy a lab. He is walked twice a day every day mostly by me. Sometimes it is just for 10 mins and not ideal. Like you, op I just do what I can.
Yes there is a big difference between stimulation at home and out and about. For the dog, different smells, running off the lead, contact with other dogs is all important for emotional well being. However you are doing all of that regularly with your dog. I would say to try to stick to a routine if this helps and to keep your doggie as stimulated as possible in between walks. loving the bubbles idea!
As for your DD I would cut her some slack, I don't mean to sound unkind but having a poorly mummy is a real tall order for her. Possibly more so at her age. I talk to my DD a heck of a lot and she struggles with my limits. Is she angry with you about being ill? Does she get teased or hear derogatory remarks about you at school?
And I would NEVER get rid of the dog. She's getting to the end of her puppy stage now and she will start to mellow with age.

[StuRedman]

We are categorically NOT rehoming her. It's not even up for discussion. Dh was just venting at Dd (and me).

[girlinacoma]

Not sure if already been mentioned but could you consider a service such as Borrow My Doggy?

You do have to a pay a fee (once per year I think), but they match you up with local people who would love to have a dog of their own but who can't (perhaps at work all day or in a rental property).

That might take care of at least 1 walk a week.

I agree that your dog needs mental stimulation outside of them home in addition to exercise.

[RapunzelStyle]

I'm actually hoping this thread is not real.
If it is, your "D"D needs a massive kick up the arse. Something not right about a child who doesn't care about an animal.

[bakeoffcake]

Don't feel guilty OP, you're doing your best with a horrible illness.

I would say if you can face getting out every day it may well be a good thing for you. (I've had depression and found taking the dog out every day has really helped.)

Although I wouldn't say you have to do 30-40 minutes everyday. Even 15 mins, out in the fresh air will do you and your dog the world of good.

[MrTiddlestheFatCat]

I'm quite sickened actually that out of a family of three you can't walk a flipping chihuahua enough and that you are actually thinking of rehoming it just because of that.

The rehoming thing, seems to me, to have just been said in frustration and anger. Its clear very much that op loves the dog.

And sickened, really? You want to get sickened about a dog that gets four walks a week, has loads of toys, plays in the garden and has a loving family that spends lots of time with her.

[RapunzelStyle]

OP: Would she be better off elsewhere?
OP update: We are categorically NOT rehoming her.

Make your mind up, OP.

[NeedACleverNN]

Thanks wolfie

[Ameliablue]

Yes she should be walked every day, even if it is only 5-10 minutes twice a day.

[Owllady]

I agree with you mrtiddles :) when I walk my dog by my dd's school, which is on an estate, she sniffs lampposts and tries to talk to cats

[Janecc]

Good for you op. totally on your side. Think you're starting to get a rough ride from someone, who really does need to let down her hair!

[Wolfiefan]

Need a clever. PM me if you want.
The Cinnamon Trust is an amazing charity. And don't be put off if their website doesn't show help needed in your area. They only put on their most urgent cases.
OP they really might help you. Or even me if we happen to be close!!

[RapunzelStyle]

Hilarious, Jancecc, glad you're on the OP's side.
Anyone on the poor dog's side?! As a pp said it's not so much about exercise as stimulation.

[MrTiddlestheFatCat]

Jesus rapunzel this dog doesn't get walked three days out of seven. The rest she plays in the garden, has constant human company and toys. And she does get out for a walk a lot of the time. I think that's enough exercise, and lots of stimulation.

[Janecc]

I can understand you'd have that viewpoint having been locked in a tower for so long.

[NeedACleverNN]

Crikey rapunzel talk about barking up the wrong tree

That poor dog must be suffering in her nice warm home, with loving owners who walk her most days and a nice large garden.

[OnlyLovers]

Back off, eh, Rapunzel.