To be scared to walk the dog alone

[PeachyT]

I'm thinking of getting a rescue dog. My family have always had dogs and I've longed for one for many years, but my lifestyle hasn't allowed it until recently. I'm now settled, own a home, and work mostly remotely with 2-4 days a month in the office. (And my office allows dogs).

However, I've been thinking about where we'd go for walks. There's some great countryside nearby, I love hiking, but always go with friends. I'd love to be able to take my dog out for long walks, but thinking about it, I'm worried about safety and quite nervous about going out alone every day, walking along country roads/trails by myself. Aibu? How do you feel about walking your dog alone? Any tips or advice? (Except getting a big, scary looking dog).

I suppose we're all different. I've walked alone since I was 14. I've always loved long country walks and I suppose I've always walked in isolated places although I've never thought of it like that. I just see them as peaceful scenic places. I've never felt unsafe, never felt scared.
I realise other women think differently. I have a friend who can't go anywhere unescorted. If you feel unsafe try and avoid isolated routes, stick to busy paths and parks.

I walk my dog alone a lot in countryside (sometimes without my phone which I leave at home on purpose to "escape" messages etc..) I have never ever felt unsafe. Not sure how my dog would react tbh- hopefully he would protect me but likely lick them!

It's honestly never occurred to me to be scared walking my dog, though admittedly I wouldn't take him out after dark. We do live in a very safe area though, and I've never met anyone other than nice, friendly people while out and about.

(Actually thinking about it I did used to walk my first dog before the sun came up, in a less nice area than where I live now, but she was a big, muscular Staff and the most hardened criminal would've thought twice before approaching me with her. Current dog is a fluffy Cavalier who would be no use whatsoever in a dangerous situation, so we stay at home when it's dark.)

Just back from glorious country walk with my dog. All alone.

stunning and not a whiff of fear. Assed one male runner, we smiled at each other and that was that.

best start to the day

Yanbu to be a bit wary. It's sad but just a fact that women do need to be cautious walking alone! But I wouldn't let it put me off getting a dog. Just adjust your routine and your walking routes so you aren't anywhere too isolated. Maybe forest parks? There's one near me and I feel really safe walking alone there in the day. In the evenings just stick to pavements maybe

Two things struck me as I read your post.

First, the dog you rescue will dictate where you go and for how long (Are they reactive? Does this breed need long walks or shorter 'bursts'? Will they take a while to be reliable off-leash, if at all?) Consider this as much as the mental image you have in your head about what 'walking a dog' looks like – you may end up with a different reality.

Second, both you and the dog will need to work up to a routine when they come home. They'll be getting to know the area, you'll be building trust and recall together, and you'll be finding the routes and places that feel good to you and the dog. You can use that getting-to-know-you time to gently design a rhythm that suits you both.

So start walking your area now, before you get the dog. Notice who's out and about at what times of day – when are there other dog walkers about and where? Is there traffic you'll need to be aware of? Places that don't have as much street lighting after dark as others? Talk to people you see walking their dogs and ask them about routes and places that dog walkers go. Do your research now so you're prepared when pup comes home.

Then, once they're home and you're learning how they are out in public, start with shorter walks as you get to know one another. Adjust your routes to help the dog feel comfortable as well as you.

You'll likely get into a rhythm that means you see the same people reasonably regularly. Wave, say hello, be a known face among the community as 'PeachyT and her pooch'. It'll help you feel more secure.

Start small, for the dog's benefit as much as yours, and build up as your confidence grows.

You'll be fine.

I grew up in the middle of nowhere so it's totally natural for me to wander for hours without seeing a single soul. I feel a lot less safe in the parks in the cities - so many nutters, packs of people drinking etc, it feels like a tinderbox (exciting thpugh!) I feel sad for those who don't feel comfortable alone in the great outdoors, (but I do understand) - nothing beats it!

I walk my dogs alone, in the countryside, all the time. What you will find tho, is there will be lots of other dog walkers doing exactly the same as you and eventually, you'll strike up conversations, usually when your dog wants to play with theirs and suddenly you have a friend to walk with.
In my experience dog walkers look out for one another and you start to notice if someone is missing and/or look for lost dogs etc. I've even walked another persons dog for a few days when the owner was ill. It can be a small community in its own right. Be prepared to never know the owners name - you'll know all the dogs names in a week!

of fear. Assed one male runner,

Well that's one way to start the day ... 🍆

I stick to country parks or areas which aren’t totally isolated in daylight, if I’m on my own.