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

I think you would be better 5-7 as at least it's light. Or 4-6 even

My neighbour does this with his very elderly dog - I know as I am often working during that window, and it cheers me up to see them pottering about outside!

Perfectly normal

Oh OP, I commented earlier and just read some of the other posts. There is no need to be so weird and defensive! You asked 'would you judge me, be honest' and get rude and angry when people do. You're asking the general public, obviously there will be differing opinions but people have been generally polite and helpful. There is no need for you to walk your dog at 2am. 5 to 7 would be fine. But you chose to do it and that's up to you. Maybe next time have the courage of your convictions and don't ask!

Do whatever works for you and the dog.

I only judge people who leave dogshit on the floor and / or let an off-lead dog jump up at me or my kids.

Hey OP, have only skimmed the thread but I think you'll find it's more common than you think. There are a couple of UK golden retriever fb groups, you'll find like minded people there. I take my girl out about 5am but it is cooler where i am. I wouldn't take her a walk at or above 23°

Yep I wanted honest opinions- not people (incorrectly) lecturing me that my dog should be fine in these temperatures. Those are the only comments I’ve replied to. Notice how I’m absolutely fine with everyone else who disagreed but didn’t bang on that my dog would be fine on those temperatures etc etc

I’m neither weird or defensive. I’ve said MULTIPLE times that my dog cannot be walked at those temperatures and I’ve explained why several times, and I’ve asked people to stop lecturing me that she would be fine etc, but yet people still comment saying she’d be fine and dogs in other countries survive etc. I didn’t ask for advice about if my dog would be ok at 23 degrees so it’s a bit frustrating having people continually tell me that she would be fine when they can’t read my comments and see why she wouldn’t be!

But. It will not be 23 degrees at 5am love! I walk my two double coated retrievers, one who is very heat intolerant , at 5am and about 10pm. The reason you are being 'lectured' is you are wrong. You are choosing to do so and asked whether you will be judged. Well yes, but if you want to do it do it. There's no need to be all mardy about people giving you advice. You are on mumsnet. Know your audience!!

But with all due respect, you have absolutely no idea where I am or what temperature it was the other day. it was 21 degrees at 5am here the other day! And 18 at 2am!

yes, I’m choosing it- because it makes my dog happier!

haha im not being mardy, I’m being frustrated by the people who can’t read that I’ve answered the same comments 10 times already but yet still put their piece in that she would absolutely be fine at those temperatures. Even though I’ve explained multiple times already- she’s not! I don’t mind people saying I’m UR I’m not bothered by that, it’s the people lecturing me about things I’ve already answered multiple times.

Yes i would judge you by calling yourself 'Dog Mum'!!

Other than that - walk your dog when you want. I wouldn't judge you but, then again, i'd be fast asleep at that time.

I think you're a rockstar. You're putting your pets needs first and I think it's great. Just try to be safe. Definitely recommend moving your walk to sunlight if possible. It should still be fairly cool that time of the morning.

I think that's amazing, and I really respect you for it actually.
Your dog is lucky to have you.

I will add I am not a dog person at all, and I often roll my eyes internally when people are very precious over their dogs, so take above as a strong compliment!

OP, every hour of the day and night where you don't have other commitments belongs to you to do with exactly as you please. Outside is open for business 24/7 and is yours to enjoy. There is nothing here to judge.

You may be making a rod for your own back when the weather cools down and she expects to be taken out in the early hours. But right now, yes I also think you're bonkers but nicely so! 😁You care and empathise. Many dont. It might also be worth getting her booties to protect her feet if you have to take her out on hot roads. Also I believe you can get cooling gel jackets for dogs which might enable you to take her out during the day.

I think your dog has you wrapped around her paw... Have you ever thought that maybe you give her more attention when you think she is hot and uncomfortable (at perfectly reasonable temperatures), and maybe she plays up to it?

Not really any of their business! If it suits you, that’s fine :-)

I think you're a wonderful doggy mum and I'm a wonderful kitty mum.

You know your dog. You know what you’re happy to do and not do.
no one else’s business and probably no real need to post and ask opinions.
m just do as you please

What a lucky dog to have such a caring responsible owner.
Well done you. Heartwarming to read.