Would you judge me for this? Be honest please!

[Biggestandbrighteststar]

Hi! Just looking for some honest opinions on whether I’m acting weirdly and if you would judge me for this!

I’ve had family dogs before as a child, but im in my early 20s and my dog is my first dog that’s actually been mine IYSWIM. I’m a bit of an obsessed dog mum who spends the majority of my time with my dog and making sure she’s ok. But I’m getting better haha.

anyway, my dog is a large breed double coated dog who really, really struggles with hot weather. We can usually get away with walking very early and very late but with the heatwave recently they have been miserable even with that and even walking at 6am has been too hot for them.

however, I’ve found a good window between 2-4 where it’s perfectly cool enough for them. So we have been going to bed at 10, then walking from 2-4, then going back to bed and sleeping until the morning. I can be extremely flexible with my work (I don’t work 9-5 for example) and I’m feeling fine with the routine. I’m still getting enough sleep I’ve just rejigged my day to accommodate it all and it works.

I don’t particularly like being out in the middle of the night but my dog absolutely adores it so I take a torch, charged phone etc. During the day she gets to plod around the house and chill in her pool but it means she also gets exercise too.

i briefly mentioned it to some friends who snorted, rolled their eyes and said I’m being ridiculous walking about during the night and that it’s unsafe and I’m being selfish disrupting my dogs sleep. But she was so depressed not being able to be walked and this solution works for us both. But I don’t know if me being an obsessed slightly neurotic first time dog mum is clouding my judgement and I’m being silly? Just to clarify I wouldn’t judge others for not doing this, it’s just something that works well for me and my dog

If it works for you, then it works for you. I would roll my eyes though and think you were completely unhinged. Especially if you regularly referred to yourself as a "first time dog mum".

You are a wonderful and responsible dog huMum.

I had 2 events that caused me PTSD. I am alone in the house now. My last baby has left.

I have 5 very small dogs, 4 are rescues and are old. I used to have large dogs but became disabled and these enjoy my garden which luckily is large.

I would do anything for my dogs. They sleep on the other side of my bed. Errr, that's what I say anyway... I know how much dogs feel distress and I have nurtured the rescued ones back into being confident and happy. They give me confidence and are so loyal to me I do not go on holiday and hardly every go out. I don't want to because I don't want to be away from my dogs.

It takes a Dog Lover to recognise another Dog Lover. It's not just love, it's respect for our dogs. They are wonderful animals.

You are being a caring dog owner imo,just be careful when out ❤

2-4am sounds pretty extreme! Why can't you walk at 6am when it's nice and cool?

The walking thing is fine. ‘First time dog mum’ makes me cringe so much though

I think your fabulous. X

Nothing wrong at all with you calling yourself a first time dog mum. And good for you for thinking about your dog and what's best for it. I applaud you for that.

I'm an obsessed dog mum and worry continuously about my two. They are both double coated. I walk them at 530am and then again at about 10. It's fine for them. But as always do what you want to do and don't worry about anyone else. Why care.

I felt like I had to comment on this, even though it’s got so many replies already…! so many opinions 🥲

Does it sound mad? Yes. Do I care what you chose to do? No. Would I do it? No, I like sleep. If you were my friend I would absolutely not react like that, I’d just ask you’re safe. However, does my opinion matter? No, lol. You clearly care about your dog, my two struggle in this heat but absolutely need a walk every day so I understand you prioritising it! I know I can walk somewhere safe at that time where I live, so I can only hope you have somewhere similar to walk your dog.

You do you, just be safe 🙂 I can see why you felt the need to post. I’ve experienced situations like this so many times. Where you’re doing what is best and works, and people you care about get neggy about it. You’ll never avoid opinions, some people live to throw theirs down others throats and sometimes your choices will be mistakes but own them and learn and life is all good 👍 soz that got deep but I resonated with you.

I also have a large breed double coat but she was made for Siberia where you get the most extremes of weather from very very cold to very very hot.
She’s ok at 22 degrees for an on lead walk if the pavement not hot sat 8 am for eg. tend to walk when 30 however. She loves flirt pole on grass in our garden just not too much in hot weather. Your dog may be better equipped than you think. Double coated is a clever cooling and heating mechanism.

Omg typos I meant 20 degrees not 30 !!!!

My dog has a double coat. He goes out around 7am and again in the evening. The rest of the day he can use the garden if he wants. Sod getting up at 2am. He likes his sleep too much.

I also think for your safety, walking very early eg 5/6 am would be better. There are dog walkers about at that time on very hot days.

Like you have said she isn't out in the sun so could she not be shaved short all over? Then maybe she could cope with a walk in the evening. I have no idea about double coat breeds and if shaving is a thing or not. But walking in the middle of the night alone doesn't come without risks as very few people are about.

You sound very sweet. You are not being silly as long as you are safe. Perhaps change your route each time? Do you have a panic alarm? It's a shame that we have to consider these things but that's the reality. When I used to go for runs I would run around car parks as there is usually a lot of CCTV.

I do whatever suits my dogs. I have 3 and they all have different requirements #knackered Furrydogmum with happy dogs!

If it works for you then carry on.

It's a bit crazy! Why can't you go at 6am-8am?

The heatwave will be over next week anyway

I'd just worry about your safety, you shouldn't be putting yourself in danger for a dog, its silly. Just walk them when it's light and people are about up for work, it won't be hot early on.

I was just reading through to see if anyone had said this before I did.

Do what you like with your dog (I've also done batshit things for my dog). But don't refer to your dog as they/them.

If it works for you, works for your dog then do it. You sound like a lovely, responsible & caring dog mum & don’t let other people insult you into thinking otherwise.

You might get funny looks from people/neighbours if you are out & about in the wee hours - but people work shifts & there is a whole night time economy going on that other people do - so F to those who think it’s weird/not to be in bed then too.

Like PP’s my only concern would be safety & if you cld rope anyone else to go with you? Prob not…

Custard is gorgeous & I love her name!
🐶

If it works for you and your dog is happy then great! Fuck what other people think, some people will pick at anything.
You sound like a great dog mum and that’s that!

I think you're awesome.

I'm embarrassed about the number of people I know who gave their dogs to Battersea once lockdown was over and they really hadn't thought it through or had the commitment.

🙂sums it up!

why do you require anyone else’s opinion for making life work for you and you pet?

You are an amazing dog mum and keep doing what works for you both ! I wish more people would flex a bit around what is best gor their pooches ! Re safety if it's a large breed I think you would also be ok. Enjoy!