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.

[bakeoffcake]

She is gorgeous

Good luck with your new routine.

[Judydreamsofhorses]

What a lovely wee dog, OP! We had cockers for years and our last was such a lazy monkey that sometimes you'd put his lead on and he would sit on the doorstep and refuse to go - if it was raining he had to be dragged out. Some days he had two walks, others he had none. On the flip side, he would happily play with you for hours on end with a ball in the (large) garden, or with rope toys and the like in the house. Our vet said there was absolutely nothing coming over him, he was stubborn, lazy, but in excellent health and a properly, lovely boy.

[sonjadog]

I have a working breed. He's old now but in his younger years he needed a good long walk every day. I also work as a teacher and there were periods in the school year when I just didn't have a couple of hours to spend walking him, so he had to do with 20 minutes around the park as his main walk. He was fine. Dogs live closely with us for 12-15 years of our lives, and like with everyone else that means that there will be ups and downs. Dogs can cope with that, much like the people in our lives do.

[Idefix]

Late to the discussion but don't think ur not to walk such a small dog everyday.

I am currently having my lap warmed by a chi cross who has the opportunity to walk everyday with our other dog and opts to go 50% of the time.

Having access to the garden and lots of playing and training seems to satisfy most of the time.

[Wolfiefan]

Stu that sounds like a great plan. And gorgeous dog!
Just remember Cinnamon Trust if you have a bad bout! We are all checked out with references and ID etc.
re PJs. On a bad day throw joggers over them!!!

[NameChange30]

Isn't the Cinnamon Trust for elderly and terminally ill people?

[StuRedman]

That's what it says on the website.

I don't need someone else to walk her though, I just need to man the fuck up and take her out myself.

[CreepingDogFart]

Just take the dog for a walk for goodness sake.

[Gabilan]

Ah. Good old JFDI. The cure for all depression.

[SaggingTits]

I don't think you need to man up OP. I walk my dog everyday because she's a high energy breed. The rest or my family have shitzus, they are walked a few times a week and seem perfectly happy.

Of course you shouldn't rehome a dog that is walked regularly, has a big garden and has a loving family. There are dogs out there desperate for homes, yours isn't one of them.

[Out2pasture]

OP a small dog like that is fine in a fenced yard. could you go out with her (clean up the yard while you throw a toy around or chase her a bit) no need to get out of your pj's.
Preteens and teens are mostly unreliable with pets. Sorry but don't expect much at that age.
Tell DH to chill, it's (presumably) a happy well adjusted dog.

[TwinkleCrinkle]

Your plan sounds good, I don't suffer from depression but am a bit lazy and don't really like walking. The only reason I go is because the dog needs to go out twice a day (shitzu sized). I love my dog and she loves to walk, so I walk!
Definitely making it a part of your routine is good, ie in the morning I have a show I like to watch so I make sure I go out 30 mins before it comes on and in the evening I give ds dinner then we go straight out. It's just making it a non negotiable part of your day like feeding a child etc. and you know what I feel so much better for getting out of the house!
Ps. I go out in my pjs sometimes with my coat over!

[PonderLand]

IMO dogs don't get taken for walks in their minds for exercise, they're going on a hunt :) it's mental stimulation and it's what they do to stay sane, at least my dog does anyway. We walk him morning, afternoon and night and he loves it, I'd feel so guilty if I couldn't do that anymore and would also consider rehoming him so he could have the best life.

I'm no expert or dog professional but I think all dogs should be taken out for a walk (away from home & garden) at least once a day.

[OnlyLovers]

She's a lovely dog, OP.

at least my dog does anyway. Well that is the key, really, isn't it? Your dog is not the OP's dog, and the OP sounds clued up enough to be able to recognise if her dog was suffering from not getting a walk every day.

[ICanSeeForMiles]

If you don't feel up to walking, will she retrieve a wee ball if you sat on a park bench and threw a ball for her for half an hour in return for treats?

[ohtheholidays]

She looks very much like our littlest Dog she's the same breed.They're lovely little dogs OP aren't they.

We have 3 Dogs and the littlest sometimes refuses to go out for a walk,especially if it's raining and she has a lovely warm waterproof coat she's just a little madam sometimes

I hope the help and medication starts working for you OP depression can be bloody crippling.

[zeezeek]

Judydreamsofhorses one of my labs is like that - sometimes he'll drag us to the door, other times he'll hide away when the leads come out - there's nothing at all wrong with him, he's just a lazy arse sometimes. The retriever can be a bit meh about going for a walk when the weather isn't to his precise liking ie too cold, too hot, too windy, not windy enough and as for rain, forget it. The collie, however, goes insane if she can't walk or run at least 3 times a day: we tend to pay the teenager next door to walk her twice a day!

Sometimes all 3 dogs get a long walk, sometimes they get more than one walk, other times the lab and retriever don't get any - none of them are overweight or neglected. They still have two kids to herd run around after and a box each full of toys to play with. It is just that sometimes we can't be arsed, other times they can't be arsed and occasionally none of us (dogs and humans) can be arsed and would rather cuddle up in front of the fire.

[RhodaBull]

Dog walking is not always a joy. Sometimes it is a chore. It's cold. You're busy. You feel ill. Etc etc etc.

But you know what, on a spring morning it really does make you feel a bit better if you're feeling down. I talk to my dog and we remark on the woodpeckers, any new green leaves, some warmth in the sun. He looks at me and grins and sometimes does a rumble. Not a great conversationalist, but he tries.

Anyway, another way to make dog walking less arduous is a podcast. I listened to all of Serial walking round the neighbourhood. In fact I had to do a few more roads in a good episode.

Lastly I know it's been said but a dog walker is good to have on hand - not regularly - but sometimes - if you are feeling very down or unwell or even if it's one of those "I haven't got a minute spare" type of days.

[MaidOfStars]

Stu
I got a FB post for a site called BorrowMyDoggy yesterday. It links up enthusiastic dog lovers who can't home one with people who need their dogs taking for walks/weekends. I don't think you pay the person to walk your dog. I know I'd do it for free, if I could swing by someone's house on my way to the shops etc. It might be worth a look?

I didn't sign up because they charge a tenner to "process your application"....

If you are randomly in my town (between Manchester and Peak District), I'll walk her!

[Theambler]

I clicked on your title expecting to say YABU, but actually I don't think so reading your OP. While walking every day is best, some breeds are less needy of the exercise and stimulation. If she's loved and has company most of the time I'm sure she's fine.

I am sorry to hear you have depression. I know it can be difficult to motivate yourself to go out. But it's a viciouscycle. If you can force yourself to get out the door with the dog a bit more now that some sunny spring days are here, the exercise and sun will absolutely boost your natural endorphin levels, and make it slightly easier to get out the next day, etc etc. Maybe find a nice new woodland walk on google maps near you.

I have to say, a new walk on a lovely day with my dogs really lifts my spirits. Good luck OP!

[Theambler]

Gah! I should rtft first, there are cute dog photos!

[GertrudeBadger]

Op, completely agree with the 'adequate' dog ownership lobby, not worried about your dog! I use borrowmydoggy for my ancient retriever (he's an old flirt and loves attention) and I've had a series of lovely people walking him, works out about 1 walk a week (I have a pool as people sometimes can't make it every week) but usually a good walk as it obviously attracts people that love dogs. There are some flakey time-wasters for sure but my dog likes meeting people even if it turns out to be a one-off and he's definitely gotten a lot of walks out of it. Might be good for you too to meet people, often attracts the new to the area etc, who want a cup of tea and can take the edge off the day for you too?

[VirginiaWoofs]

I'm sorry OP but I think it was irresponsible to have bought this dog. You need to focus on your mental health.

Dogs need walking every day - I firmly believe it's cruel not to do this

[CaptainCrunch]

Borrow my doggy charges £44 yearly subscription. This ensures the members are who they say they are. It's an excellent way of getting your dog walked / looked after in the holidays by good people. There are no further charges.

[GertrudeBadger]

Yes Captain, that's exactly right and my dog has certainly had his money's worth - I'm on my second year of membership.